Time for another Social media report.

So your beloved Seattle Mariners have been playing “alright” so far this season. Re-building the team is still a work in progress – construction is ongoing.

Young players like Kyle Seager, Jesus Montero and Dustin Ackley are trying hard to prove themselves and produce, with few dependable veterans – particularly hitters (ahem, Ichiro) – to look to for support.

Coming off of some horrific away games, it’s hard to be particularly optimistic when the numbers already indicate that the M’s are unlikely to score more than 600 runs once again this season.

However, at least the Seattle Mariners are currently sitting in 26th place for runs scored, a step up from their standard last place finish in the ’09-10 and 10-11 seasons.

As long as they’re improving slightly, North Westerners will continue to fill Safeco Field, patiently waiting for any glimpse of the Griffey days, or at least something remotely comparable…. (right?).

Mariners Social Media Report

Or maybe Mariners fans are just so used to baseball, beer and another “L” going hand in hand that they’ve become indifferent to this never-ending growth period.

Either way, Seattle sucking means there’s no lack of commentary on TV, in the papers, and my favourite, over social media, nit-picking over the ups and downs, while trying to solve the always unanswered question WHY?

 (Kind of reminds me of a certain hockey team in southern Ontario).

If you’re interested in keeping up with the M’s inside the locker room, or the baseball fans whose livelihoods are based on writing about or promoting or bashing this team, here’s a helpful list.

The Top 25 Mariners players and commentators to follow on Twitter.

Honorable Mention just to bug him. Seattle Sportsnet’s Alex and his witty M’s banter.

https://twitter.com/#!/alexSSN/statuses/203222476208095233

25. Make sure the people you are following are hot. Like Jeff Sullivan, the “good looking Mariners blogger”, tweeting all things MLB.

https://twitter.com/#!/LookoutLanding/statuses/203485274997669890

24. Twitter home for the Dave Softy Maher Show on Sports radio 950AM. This guy knows baseball.

https://twitter.com/#!/Softykjr/statuses/203536319857700865

23. Senior writer for ESPN’s The Magazine, Buster Olney.

https://twitter.com/#!/Buster_ESPN/statuses/203217294783025152

22. Had to give props to the Mariners’ Housewife – “chronicling the horror and astonishment that accompanies being a Seattle Mariners fan”.

https://twitter.com/#!/MarinerHwife/statuses/202915104373747715

21. For the latest from the Seattle Times sports section.

https://twitter.com/#!/SeaTimesSports/statuses/203321578384146432

20. Media connections at Safeco Field via Matt Pitman, broadcaster of pre and post Mariners games for ESPN Seattle. He tweets the important stuff!!

https://twitter.com/#!/mattpitman/statuses/192483698103427072

19. Want to know what the Mariners’ are chewing on? Even their head chef has a Twitter account. Sounds like Jeremy Bryant is keeping the boys well fed.

https://twitter.com/#!/chefjerm/statuses/187665380016259075

18. Midaswell put myself in here. I routinely attend and cover Mariners games, although my legacy lies elsewhere.

https://twitter.com/#!/_CarolynSmith/statuses/202907059061137408

17. Public Information Officer for the Seattle Mariners. PR woman with the goods on the M’s.

https://twitter.com/#!/RebeccaMariners/statuses/193491354620395520

16. Breaking down the latest Mariners stats for North West Sportsbeat – Brandon Choate.

https://twitter.com/#!/NWSBBrandon/statuses/203517553283301377

15. Don’t miss an article or chirp by Clinton Bell, North West Sportbeat’s blogger for all Seattle sports.

https://twitter.com/#!/clinto77/statuses/192122909207183361

14. Seattle Times M’s reporter Geoff Baker offers insight from the MLB world, while talking to fans about what’s up with the M’s and where they’re headed this season.

https://twitter.com/#!/gbakermariners/statuses/193890418797191169

https://twitter.com/#!/gbakermariners/statuses/193884329166905346

13. Wherever the M’s go, she goes. Follow ESPN’s Shannon Drayer for tid bits from the field.

https://twitter.com/#!/shannondrayer/statuses/194154462196137984

12. For access to the latest news and videos from MLB.com, follow Mariners reporter Greg Johns.

https://twitter.com/#!/GregJohnsMLB/statuses/193860876594446336

https://twitter.com/#!/GregJohnsMLB/statuses/193834336250892288

11. Follow the twitter feed for the Brock and Salk show, 710 AM ESPN Seattle. Mike Salk puts chirping fans in their place.

