The Piggies and the NHL

So, today I've decided to step away from talking solely about the Leafs and talk about something else, but still hockey related: the Swine Flu! You know when I heard about the Piggy Flu, I thought it was a bunch of BS like SARS or Global Warming. Well, I still think that way, however, it is affecting the NHL, something I never thought of in the dog-days of summer when piggy flu was coming out.

Now as far as I know about the Swine Flu: it is less harmful than the normal flu, it was the flu prior to the 1960s (people born prior to 1958 have a better immunity to it), and it is named after the pig. Now I will not deny that yes, tragically H1N1 has killed some people, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by it, however, that being said, it is nowhere near a pandemic.

Now back to the NHL, we all heard of the tragic death of Evan Frustaglio . The 13-year-old hockey player who got a cold over a weekend and was killed as a result of H1N1. Well, Maple Leaf Jason Blake used to be his neighbour. When Blake was signed to Toronto, his first house was next to the Frustaglio family, whom "became good friends" with the Blakes. Evan would play street hockey in the Blakes' driveway with their children. "It's a tough deal," says Blake.

One thing we have to remember is that NHL players are real mortal beings too. As of October 31st, 2009 there are three confirmed cases of Peter Budaj . The are also being hit hard. They have implemented a rule: no sharing towels or water bottles. You figure other NHL teams will be implementing this soon.

With the shortage of vaccines, it is hard for NHL teams to get the shots (not that I think the shots are effective anyways); as the season progresses, we will see how the swine flu affects the NHL. Anyways, stay safe, and wash your hands people! Until next time...


Nicholas Porretta