HOCKEY TALK



In the same article, column 4, is clicheed hockey talk:



Readers in 1997 continued to complain about hockey cliches:

Gary Breen of Ottawa wrote, "Every morning, various sports announcers

inform us that a particular game ended in a tie 'after overtime' (or some

variation). As far as I know, it is not possible for a game to end in a tie

without an overtime period having been played. By leaving out the word

'overtime,' additional time will be available to sportscasters to describe the

latest Leaf loss."

Ralph Eastman of Vancouver contributed a couple of comments on usage:

"Whenever an athlete makes a key play in a tight situtation, the announcer

will invariably note, 'he had the presence of mind' to do whatever. With the

possible exception of boxers, it's a safe bet most athletes have the presence

of mind. Why not say wits, alertness or composure? In football, we're often

told that a player who was injured, but managed to leave the field without

help, walked off 'under his own power.' How about 'unassisted' or 'on his

own?'"

Peter Lloyd of Ottawa wrote, "There's the all-pervasive redundancy 'off

of'--as in 'he was knocked off of the puck' or 'the puck deflected in off of

his skate.' Here in Ottawa, we are being treated not only to the improving

and entertaining Senators, but also a new twist on icing the puck. No longer

does a player go back to touch the puck and cause an icing call. On Senator

broadcasts, the player 'touches up' the puck."

Keith Morrison of Vancouver (not the journalist) listed hockey play-by-

play phrases that irritate him:

"The teams are at full and even strength." If both teams are at full

strength, they must be even.

"The puck is in back of the net." Why not simply, "behind the net"?

"Smith wristed the shot." A wimpy expression. Danny Gallivan said it

better--a player "snapped" a shot or "fired" it.



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