https://twitter.com/#!/BrockandSalk/statuses/192490139119923200

10. Steven Silver has unique insight and some of the best articles on the ongoing Mariners saga.

https://twitter.com/#!/InsiderSteve/statuses/203148071712980992

9. Seattle Mariners TV Voice Dave Sims

https://twitter.com/#!/TheDaveSimsShow/statuses/203355410592317440

8. Shedding light on what’s really going on at Safeco Field as it happens is national baseball writer for the Seattle Times Larry Stone.

https://twitter.com/#!/StoneLarry/statuses/194129327540023299

7. The official Twitter feed of Major League Baseball – never a bad spot to stop! Oops – put in a Blue Jays tweet… by accident…

https://twitter.com/#!/_CarolynSmith/statuses/203552497942532097

6. How can I not include the almighty Q? The North West Sportsbeat editor tweets M’s all day every day, posting unique articles on the team that you won’t find anywhere else.

https://twitter.com/#!/NWSportsBeat/statuses/203222753770340352

https://twitter.com/#!/NWSportsBeat/statuses/203197888170442752

https://twitter.com/#!/NWSportsBeat/statuses/194144839686828033

5. Pitcher Felix Hernandez – tweeting mostly in Spanish Sometimes about his kids eating with chopsticks, and sometimes sending out thanks to the M’s faithful.

https://twitter.com/#!/RealKingFelix/statuses/189116158518104064

4. For a behind the scenes look at all things M’s, go right to the source by following the official Seattle Mariners Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/#!/Mariners/statuses/190167955760353281

3. If you want to win tickets to an M’s game, follow pitcher Brandon League himself, giving them away to his followers who have the best mohawk pics.

https://twitter.com/#!/BrandonLeague43/statuses/187601007579111425

2. What’s Shawn Kelley drinking in the morning?

https://twitter.com/#!/shawnkelley23/statuses/202360708531372033

1a. To stay in the loop on what the boys are up to on the way to the field, follow outfielder Casper Wells. FYI – he can Dougie.

https://twitter.com/#!/UpstateBaller/statuses/195500741127979010

1b. Mike Carp has the coolest Twitter name out there but is bad at tweeting regularly. He openly admits it. (@CarpusMaximus20)

http://twitter.com/#!/CarpusMaximus20/statuses/202140240041873409

There you have it folks. Another social media report. Till next time. Adios from beautiful Vancouver B.C.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE MARINERS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE TODAY AT NWSB!

It was my first time heading down to Seattle for the Seattle Mariners home opener this weekend - and was it ever glorious.

Fans leaving the Seattle Sounders game at Century Link (Qwest – Seahawks Stadium, whatever it is) mixed with crowds waiting to pour into Safeco Field to watch the Mariners face the Oakland Athletics all congregated in the sunny beer garden outside of Pyramid Breweries on 1st Ave.

Spirits were high (as sunshine is still a rare occurance in the Northwest), and the M’s have had a decent stretch so far this season playing in Japan, Arizona, Oakland and Texas.

But after 10 seasons of “rebuilding”, also known as not making it to the playoffs, it’s hard to say whether M’s fans will be able to to handle another season of the Mariners coming up short.

After spending opening weekend in Seattle, here are some of my impressions of the Mariners fans and the upcoming season:

1. M’s are ready to move on from the A’s

After playing 7 of their first 11 regular season games against the Athletics, the Mariners are more than ready to switch it up and start getting a taste of different pitchers and players in the MLB. The M’s have one day off before jumping into a long stretch of home and away games starting with the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday.

They won’t face Oakland again until the last week of June.

2. Mariners’ fans are a rowdy bunch

Seattle fans are dedicated. They are still out in full support of their team, even without an appearance in the post-season since 2001.

Our seats happened to be right above Safeco’s beer garden behind the outfield, and sometimes all the spectators in our section found themselves watching and even video taping events unfolding below us instead of the game.

