Moves We’d Like to See in the NHL Breakaway Challenge

Blog — By Gongshow on January 28, 2012 11:40 AM

Hello Gongers,

Firstly, I’d like to thank Ger and the rest of the Gongshow team for welcoming me aboard the now world famous Gongshow Lifestyle Hockey Blog. While I’m sure many of you are reading my work for the first time, I have a fairly extensive background covering hockey, both online and in print.

I’m wandering into new waters, now writing about more than just what happened on the ice last night and who scored the game winning goal. It’s about the style…the lifestyle…and the mindset of a hockey player. What equipment are they wearing? Where do they vacation in the off season? Who are the best snipers of all time? These are only a handful of questions that I will tackle as I get rolling around here.

This new role offers an exciting challenge of bringing my perspective of the game, while incorporating other aspects that go beyond the score sheet. In addition to writing, I am also a minor hockey referee and coach, so I hope to bring all angles of the game while keeping everyone entertained beyond the final buzzer.

With the annual NHL All Star festivities on display in Ottawa this weekend, the birthplace of Gongshow Gear – no less – I’ve decided to take a look at five moves that we could see in everyone’s favourite Breakaway Challenge during the Skills Competition.

Although it may be difficult to duplicate the creativity of Vladimir Tarasenko’s puck on a string move at the KHL All Star game, expect to be on the edge of your seat as players aim to dazzle fans with their silky mitts.

Without further ado, here’s five moves ~~we’ll see~~ I’d like to see at the Skills Comp this weekend.

Corey Perry Lacrosse Move

Not many guys can keep the puck on their stick while waving it back and forth for such a long period of time. The league hasn’t announced which players will be participating in each event, but Perry is a good bet to challenge for the title as the most skilled breakaway artist.

Linus Omark Flip Shot

The infamous Linus Omark Flip Shot has been attempted in junior hockey several times, but isn’t often duplicated to the same perfection as Omark pulled off. Maybe Omark’s teammate, Jordan Eberle, learned a move or two and try to pull off the flip shot.

Mikael Granlund Lacrosse Scoop

Originally made famous by Sidney Crosby, this move has been synonomous in the hockey world. With the ability to use the entire offensive zone during the Breakaway Challenge, don’t be surprised if this move is used once or twice this weekend.

Steven Stamkos Spin-O-Rama

Beauty flow, beauty move, let’s see it again Stammer.

Pavel Datsyuk Drag and Bury

Pavel is quiet off the ice, but always keeps fans on the edge of their seats when it comes to the shootout. The first overall pick in the Fantasy Draft by Team Chara will use this Datsyukian Dangle if he is selected to participate in the Breakaway Challenge.

BONUS: Tomas Jurco ‘the Magician’

It’s safe to say Jurco (probably) has better hands that any of the NHLers in the All Star Game, with the exception for Datsyuk and Patty Kane. Here’s a bonus clip of pure magic – skip to 0:42 for the best move.

What moves would you like to see in tomorrow’s Breakaway Challenge? And who do you think will take home bragging rights as the player with the silkiest mitts?

Enjoy the weekend, Gongers!

Greg Thomson is a freelance writer based in Southern Ontario, who is also actively involved in the minor hockey scene, both as a coach and on-ice official. His work can also be found on The Fourth Period, The Hockey Writers, The Good Point and The Nation Network. Follow him on Twitter @Greg_Thomson.

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