UndeNIEable

I don't think it's any secret that I love minor league hockey. I write a blog about my local ECHL team for crying out loud. One of my favorite things are minor league goalies. I'm not talking about the guys that are just paying their dues before they can move up or some big name prospect smoothing his rough edges by being peppered with 30 something shots in a game.

I'm talking about the guys who, for whatever reason, will spend their entire careers in ancient stadiums in front of 3,000 fans (at the most). One of my favorite career minor league goalies is Ryan Nie. I'm pretty sure I know why he's never really had a chance in the upper levels, but it doesn't matter.



The dude is fantastic. He really is.

Admitting that I adore him as much as I do is extremely hard for me. The guy has quite a knack for making my teams life miserable when he comes to town.

By my count, he's played for nine different teams in the last four years. I really can't help but adore him for that. It's like he's the saddest little puppy in the pound that just can't find that one home he's meant for.

The saddest part? This guy can put up wicked win/loss numbers. Take right now for example, 30-16-5. Last season? 28-12-4. It just keeps going.

Of course, I would be remiss in not mentioning how easy on the eyes he is. In fact, let me share a quote from the lovely person who sent these to me, Lisa (@Mnemneth):

"A lot of people made fun of me for falling all over myself in front of him, but he was just too cute.  I love broken noses and he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and long eyelashes.  He's totally sweet and definitely team-oriented.  Always does what's best for his boys."

 I really can't agree more. They are some terribly dreamy eyes and the broken nose makes him look so tough.

The last three photos are courtesy of Lisa.

What's not to love?

Dishy Goalie Monday- Double Feature

Alrighty, it's Monday again and while many dread Monday's, I look forward to it because Mondays are where I get to stare at sexy goaltenders and its for legitimate reasons. So this Monday, we have not one subject to ogle, but two.

This week at Going Five Hole we are featuring the goal tending duo of Marc Cheverie and Chet Pickard from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

So you may ask yourself, what earned these two beauties a feature on G5H? Well there is the obvious reason (soon to follow), but I have a slightly more sinister motivation. Both goalies recently joined Twitter.

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to #35 @Chevdawgy .

Cheverie is listed at 6'2" and 185, the Nova Scotian pays homage to his draft team, the Florida Panthers on the side of his lid.

Probably my all time favorite stretch. Every time I see it I get an inappropriate for public feeling.

Next up we have the Nashville Predators 2008 18th overall draft pick, #31 @CPickard37.

Chet Pickard uses all 6'3", 216lbs to full advantage and really fills his crease.

Pickard is new to twitter, but is already using it to raise money for Hockey Players 4 Kids, a charity that the Cyclones are active with every season.

Wowzers, they have some great moves and they're charitable. You now have an excuse to follow some very yummy goalies, cause its a you know, for a good cause.

*All action shots are courtesy of @Swamphockey.