Beer and french fries poured over someone’s head, leading to a shirts-off fight almost breaking out, and a solo female head-banging and dancing, gum in hair, complete with a strip tease were some of the highlights.

3. Time to step it up

The Mariners are sitting at 6-5, but they’re going to have to step it up if they expect to continue racking up Ws in upcoming series against the likes of Cleveland and the White Sox, followed by a road trip through Detroit, Toronto and Tampa Bay.

Opening weekend in Seattle impressions of the Mariners

It will be interesting to see if the level of baseball they’ve been playing will be enough to continue to give fans a reason to be optimistic this season.

4. Still Griffey reminiscent

Legendary Ken Griffey Jr.’s name still appears to be the most common on the majority of M’s jerseys I saw while in Seattle.  It seems fans are still hoping for the entertainment and pride Griffey brought to M’s baseball in the 90s to somehow resurface.

They’re still patiently waiting, after all these years, for the rebuilding to come to an end soon.

5. Blatant Jays fandom didn’t result in a beat down

I obviously couldn’t attend a baseball game without wearing my Jays hat. This was the first time in my life that I went to a MLB game somewhere other than the SkyDome in Toronto (yes it is still and forever will be unofficially called the SkyDome).

I at least toned it down and left my Joe Carter jersey at home. To my pleasure, only a couple Seattle fans cheered “Let’s-go  Blue-Jays!” as I walked past, instead of throwing things at me or getting into an argument.

Thanks for the acceptance, M’s fans!

I’ll be back again soon.

CLICK HERE CHECK OUT THE SEATTLE MARINERS CLUBHOUSE AT NWSB!

After wrapping up a 22-year coaching career with his fifth Grey Cup victory, Wally Buono is taking home the title of CFL coach of the year for the 2011 season for the BC Lions.

Buono was awarded the Annis Stukus Trophy last week in Toronto over fellow nominees Edmonton Eskimos coach Kavis Reed, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Paul LaPolice.

His 22 seasons coaching in the CFL were first spent wth the Calgary Stampeders from 1990-2002, and then with the BC Lions as head coach and GM from 2003 to the latest 99th Grey Cup victory.

It was Wally’s second Grey Cup win with the Lions. Bringing his team back from a 0-5 start to ultimately beat the Bombers 34-23 on home turf couldn’t have been a better way to end a fulfilling coaching career.

Modestly, Buono told the Vancouver Sun that although winning the CFL championship at BC Place last November was a great moment in his career, it wasn’t necessarily his best season.

Wally Buono named CFL coach of the year

“Look, it’s an eight-team league, somebody’s got to win it. You should win (a Grey Cup) every 10 years, at least.

I’ve been 15-3 three times, been 14-4 twice. To be honest, I probably  coached better those years. But being a good coach, doing a good job,  isn’t always rewarded by winning. Or by winning a championship.

What I’m proud of, both players and the B.C. Lions organization, is that there were no rats  jumping off the sinking ship when we were 1-6. No cloak and dagger.

The coaches  didn’t turn on the players, which believe me sometimes occurs, and when it does,  you’ve got no chance.”

This marks the fourth season that Wally Buono has been named CFL coach of the Year – including 1992, 1993 and 1996 - second only to Don Matthews who had won five.

Buono stepped down as head coach of the Lions in December of 2011, and is continuing on as general manager of the team, with newly appointed head coach Mike Benevides taking the reigns.

CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR B.C. LIONS BLOG IN THE NWSB LIONS CLUBHOUSE!

And just like that, the stud is gone.

To the absolute shock of Canucks nation and the entire NHL, talented rookie Cody Hodgson was traded to the Buffalo Sabres yesterday in exchange for “a force” – hard-hitter and winger Zack Kassian.

Fans are surprised that the team canned the All-Star before he’d fully had a chance to prove himself. Hodgson’s 16 goals and 17 assists apparently weren’t enough to solidify his spot in Vancouver.

Social Media Report: 2012 Trade Deadline

General Manager Mike Gillis admitted that it was an extremely difficult trade, but in the end it was the best strategic decision for the team.

The Canucks need power in place of skill – and with Hodgson playing behind Ryan Kesler and Henrik Sedin, he would have stayed on the third line for another three to five years.

