NHL- National Hockey League, NOT a New Hot Label

Ok, Clever Girls- it is time to explore what might be the most abhorred word in some lexicons- SPORTS. I am starting with hockey because it's OFFICIALLY hockey season and because when I awoke this morning at 4:44am, I was reminded of Kevin Hatcher, former NHL defenseman (his number was 4) and that brought to mind how sad I am his brother is now also retired, former Dallas Stars Captain, Derian Hatcher. This retirement somehow flew under the radar of many hockey fans- everyone seems to be so wrapped up in the "economy" we are not paying attention to what is REALLY important- family, friends and sports.

As I was saddened thinking of all my favorite players who are starting to retire or already retired (read- I am old)- Steve Yzerman, Guy Carbonneau, Phillippe Boucher, Kevin Hatcher, Keith Primeau, Bob Probert, Mario Lemeiux (pardon me, that one should have come first) and now Derian ... I remembered my favorites who were still shredding the ice- Brenden Morrow, Pavel Datsyuk, Niklas Lindstrom and Chris Pronger. I could go on, and on and on about the exciting things in store for current and future fans as this game continues to grow and evolve but I have pictures to show you.

I'm going to start you slow- by introducing you to some very HOT men. This should dispel the notion all hockey players look like toothless lumberjacks (except during the playoffs when they don't shave). Develop a crush- it helps when you are TRYING so hard to pay attention to the game when you are bursting with exciting news about your best friends, cousin's, sister's engagement (the ring, the budget, the dress!).

No one freak out about copyright infringement- I took the pictures, I own the pictures- no need to report me to anyone.

Say hello to the charming and handsome man who tends the net for the Dallas Stars. Marty Turco, #35 attended the University of Michigan, which in addition to his noteworthy performance, makes him one of my favorite goalies in the history of the world.

Jere Lehtinen, #26 on the Dallas Stars is a highly skilled veteran right winger. Originally from Finland, Jere has made Dallas home for over ten years and his contributions to the team are immense.

Trevor Daley is stylish indeed, but he is also quite a hockey player.

He is a defenseman to keep your eye on in coming years- the mark he’s made so far is impressive.

Fear not, though Stu Barnes retired from the Dallas Stars, he is still shaping the team as an assistant coach.

It is impossible for me to come to grips with the fact Phillippe Boucher is retired and no longer living in this country. The mere thought I might run into him- somewhere stateside was reason alone to get up in the morning.

Niklas Norstrom looks more Fortune 500 than NHL. This Swedish defenseman has called it quits after only TWO years with the Dallas Stars. He’d also played with the Kings and the Rangers and retired after an inspiring career.

Though my feathers were a bit ruffled when Dallas traded Kevin Hatcher for Sergei Zubov- it turned out to be a fabulous move for Dallas. This fiery, Russian defenseman is worth his weight.

Yes, this is a photo of Mike Modano. While it’s OK to have a crush on him, you are not distinguishing yourself from the considerable pack of woman nationwide who share your fondness. Further, every guy would expect THIS crush- it’s tantamount to having a crush on Tom Brady (New England Patriots- NFL) everyone has one.

Oh my gosh- this fun loving Canadian forward is as engaging off the ice as he is talented on. Mike Ribeiro's smile alone is crush worthy.

Count on Jeff Halpern being the “center” of attention no matter where he goes. Currently this handsome all-American man is gracing Tampa Bay with his adeptness on the ice. For those really smart Clever Girls, he graduated from Princeton so bring your big brain.

This right winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs is not someone you want to tangle with on the ice. Niklas and his father, Matti were the first Finnish father and son to play in the NHL.

Ladies- start your engines. Now tap your breaks a bit. Brenden Morrow, Captain of the Dallas Stars is indeed one of the prettiest faces in the NHL- but, his wife is every bit as gorgeous! He’s quickly become a common crush- a Clever Girl would want to differentiate herself from the herd.

Ok, now that I have given you PLENTY of eye candy- tomorrow we will get serious about the league, the divisions and maybe even the rules. Deep breaths, this won’t hurt a bit.

OH- and if you have a hard time denying a pretty face (insert Mario Lemieux), make sure you know everything about why he is such a great player worthy of your admiration. Mario is arguably (not up for debate in my book) the greatest player to ever grace the ice.