It's Thursday

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

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Today is August 14th, the 225th day of 2014. There are 140 days left in the year.

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Blues look for answers to playoff struggles.

Penguins' Bennett aiming for camp after wrist surgery.

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

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The Oregon Territory was established on this date in 1848.

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Tampa, FL. -- Lightning forward Jonathan Drouin and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy are expected to play a big role in the team's future.

Read the rest here.

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The Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany was completed after 632 years of rebuilding on this date in 1880.

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U.S. Under-17 Select Team Tops Slovakia, 6-2, in First U17 Five Nations Game Edquist makes 32 saves, Wait tallies two goals and assist CRIMMITSCHAU, GERMANY — The U.S. Under-17 Select Team topped Slovakia, 6-2, in its opening match of the 2014 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament. Trailing 1-0 after 20 minutes, Team USA notched six straight goals in the victory. Garrett Wait (Edina, Minn.) tallied two goals. The team named goalie Ryan Edquist (Lakeville, Minn.) the U.S. Player of the Game for his performance, stopping 32 of 34 shots. “Slovakia came out flying, and we were very fortunate that Ryan Edquist was sharp in goal for us,” said Cary Eades, head coach of the U.S. Under-17 Select Team. “It easily could have been 3-0 or 4-0 after one. Instead, we were only down one, and then we scored twice on the first shift of the second [period] to completely turn the game around.” For a complete recap, click here. U.S. Under-18 Select Team Trumps Finland, 9-4, En Route to Hlinka Cup Semifinal USA will face Canada in semifinal Friday (Aug. 15) BRECLAV, CZECH REPUBLIC—The U.S. Under-18 Select Team topped Finland, 9-4, en route to a semifinal bid in the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. Knotted at 3-3 in the second period, Team USA notched six of the next seven goals, including four in the final seven minutes of play.Thomas Novak (River Falls, Wis.) led the U.S. with two goals and two assists, while Troy Terry (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) tallied a hat trick. The win sets up a semifinal showdown with Canada Friday (Aug. 15) at 11:30 a.m. ET. “Despite the final score, the game was very even,” said Derek Plante, head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Select Team. “Finland is a good team with excellent coaches. We want to play the same way in the upcoming games and continue to improve.” For a complete recap, click here. Try Hockey For Free Days Set for 2014-15 Season Associations and rinks can register now to host in November, February COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Hockey announced today that associations and rinks can begin registering now to host Try Hockey For Free events scheduled for the 2014-15 season atUSAHockeyProgramServices.com. The first nationwide Try Hockey For Free Day will be Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, as part of Come Play Hockey Month. The second opportunity will occur Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, during Hockey Weekend Across America, presented by CCM. USA Hockey's Try Hockey For Free program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations a national platform to introduce new kids to the sport. Total Hockey is an official sponsor of Try Hockey For Free Days. Associations and rinks interested in hosting on a designated Try Hockey For Free Day can clickhere to register. NOTE: Entering its fifth season, USA Hockey's national Try Hockey For Free Days have introduced more than 70,000 children to the sport, including a record 28,446 in 2013-14. 2014-15 U.S. National Under-17 Team Roster and Schedule Announced Cole to Lead Team USA in Fifth Season as Head Coach ANN ARBOR, Mich. - USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, which enters its 18th season on ice in 2014-15, today announced the roster and schedule for its U.S. National Under-17 Team. The squad, comprised of some of the top American-born players in the 1998 birth year, will compete as a member of the United States Hockey League and also against teams from the Minnesota Elite League and North American Hockey League, in addition to participating in three international competitions during the course of the season. The 22-player roster features two goaltenders, eight defensemen, and 12 forwards. To view the complete 2014-15 U.S. National Under-17 Team roster, click here. Danton Cole (Pontiac, Mich.) is in his fifth season at the NTDP and will serve as head coach for the U.S. National Under-17 Team in 2014-15. John Gruden (Virginia, Minn.) will enter his fourth season as an assistant to Cole, while Tyler Walsh (East Lansing, Mich.) will serve as intern assistant coach for the first time this season. The U.S. National Under-17 Team kicks off the 2014-15 campaign on the road Sept. 6, in a preseason contest with the NAHL's Michigan Warriors. Team USA will begin its 35-game USHL regular-season schedule Sept. 26 at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube against the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The U.S. will compete internationally at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, Ontario, from Oct. 31 - Nov. 8; the 2014 Four Nations Tournament Dec. 16-20 in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and the 2015 Five Nations Tournament Feb. 4-8 in Russia. For the complete schedule, click here. For ticket information, click here. NOTES: The 22 players on the U.S. roster represent 10 different states. Michigan and Minnesota lead the way with four natives on the roster, while New York and Missouri boast three each … A total of 14 members of Team USA have verbally committed to NCAA Division I schools … The U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams utilize The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visitUSAHockeyIntelliGym.com. ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 18th season of play in 2014-15, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.

************************************************ A patent for the electric meter was granted to Oliver B. Shallenberger on this date in 1888. ************************************************

Regina, SK. -- Saskatchewan Roughrider defensive end John Chick and running back Jerome Messam have each been named a CFL Player of the Week.

Read the rest here.

Next up for the 4-2 Roughriders is a home game versus the 1-5 Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, August 16th. Game time is 7:00pm EDT. Catch all the action with Rod Pedersen and Carm Carteri on 620CKRM, the Rider Radio Network and 620ckrm.com. The game can be seen in Canada on TSN and in the U.S. on ESPN3.com.

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Gold was discovered in Canada's Yukon Territory on this date in 1896. Within the next year more than 30,000 people rushed to the area to look for gold.

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. Dunk: Ticats special teams not afraid to take chances. Campbell: REDBLACKS coach not questioning effort. Please visit the league's official website, cfl.ca. ************************************************ On this date in 1919, about 1 million tons of ice and rock broke off of a glacier near Mont Blanc, France. Nine people were killed in the incident. ************************************************ Tampa, FL. -- A large group of season pass members were among the first to sample the menu at 14 completely redesigned concession locations at Raymond James Stadium during a Wednesday afternoon showcase. Read the rest here. ************************************************ U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on this date in 1935. The act created unemployment insurance and pension plans for the elderly. ************************************************ Arlington, TX. -- After suffering a devastating loss to the Rangers Tuesday night, the Rays got what they needed in the encore: A laugher. Read the rest here. ************************************************ The U.S. Congress appropriated the funds to construct the Pentagon (approximately $83 million) on this date in 1941. The building was the new home of the U.S. War Department. ************************************************ San Francisco, CA. -- Receiving a break wasn't enough for the Giants. Capitalizing on it was the major challenge they faced. Read the rest here. ************************************************ On this date in 1944, the federal government allowed the manufacture of certain domestic appliances to resume on a limited basis. ************************************************ Nice throw Jimmy! ************************************************ You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as dinner at gramma an' grampa's house, isn't it? ************************************************

Today in Elvis History:

1956 - A Washington, DC, DJ, Bob Rickman, created the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Elvis Presley. 

1958 - Gladys Presley, Elvis Presley's mother, died. 

1965 - The Elvis Presley EP "Tickle Me" hit #70 in the U.S. 

1970 - Elvis Presley's single "The Wonder Of You" was certified gold by the RIAA. 

1980 - The Statue of Presley was unveiled in Elvis Presley Plaza in Memphis, TN. 

2007 - The DVD "Elvis Thru the Years" was released. The DVD presented the life of Elvis Presley through rare film footage, press conferences, behind-the-scenes feature, movie trailers, news clips, and comedy sketches to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of the Elvis' death.

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On this date in 1947, Pakistan became independent from British rule.

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Today in Beatles History:

1962 - Brian Epstein and the Beatles decided to fire drummer Pete Best. Best was dismissed 2 days later. Ringo Starr, then with Rory Storm & the Hurricanes, was asked to join the band. 

1965 - The Beatles appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" for fourth time. They performed "I Feel Fine," "I'm Down," "Act Naturally," "Ticket To Ride," "Yesterday" and "Help!." The show was screened on September 12. 

1976 - The Wings single "Let 'Em In" hit #3 in the U.S 

1985 - Michael Jackson outbid Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono for the ATV music-publishing catalog. Jackson paid $47.5 million for the rights to more than 250 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. 

2005 - The musical "Lennon" opened at the Broadhurst Theatre. 

2007 - Apple announced that the entire solo catalog of John Lennon would be available on iTunes.

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On this date in 1953, the whiffle ball was invented.

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Today in Sports History:

1903 - Jim Jeffries defeated Jim Corbett in the 10th round to retain his world heavyweight title in San Francisco. 

1936 - The first basketball competition for a Gold Medal was held at the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany. The U.S. defeated Canada, 19-8. 

1937 - The Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Browns set an American League record for most runs scored combined in a doubleheader with 36. 

1958 - Vic Power (Cleveland) stole home twice during the same game. 

1959 - The first meeting was held to organize the American Football League. 

1961 - The Philadelphia Phillies extended their losing streak to 17 games with a loss to the Chicago Cubs. 

1971 - Bob Gibson (St. Louis Cardinals) threw a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was the first no-hitter at Forbes Field in 61 years. 

1974 - The NFL Players Association ended their seven-week strike. 

1976 - A charity softball game began for the Community General Hospital in Monticello, NY. The game was eventually called off due to weather after 30 hours. The final score was Gager's Diner's 491 to Bend 'n Elbow Tavern's 467. 

1977 - The New York Cosmos and the Fort Lauderdale Strikes played a game in front of 77,961 fans at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. It was the largest crowd to witness a soccer game in the United States. The Cosmos beat the Strikers 8-3. 

1979 - Lou Brock (St. Louis Cardinals) got his 3,000th hit. 

1986 - Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) had his 4,256th and last base hit in a game against the San Francisco Giants. 

1987 - Mark McGwire set the record for home runs by a rookie when he connected for his 49th home run of the season.   

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A U.S. mail truck was held up in Plymouth, MA on this date in 1962. The robbers got away with more that $1.5 million dollars.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers 8:05pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Philadelphia Phillies 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Nationwide Children's Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 2:45pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Philadelphia Phillies 4:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 4:10pm EDT

CFL Football -- Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Montreal Alouettes 7:00pm EDT

NFL Football -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins 7:30pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway 1:00pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs New York Yankees 1:40pm EDT

Verizon Indy Car Series -- ABC Supply Wisconsin 250 at The Milwakee Mile 3:00pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Philadelphia Phillies 4:05pm EDT

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