At 6’3 and 228 lbs, Kassian is a big and rough player that will bring an element of toughness that our team so obviously lacks (see: last year’s playoffs) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPqT5OJaoDQ).

In Gillis’ defence, the Canucks haven’t had a Bertuzzi-esque, goon presence since, well, Todd.

Along with Kassian, the Canucks swapped defensemen with the Sabres, trading the often benched Alexander Sulzer for Marc-Andre Gragnani.

Some fans are puzzled by the move, others are praising it. We cover the spectrum in another Social Media Report.

The “talking heads have weighed in” as well.

TSN’s Perry Solkowski – “Kassian brings size and grit Gillis felt was needed on his team.”

Globe & Mail’s Eric Duhatschek – “Kassian is a reasonably skilled tough guy, who can provide his teammates with a little protection, so the next time Brad Marchand delivers an unscheduled face wash to Daniel Sedin, someone will be there to provide a response.”

TSN’s Bob McKenzie “I thought the Canucks were going to do something big, I didn’t think it would be two young players. There two reasons the Canucks traded Cody Hodgson. Their names are Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler”

TSN’s Marc Crawford “Zack Kassian’s not going to have to start on a top 6 position for Vancouver. He’s going to get a chance to move up in this lineup.”

Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy “GM Mike Gillis didn’t overhaul his roster he did make significant changes, and pulled off the biggest surprise of the day.”

Here’s some  local tweets.

https://twitter.com/tg_gman/statuses/174232041536233473

https://twitter.com/benkuzma/statuses/174261694611202048

https://twitter.com/imacVanSun/statuses/174233896538472449

https://twitter.com/blakeprice1040/statuses/174278111742005248

https://twitter.com/BotchonCanucks/statuses/174266123544576001

https://twitter.com/passittobulis/statuses/174295895133782017

On the other hand, some sentimental fans understandably aren’t thrilled about losing the young and studly, full-of-potential COHO before he got a chance to shine.

Check out the cheesy video embedded in the last tweet.

Fan Reaction

https://twitter.com/JasonPHT/statuses/174239299712200705

https://twitter.com/VancityBuzz/statuses/174232024138260481

https://twitter.com/HeadtotheNet/statuses/174539857765482496

https://twitter.com/FlyingVHockey/statuses/174274639764262912

https://twitter.com/prfctsoundforvr/statuses/174347381863755777

https://twitter.com/vancan19/statuses/174261545054904320

https://twitter.com/NWSportsbeat/statuses/174522338572902400

This trade could prove to be short-sighted – giving away a skilled player like Hodgson for size could hurt the Canucks in the long term. On the other hand, it could give the Canucks some balls that they’ve been missing for years.

Canucks play the Coyotes in Phoenix tonight at 6 p.m.

If you’re pissed about this trade, you’ll be happy to know that Kassian is literally taking the jersey off Hodgson’s back and will be dressed as #9 from now on.

Go Canucks Go…..

CLICK HERE CHECK OUT THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS CLUBHOUSE TODAY!

Remember in 2011 when history repeated itself in Vancouver?

The Vancouver Canucks choked to death on June 15th, following by an obnoxious riot that ensued throughout the city – complete with fires, helicopters, tear gas, the whole nine yards - like a re-run from ’94.

It took us a while to get over that one.

In fact, you’re probably still not over it, and can’t wait for the Canucks to have their chance in the playoffs again this year.

Just leave your gasoline and balaclavas at home this time, okay?

Anyways – after some good samaritans cleaned up the hooligans’ mess in less than 24 hours, other more important riots happened internationally, we slowly stopped cursing gd Tim Thomas, and began to focus on other mostly-victorious Vancouver teams, like the BC Lions.

Somehow after losing five straight at the beginning of the season, the BC Lions managed to pull off a collasally epic turnaround; perhaps the greatest the CFL has ever seen.

Lions get the Blue Bombers top open 2012

They kept the sporting stars aligned and gave us a complete re-run of 1994, 17 years later.

The BC Lions christened their new stadium, doing what no other team in the CFL has ever done – winning the Grey Cup (for the second time) on home turf.

Since then, Wally Buono stepped down as head coach but stays on as GM, and Mike Benevides was appointed as the team’s new leader.

With 13 seasons in the CFL – including 10 in BC – and the last four as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, he’s got a pretty good chance of doing just as fine a job as his predecessor.

In addition to a well prepared coaching staff, the Lions’ latest addition to the roster is expected to bring continued success in the team’s 59th season in the CFL.

The recent signing of former Argonauts DB Byron Parker, league record holder of most interceptions returned for touchdowns, has also caused some talk of the Lions’ 2012 lineup making history.

The Lions will play four Friday home games and four on Saturdays in what will be their first full season at BC Place.

PRESEASON

June 13: vs. Saskatchewan, 7 p.m.
June 21: at Edmonton, 6 p.m.

REGULAR SEASON

June 29: vs. Winnipeg, 7 p.m.
July 6: vs. Hamilton, 7 p.m.
July 14: at Saskatchewan
July 20: vs. Edmonton, 7 p.m.
July 28: at Calgary
Aug 6: at Toronto
Aug. 19: vs. Saskatchewan, 4 p.m.
Aug. 24: at Winnipeg
Aug. 31: at Montreal
Sept. 8: vs. Montreal, 1 p.m.
Sept. 15: vs. Toronto, 4 p.m.
Sept. 22: at Edmonton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: at Saskatchewan
Oct. 6: vs. Calgary 7 p.m.
Oct. 12: at Hamilton
Oct. 26: at Calgary.
November 2, Saskatchewan, 7 p.m.

Grey Cup: Nov 25 at Toronto

All games televised on TSN

Have you read our 2012 BOLD prediction on Travis Lulay yet? Expect Exceptional: BC Lions Travis Lulay will win 2012 CFL MVP

Going into his ninth season in the CFL, Dante Marsh will once again represent the B.C. Lions after agreeing to a conditional contract with the Lions right before he was scheduled to become a free agent yesterday.

A phone call between Darren Gill, Marsh’s agent, and GM Wally Buono resulted in a two year deal - dependent on results of medical exam to take place in Vancouver in March.

Marsh endured off-season shoulder surgery, but Buono expects that he’ll be a veteran worth keeping around, and good to go next season.

Buono told TSN: “In Dante’s case, we have reached an agreement that is subject to him receiving medical clearance to play. We’re confident that hurdle will be cleared and we’ll officially complete the transaction at that time.”

The 33-year-old Marsh appears to be happy with his decision to stay, re-tweeting fans’ messages of delight on Twitter and commenting on remarks that he’ll still be around next season.

Dante Marsh & Ryan Phillips back with the Leo's in 2012

RT @Roloson06: Soon as @dantemarsh re signs with the @bclions I am ordering his jersey to celebrate!

He’s a true #grinder #chuuch

Marsh has spent all eight seasons playing in the CFL with the BC Lions, and was named a CFL all-star for the first time in 2011.

He’s won two Grey Cups with the team in 2006 and 2011 – contributing 60 tackles and 23 interceptions last year.

The Lions also resigned defensive back Ryan Phillips ahead of free agency Wednesday, which kicked off at noon Eastern Time.

In 2012 you’ve now got to think the BC Lions defense will be tough to pass on. With Marsh and Phillips in the fold and rumors of Wally Buono possibly bringing in Toronto free agent cornerback Byron Parker this could be the best defense in the CFL.

Wally also managed to lock up Paris Jackson 10 days ago, so its obvious he wants to give first year head coach Mike Benevides some familar faces.

So one day is down in the opening day of CFL free agency. There wasn’t much news in the rest of the league, but for BC  it’s almost over before it started.

CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR B.C. LIONS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE SECTION!

Hank’s Ironman streak could be in jeopardy

The speculation surrounding what state our beloved Hank’s foot is in continues after he was seen wearing a large walking boot, limping around the Vancouver Canucks team hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier today.

Captain Canuck missed practice at the Excel Energy Center to undergo a CT scan of his right ankle after a shot by defenseman Kevin Klein hit him in the first period of last night’s 4-3 shootout win against the Nashville Predators.

Sedin dropped to the ice and was helped to the Canucks’ dressing room, but soon after returned to finish the game.

This potential injury could result in jeopardizing Henrik’s 552 consecutive game streak, second longest in the NHL behind Calgary Flames’ defenceman Jay Bouwmeester with 559.

Here’s a list of tweets I was able to find this afternoon detailing exactly what was going on.

https://twitter.com/#!/sportsnetmurph/status/167349514548682752

https://twitter.com/#!/BradZiemer/status/167427622157029376

https://twitter.com/#!/provincesports/status/167359632627597313

https://twitter.com/#!/DarrenDreger/status/167410990227537920

https://twitter.com/#!/TSNResearch/status/167356589530038272

https://twitter.com/#!/VanCanucks/status/167412406434279424

Canucks face the Wild tomorrow at 5 p.m.

Here’s the Pre Game Matchup Stats | & Senior Editor “Q”s  Wild vs. Canucks Preview 

Need some great links to more Canucks news here at NWSB?

• Today’s Canucks Posts
• Canucks Wiki
• Canucks Breaking News
• Canucks Game Previews
• Canucks Game Recaps
• Canucks Stats
• Canucks Highlights (USA only)

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS CLUBHOUSE TODAY ON NWSB!

After a Grey Cup win and the best season of his career, champion kicker and oldest player in the CFL Paul McCallum signed a one year plus option contract today solidifying his spot with the B.C. Lions next season.

A born and bred British Columbian from Surrey, McCallum started in the CFL with the B.C. Lions, and will likely finish here - with PRIDE (pun intended).

As the oldest player in the CFL, McCallum set records for field goal proficiency with a 94.3 percent accuracy rate, and most consecutive field goals with 30. In his 19th season, he was also named to the All-Star team and won the CFL award for most outstanding special teams player.

He is also nominated for Sport BC’s 2011 Best of B.C. Award that will be announced on March 8th.

Leo's resign local kid...kicker McCallum

McCallum has also played for the Hamilton Ti-Cats, Ottawa Roughriders and Saskatchewan Roughriders throughout his career.

When playing in Saskatchewan in 2004, McCallum missed a crucial field goal in a game against the Lions, and was ridiculed and harrassed by fans.

After his house was vandalized, he refused to take a paycut that came with his lack of performance, and instead moved into a two year contract with the B.C. Lions.

Ever since then, he’s worked his way back up to being one of the most important members of the B.C. team, proving himself particularly this past season.

General Manager and former head coach Wally Buono expects the 42 year old to help the Lions stay on top next season.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR B.C. LIONS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE SECTION!

Cody Hodgson, the Vancouver Canucks‘ rookie who has worked tirelessly all season to prove himself, is, in fact, a stud.

Did you know?

Here are a few reasons why the Vancouver Canucks Co-ho is studworthy:

1. He’s becoming a Canucks sharp shooter

PING!

Cody just scored, off the post and in.

With three of the past six power play goals for the Canucks, Cody is making a name for himself in Vancouver with those beautiful slap shots at pivotal moments. He’s ranked fifth in scoring among rookies in the NHL this year.

2. All-Star and potential Rookie of the Year

Being named one of 12 rookies to participate in the 2012 All-Star game in Ottawa is a high honour, and proves that this guy is an up and comer to watch in the NHL overall.

He was one of four All-Star Canucks selected, along with teammates Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Alexander Edler. He continues to perform with the little amount of ice time he’s alloted (10-12 minutes on average per game).

3. He grew up in Markham, Ont.

As you may have noticed, I have a soft spot for GTA NHLers (Greater Toronto Area – for all your North West coasters who haven’t crossed the eastern Alberta border).

Cody Is VERY easy on the eyes

Hodgson and I (and Steven Stamkos) experienced a similar “humble upbringing” (why do people say that?

What does that even mean?), spending a large majority of our childhood in hockey rinks in Markham and all over Toronto.

And anyone who played for the Markham Waxers, a team I grew up watching and my brothers played for, is automatically a stud.

4. He’s easy on the eyes

Don’t mean to be a craddle robber or anything (the kid is only 21), but he’s dang cute. Sorry boys, but this is a key factor of being studly.

He’s still got all of his teeth, too.

5. He’s been through the ringer

Last season, Hodgson was called up to the NHL and sent back to the AHL several times.

