It's Thursday

It's Thursday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is September 5th, the 248th day of 2013. There are 117 days left in the year.

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Bruins at rookie camp work with roster spots in mind.

Blackhawks GM builds potential dynasty around cap.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: Bob Newhart is 84; Raquel Welch is 73; Michael Keaton (Night Shift, Beetlejuice, couple of Batman movies) is 62; Rose McGowan (Charmed, Scream) is 40.

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Empire State Development Tour Begins Sunday

Tour to Stop in Seven Cities Across New York; Event Will Showcase American Development Model

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey's American Development Model will be showcased in New York with a week-long, seven-stop Empire State Development Tour that will begin Sunday in Bethpage, N.Y., and finish on Sat., Sept. 14, at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The American Development Model is USA Hockey's nationwide player development program that is being implemented by associations across the country. With the support of the National Hockey League, the ADM was launched in 2009 and is based on age-appropriate learning for players of all ability levels. Each stop on the tour will consist of both an on- and off-ice component, led by Matt Herr, USA Hockey's ADM regional manager servicing New York, and Mike Lukken, coordinator of program services at USA Hockey. The tour is in cooperation with the New York State Amateur Hockey Association. Additionally, the three National Hockey League clubs in New York -- the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders and New York Rangers -- will participate in the USA Hockey Empire State Development Tour, with select NHL alumni scheduled to take part in the on-ice ADM clinics. USA Hockey Empire State Development TourSept. 8-14, New York Date Location Time Sun., Sept. 8 Bethpage Community Park, Bethpage 9:30 a.m. Mon., Sept. 9 Brewster Ice Arena, Westchester 5:30 p.m. Tues., Sept. 10 Clifton Park Arena, Clifton Park 5:15 p.m. Wed., Sept. 11 Olympic Center, Lake Placid 5:00 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 12 Cicero Twin Rinks, Syracuse 5:00 p.m. Fri., Sept. 13 Bill Greys Iceplex, Rochester 6:00 p.m. Sat., Sept. 14 First Niagara Center, Buffalo 6:00 p.m.

CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game Officials Announced

Game Slated for September 26 at Pittsburgh's Consol Energy Center

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey announced today that referees Brett Sheva (Horsham, Pa.) andAndrew Wilk (Camarillo, Calif.), and linesmen Ryan Daisy (Mansfield, Mass.) and Shaun Morgan (St. Louis, Mo.), have been selected as the game officials for the second annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. The event will take place Sept. 26 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. The CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game will include 40 of the top American prospects eligible for the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft. "The four officials that have been selected to work are among the best and brightest in USA Hockey's officiating program," said Matt Leaf, USA Hockey's director of officiating education program. "They earned this assignment through hard work on and off the ice and dedication to the profession." Sheva has spent the last three seasons as a referee in the ECHL. Previously, he worked in the Central Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League and the United States Hockey League. Wilk is entering his second season as a referee in the ECHL. His experience also extends to the CHL, SPHL, NCAA Division I, USHL and North American Hockey League. Daisy officiated in the American Hockey League and the ECHL a season ago. He also has experience in the CHL, SPHL and USHL. Morgan has worked in the AHL and ECHL the last two seasons. Additionally, he has officiated in the CHL, SPHL, USHL, NAHL, International Hockey League and Tier III Junior levels. All four officials are products of the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program, which educates and assigns officials for Tier I, II and III Junior leagues in the U.S. For more information on the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, or to purchase tickets, visitAllAmericanProspectsGame.com. Notes: Pittsburgh Penguins alumni Mark Johnson and Joe Mullen will be the head coaches for the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game. Danton Cole and John Gruden of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program will serve as assistant coaches ... Follow @USAHockey and @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for information regarding the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game and join the conversation by using #AAPG ... Players selected to compete in the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game were chosen by USA Hockey in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting ... Thirteen states are represented on the roster. Minnesota leads the way with nine, while New York is second with five. California, Illinois and Michigan have four apiece. Other states include Colorado, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team Starts 2013-14 Campaign in New York Team USA's Road to Sochi Includes World Sledge Hockey Challenge and Series vs. Canada COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Road to Sochi for the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team begins this weekend (Sept. 5-7) when it convenes for the first time at training camp in Williamsville, N.Y. The training camp will be highlighted by the Team USA Ambassador Program, an athlete education program that guides athletes through what it means to be an ambassador for their sport and country, how to embrace and maximize their role as a role model, and to consider the legacy and impact they hope to create. A segment of the program will include David Backes (Minneapolis, Minn./St. Louis Blues/Minnesota State Univ.) speaking about his experience representing the United States at the Olympic Games. Backes, who plays for the National Hockey League's St. Louis Blues, helped the U.S. capture the silver medal in men's ice hockey at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. “This is an exciting time for all of us as we prepare to defend our 2010 Paralympic gold medal,” said Dan Brennan, general manager of the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. “We had an outstanding tryout in July and now the hard work comes as we start the season. Having an Olympian like David Backes visit us this opening weekend will really drive home the reality that the Paralympics are just six months away.” Following training camps in Madison, Wis. (Oct. 3-5) and St. Louis, Mo. (Nov. 7-9), Team USA faces international competition Dec. 1-7 at the 2013 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Toronto, Ont. The U.S. is the defending champion of the four-team tournament. Next, the U.S. will host Canada Jan. 9-11 for a three-game series in Indian Trail, N.C. Final preparation for the Paralympic Games includes a pair of training camps: Feb. 15-23 in Indian Trail, N.C., and Feb. 26-27 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Team USA is set to arrive in Sochi, Russia, for the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games on March 2. Preliminary round play starts March 8 and the medal round is scheduled for March 15. 2013-14 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team Schedule Date Event Location Sept. 5-7 Training Camp Williamsville, N.Y. Oct. 3-5 Training Camp Madison, Wis. Nov. 7-9 Training Camp St. Louis, Mo. Dec. 1-7 2013 World Sledge Hockey Challenge Toronto, Ont. Jan. 9-11 Series vs. Canada Indian Trail, N.C. Feb. 15-23 Training Camp Indian Trail, N.C. Feb. 26-27 Training Camp Colorado Springs, Colo. March 8-15 2014 Paralympic Winter Games Sochi, Russia NOTES: Eighteen players were named to the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team on July 24. Team USA's roster will be trimmed to 17 players by Jan. 1, 2014, to conform to the Paralympic Games roster limit … Nine players return from the 2010 U.S. squad that captured the gold medal at the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver, B.C., including goaltender Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.); defensemen Taylor Chace (Hampton Falls, N.H.), Nikko Landeros (Johnstown, Colo.), Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.) and Andy Yohe (Bettendorf, Iowa); and forwards Taylor Lipsett (Plano, Texas), Adam Page (Lancaster, N.Y.), Alexi Salamone (Buffalo, N.Y.) and Greg Shaw (Merritt Island, Fla.). Cash, Chace, Lipsett, Salamone and Yohe also received bronze medals at the 2006 Paralympic Games in Torino, Italy … Dan Brennan (Colorado Springs, Colo.), director of sled and inline national teams for USA Hockey, is serving as the general manager of the 2014 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team ... Jeff Sauer (Madison, Wis.) is in his third season as head coach of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team … Guy Gosselin (Grafton, Wis.), American Development Model regional manager for USA Hockey, is in his third season as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. ************************************************ Russia's Peter the Great imposed a tax on beards on this date in 1698. ************************************************ Argos want to get it right the second time against Als. Reid one of many Lions trying to battle back from injury. Visit the CFL's official website, cfl.ca. ************************************************ A woman in China has caused an uproar by breastfeeding her son while weaving in and out of traffic on a moped. [Of course, she soon regretted her decision while crossing the railroad tracks.] ************************************************ Regina, SK.- We are in new, uncharted territory here. It’s strange. It feels great, but strange. Read the rest here. Next up for 8-1 Saskatchewan is a game Sunday afternoon, September 8th against the 1-8 Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg. Kickoff on 620 CKRM, the Rider Radio Network, TSN and ESPN3.com is set for 4:00pm EDT. ************************************************ A Russian chimpanzee named John is checking in to rehab. The chimp is getting professional help after years of working as a greeter in a gambling hall left him addicted to cigarettes and booze. ************************************************ Tampa, FL. — The Buccaneers turned their attention fully to the Jets on Wednesday, trying to stay focused on the task at hand despite the growing excitement for the season opener…Plus, injury updates, depth chart revelations and more. Read the rest here. ************************************************ Tonight (8:30p ET, NBC) the NFL opens the regular season as Joe Flacco and the defending Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens travel to Denver to face Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a rematch of the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoff game. ************************************************ Corvallis, OR. -- Saturday's game offers an opportunity for Oregon State to begin to wipe away the stench of the 49-46 loss to FCS power Eastern Washington in the season opener.

