Eric Naughton
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Eric Naughton

Joined 10 months ago

  • 23 articles written
  • 425 comments posted
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Eric's Bio

I'm excited to join the team as a blogger at Experience the Evolution (http://pensevolution.blogspot.com/). The 2009-2010 season is going to be great!

I'm a long-time Pens fan from Western PA (now living in Los Angeles). For many years, I was unable to follow the Pens closely. I have had a demanding job and have been living in hostile territories (Washington, DC) and a place that just doesn't care about sports if it's not the Lakers or Dodgers (Los Angeles, of course). Plus, the East-West time difference doesn't help. Last year, while forced to quit working while I was treated for cancer, I ordered NHL Center Ice, and was able to become a hardcore fan again (and the timing was great). Now I'm hoping to stay more involved in hockey. I read more and I'm working on my writing. I'm starting a documentary about learning to play hockey at the age of 40.

I suffered from Hodgkin's disease, the same type of cancer Mario Lemieux had in the early 90s. During my treatment, he was my inspiration. While our treatments were different, they were similarly difficult and debilitating. I am always reminded of the day Mario finished his treatment and played against the Flyers (he scored a goal and an assist in their 5-4 loss to Philadelphia).

Eric Writes About

The Short List What Eric thinks about sport's most pressing questions

  • Favorite Athletes

    Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Mark Recchi

  • Favorite Sports Teams

    Pittsburgh Penguins, Penn State Football

  • Favorite Coaches

    Scotty Bowman, Jim Leland (he was basically a coach), Joe Paterno (but, please retire, PLEASE!!!)

  • All Time Sports Moment

    Lemieux scores five goals in a game, every way you can (even strength, power play, short handed, penalty shot, and empty net).

  • Most Memorable Game Attended

    Pens @ Caps sometime in 1998. Jagr scored the game-winner in OT.

  • Most Unbreakable Sports Record

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA points record and Wilt Chamberlain's all-time scoring record (with women)

  • Ruth or Mays?

    Snore

  • Unitas or Montana?

    Been to Montana, never heard of Unitas... is that near Tennessee?

  • Jordan or Russell?

    Who traveled the least?

  • Gretzky or Orr?

    Gretsky, no Orr. No, Gretsky. Oh come on... LEMIEUX!!!

  • Pele or Maradona?

    Pele

  • Federer or Sampras?

    Venus or Serena?

  • Tiger or Nicklaus?

    Jack

  • Petty or Earnhardt?

    Double snore.

  • Pac 10, Big 12, Big 10, SEC, ACC, or Big East?

    I wish Penn State were still Independent.

Bulletin Board (47) Post a note »

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  1. Keith Shelton by Keith
     4 months ago

    Eric,
    thanks. yes, Brett will definitely be remembered for his time with the Blues and his Stanley Cup winning season with the Stars, I was mainly just trying to focus on his playing days in Detroit which were still some of his best seasons even at the age of 39.

    Yeah, I don't know about that Brad guy. His only purpose on this site is to spread his ref conspiracy garbage while not writing a single article. I'm done replying to him, lol.

  2. Steve Prudente by Steve
     4 months ago

    It's definitely a high risk maneuver. I wasn't for it at first but after hearing him talk on one of the local stations, he's very enthusiastic about it and that makes me happy. It should make the Flyers better on the ice and in the locker room immediately. They gave up some picks but I think that was because they wanted that "final piece" now, not 5 years from now.

    People were saying they got Pronger to stop Crosby and Malkin, but we all know that you can't structure a team around another team's stars, and one guy isn't going to stop both of them. That said, this will definitely make the rivalry that much more intense.

  3. Steve Prudente by Steve
     4 months ago

    Eric,

    So obviously you wouldn't know the feeling, but I've created a list of the most tortured hockey franchises of recent memory. Check it out when you get a chance and let me know what you think if you feel so inclined.
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/206761-the-10-most-tortured-hockey-franchises-in-recent-memory

    Cheers!
    -Steve

  4. Greg Eno by Greg
     4 months ago

    Hi Eric...

    Thanks for reading my stuff! Glad you enjoyed it.

    Been doing this for over 25 years and I have, indeed, gotten to meet a lot of interesting people. I remember talking to Steve Yzerman after a game when he was a shy, 18-year-old rookie. No reporters were around him and I started asking him some questions. I could barely hear his answers! Little did I know.....

    As for the "handshake flap", I think Crosby certainly should have shaken hands, but I don't think his not doing so was a show of disrespect. I think he just got caught up in the moment. I'm sure he didn't DELIBERATELY not shake hands. That's silly.

    Keep reading! :-)

  5. Keith Shelton by Keith
     4 months ago

    and that Brad guy is a troll haha. Check it out, hasn't written a single article, pretty much just goes around hijacking article discussions with his ref conspiracy theories =/

  6. Keith Shelton by Keith
     4 months ago

    Thanks Eric, at least the NHL amended the scheduling last year to allow teams like Detroit and Pittsburgh to play a home and away game every year. I think that's about as good as we'll ever get. Who knows though, Pittsburgh remains undeniably the best team in the Eastern Conference, Detroit remains the best in the West. Pending any possible moves anyone else makes, these two teams might meet again for a 3rd time next year.

    Thanks for the complements, I appreciate it

  7. Phil Hopersberger by Phil
     4 months ago

    Thanks for your kind words on my Bylsma article. I see we're also PSU fans too. We lived in SC for 12 years (my wife is a grad) and it was heavenly...and they beat Miami 14-10! :-)

    Here's another one I wrote about Dan during the Chicago series.

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/176230-twilight-zone-bowman-blackhawks-or-bylsma-babcock

  8. Chris Miller by Chris
     5 months ago

    I read your post on Greg's board and noticed your disliking of my comment left on his article. I apologize for how offensive it might have been to anyone. However, being called a homer, nah I'm not there yet. I wouldn't be on B/R if I was. I actually picked Detroit in 7, although no evidence on B/R to note that. Regardless, I apologize for the comment and its distaste. Developing a poor rep on the site is something not to be desired.

  9. Greg Cooksey by Greg
     5 months ago

    Thanks Eric!

    I appricaite yourthoughts and want you to know that I take no offense to your comments. I understand where Chris was coming from, I was like him in that I did not want to hear anything negative about my Cleveland teams but realized after a while that sometimes that is what the truth is! Thanks for your encouregement!

  10. Jack Vallon by Jack
     5 months ago

    Hi Eric,
    No problem. I almost fell over when i read the article. That guy is as biased as they come, writes a terrible article and gives Devil fans a bad name.

    I think the Bruins and Devs would have given the Pens a better series but i still think that the Pens are the best team out of the east and would have come away with either series. if i didnt believe it prior to the start of the playoffs these past two rounds have most certainly convinced me. This series looks like its going the distance.

    Let me know what happens with your learning hockey. I hope it goes well.

    Take care,

    Jack

  11. DJ Rallo by DJ
     5 months ago

    Hey,

    Today I look back at one of the modern comeback stories that has touched fans of all kinds. This story is about a modern day marvel who had a bright future, only to be setback by abuse of his body. This comeback story of Josh Hamilton himself describes why, nobody is perferct.

    Enjoy
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189069-resisting-temptation-josh-hamiltons-ride-to-hell-and-back

  12. Jack Vallon by Jack
     5 months ago

    Hey Eric,
    I read your piece on Malkin's parents and left a comment on it.

    You made a great point, the importance of which i think might have been overlooked by the national hockey media. Having your folks around can make a world of difference-and it most certainyl did just that.

    Also wanted to say that I just read your profile. I think its fantastic youve started playing hockey but more importantly recovered from illness as you have! Sports, and people we can relate to most certainly inspire us! Hardship is easier to overcome when one has someone to look to for inspiraton and motivation. Done so myself in the past.
    Jack

    I look forward to reading your predictions-youve not got much time till the opening draw!

  13. Jack Vallon by Jack
     5 months ago

    Hey Eric,
    I suppose I can let you off the hook as well, for being a Pens fan that is. I despised Jagr, and would have listed the Pens with my least favorite teams. As you can imagine the Blue Shirts and Flyers topped the list. My feelings towards Crosby and co arent nearly as bad. I still havent decided who'll ill be pulling for in the finals. I guess it will come down to who I feel I want to win once the puck's dropped. Its that close.
    LOL. A tray of nachos. I dont know if you realize this but the SU mascot is always a girl; but youre right the rivalry isnt there anymore. Doesnt hurt that SU is horrible at football and Penn State's basketball program hasnt faired much better.
    Thanks for reading my articles. I look forward to reading your Finals preview.
    Jack

  14. Jack Vallon by Jack
     5 months ago

    Hey,
    Surpirse surprise im giving loads of credit to the Pens this time. I actually really like their chances in the final. check out my latest article regarding the Pens chances agaisnt the Wings.

    Ill name myself as a fan-if you ever want someone to read and comment on something youve written, reciprocate and leave me your articles link. I appreciated your comments last time. Look forward to reading more this time.

    Jack

    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/187581-this-is-not-last-years-pittsburgh-penguins-these-guys-are-for-real

  15. Joel Lefevre by Joel
     5 months ago

    Hey,
    Check out my article about my thoughts on the new nhl and tell me what you think. bleacherreport.com/articles/176210-why-the-new-nhl-is-worse-than-ever. thanks, Joel

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