He was cut from the Canucks’ training camp three times, enough to discourage any athlete. Finally he emerged with a second line position with the Canucks during Kelser’s injury absence at the beginning of the season, and everyone anxiously awaited his official debut.

Since then, he’s been proving his abilities and learning from the veteran Sedin twins in what little ice time Alain Vigneault gives him.

Do you think Cody Hodgson has a chance to win the Calder Trophy this year?

So far so good.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS CLUBHOUSE TODAY ON NWSB!

Sitting as the number one team in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks are also leading the 2012 Tim Hortons NHL All-Star selection with most players from the West to play in Ottawa on January 29th.

The NHL has announced the final 2012 All-Star list including 36 veterans and 12 rookies – with four of the Canucks’ best – forwards Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin, defenseman Alexander Edler, and rookie forward Cody Hodgson.

Four Canuck All-Stars does not come as a surprise with the team currently sitting in the number two spot in the league (27-14-3) with 57 points, just under the New York Rangers (who have goaltender Hendrik Lundqvist, defenseman Dan Girardi and forward Marian Gaborik representing).

With 11 goals, 39 assists and 50 points, Henrik Sedin continues to sit in first place for most assists and points in the league – a likely contender for his second awarding of the Hart Memorial Trophy this season, and an obvious All-Star choice.

Brother and fellow top-league scorer Daniel Sedin is another deserving Canuck. Last year’s regular season lead scorer and winner of the Art Ross trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, the twins always come as a package deal.

Fellow Swede Edler has been a leading defensive scorer and key player for the Canucks coming off of back injuries and broken fingers last season. This will be his first All-Star game.

Finally our rookie Cody Hodgson, offered the least amount of ice time compared to most rookies in the NHL, continues to produce no matter what line he’s on. Hodgson was one of a dozen rookies selected to participate in the All-Star Skills Competition on January 28th as well.

Six NHL players were selected by the fans to play – goalie Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins, Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf, and the Ottawa Senator’s Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek. Rookie Colin Greening also made the roster, giving Ottawa the highest player representation with five to participate on home ice.

Four of the Canucks' best Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Alexander Edler, and Cody Hodgson will be at the 2012 NHL All Star Game.

Of the Stanley Cup champions, defenseman Zedno Chara and forward Tyler Seguin were selected. Toronto’s top scorers Phil Kessel and Joffery Lupul will join Phaneuf to represent the Leafs.

Five players from the 2010 championship Chicago Blackhawks team were called up, including the Jets’ Dustin Byfuglien, Panthers’ Brian Campbell and current Blackhawks forwards Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Top scorers in the league like the Lightning’s good old Markham boy Steven Stamkos, the Flyers’ Claude Giroux and the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin will also play in the nation’s capital. Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals captain, will also play in his now fifth All-Star game.

The final four spots were given to Calgary Flames’ captain Jerome Iginla, Winnipeg Jets left wing Evander Kane, New York Islanders centre John Tavares, and Dallas Stars forward Loui Eriksson, all sole representatives from their club but stars that deserve recognition.

After team captains are selected, a 2012 NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft will be held on January 26th to select team rosters.

Here’s the complete list of players by position:

Forwards

Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks
Tyler Seguin, Boston Bruins
Jason Pominville, Buffalo Sabres
Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild
John Tavares, New York Islanders
Marian Gaborik, New York Rangers
Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs
Joffrey Lupul, Toronto Maple Leafs
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Defensemen

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Brian Campbell, Florida Panthers
Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
Dan Girardi, New York Rangers
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers
Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes
Alex Edler, Vancouver Canucks
Dennis Wideman, Washington Capitals
Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets

Goaltenders
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues

Rookies

Luke Adam, Buffalo Sabres
Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes
Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche
Ryan Johansen, Columbus Blue Jackets
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers
Craig Smith, Nashville Predators
Adam Henrique, New Jersey Devils
Adam Larsson, New Jersey Devils
Colin Greening, Ottawa Senators
Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers
Matt Read, Philadelphia Flyers
Cody Hodgson, Vancouver Canucks

Are we excited Canucks fans to watch the 2012 version of the All Star Game? Who would you like to see play side by side, or head to head?

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS CLUBHOUSE TODAY ON NWSB!