Read the rest here.

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If Fifty Shades Of Grey producers had their way, Ryan Gosling would have said hey to Anastasia Steele. Gosling was reportedly the first choice for the role of Christian Grey in Fifty Shades, but he was not interested in the part.

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Anaheim, CA. -- Wil Myers and Jeremy Hellickson each ended their respective droughts to lead the Rays to a 3-1 win against the Angels on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.

Read the rest here.

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On this date in 1836, Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas.

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San Diego, CA. -- Over the last few months, the struggling Giants haven't done much to invoke memories of their 2012 title run. But Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval might have been feeling a little nostalgic Wednesday.

Read the rest here.

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Dozens of Dr. Seuss classics will be available for the first time as e-books starting September 24.

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Hi up there Daddy!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as getting your son ready for picture day at school, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History

1954 - Elvis Presley made his first and last appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.

1957 - Elvis Presley began recording seasonal tracks for a forthcoming Christmas album.

1957 - Elvis Presley recorded the song "Treat Me Nice." The song was released as a single in September 1957.

1992 - The Elvis Presley five-CD boxed set "The King Of Rock'n'Roll - The Complete 50's Masters" hit #159 in the U.S.

2001 - "Junichiro Koizumi Presents - My Favorite Elvis Songs" was released exclusively in Japan. The collection of Elvis Presley songs were picked by Japan's prime minister.

2006 - The Elvis Presley two CD and one DVD set "Essential" was released in Australia.

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The NBC Red network broadcast "Life Can Be Beautiful" for the first time on this date in 1938. 

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Today in Beatles History:

1975 -  Wings released "Letting Go."

1996 - Capitol Records released The Beatles Anthology video set. Over ten hours of material made up the set.

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The first color videotaped program was aired on this date in 1958. It was "The Betty Freezor Show" on WBTV-TV in Charlotte, NC.

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Today in Sports History:

1901 - The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues was formed in Chicago, IL. It was the first organized baseball league.

1906 - Brandbury Robinson of St. Louis University was recognized as throwing the first forward pass in football history.

1914 - Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a professional player in the International League.

1918 - Babe Ruth (Boston Red Sox) threw a six-hitter in the opening game of the World Series.

1920 - Bill Tilden won the first of seven U.S. Open men's singles crowns.

1955 - Don Newcombe (Brooklyn Dodgers) hit his seventh home run of the season. The feat set a National League record for home runs by a pitcher.

1960 - Cassius Clay won the gold medal in light heavyweight boxing at the Olympic Games in Rome, Italy. Clay later changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

1971 - J.R. Richard, of the Houston Astros, tied Karl Spooner’s record when he struck out 15 batters in his major-league baseball debut.

1972 - Arab guerrillas, the Black September movement, attacked the Israeli delegation at the Munich Olympic games. 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team, five guerrillas and a police officer were killed in the siege.

1975 - In New York, Martina Navratilova appeared at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service office and asked for political asylum.

1983 - "Sports Illustrated" became the first national weekly magazine to use four-color process illustrations on every page.

1987 - John McEnroe was fined $17,500 and suspended for two months for his behavior during a match with Slobodan Zivojinovic.

1989 - Chris Evert retired from professional tennis after a 19 year career.

1997 - The FOX group announced a deal to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1998 - Mark McGwire (St. Louis) hit his 60th home run of the season. The home run tied McGwire with Babe Ruth.

1998 - Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs) hit his 58th home run of the season.

1999 - The Cincinnati Reds set a major league team record for home runs in two consecutive games. The team hit 14 home runs over the two games at Veterans Stadium.

2001 - The New York Islanders signed Alexi Yashin to a 10-year $90 million contract. It was the biggest deal in NHL history.

2002 - In New York, the NFL held a concert to celebrate its season opener. Eve, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Enrique Iglesias and 'N Sync's Joey Fatone performed. The event preceded the rare Thursday-night opener between the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.

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The U.S. launched Voyager on this date in 1977.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at L.A. Angels 10:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 10:15pm EDT

Friday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Virginia 529 College Savings 250 at Richmond International Raceway 7:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners 10:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway 7:30pm EDT

College Football -- Oregon State Beavers vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 8:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 9:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners 9:10pm EDT

Sunday --

NFL Football -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets 1:00pm EDT

CFL Football -- Saskatchewan Roughriders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers 4:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Arizona Diamondbacks 4:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners 4:10pm EDT

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow!