31 replies to this topic

[J-BOLD]

Since my question was ignored in a PM to a mod, I will ask.

Why exactly was the thread about the Leafs hiring a new skating coach removed?

Did a mod go on a power trip of some sort recently? Considering how this board is about the Leafs, i'm pretty sure them hiring a new skating consultant is news that some people might want to hear...

[Russell_23]

... I agree with you JB.... me thinks someones britches is too big....

however... at the risk of feeling rath.... I digress....


I think it is note worthy to discuss Ms Undrehills hiring..... she has worked with NHL players before and has helped with not only speed flat out but with balance and excelleration..... thanks for re-posting.... let hope this one stays live....

[Seer]

Since my question was ignored in a PM to a mod, I will ask.

Why exactly was the thread about the Leafs hiring a new skating coach removed?

Did a mod go on a power trip of some sort recently? Considering how this board is about the Leafs, i'm pretty sure them hiring a new skating consultant is news that some people might want to hear...

I think it was the post after mine, JBOLD... It was deleted this morning (and should have been) but I have to agree that the thread didn't need to be deleted.. I guess I didn't help, with my pics.., because the next poster took it way further.. in the conversation tone... (but, that's not your fault).

My apologies, if I had anything to do with changing the subject... I read the article about her coming into the organization.. and what she did for other teams is impressive.. It was late when I posted last night.. and I forgot to add this part to my post..

[J-BOLD]

I think it was the post after mine, JBOLD... It was deleted this morning (and should have been) but I have to agree that the thread didn't need to be deleted.. I guess I didn't help, with my pics.., because the next poster took it way further.. in the conversation tone... (but, that's not your fault).

My apologies, if I had anything to do with changing the subject... I read the article about her coming into the organization.. and what she did for other teams is impressive.. It was late when I posted last night.. and I forgot to add this part to my post..

I didn't even get to read the posts after yours. All I seen was Jigsons comment "You guys just don't get it, do you?" And then I closed off the browser in disgust with the recent power trips of some around here.

Came back on, and found out the actual thread was deleted..

[Seer]

I didn't even get to read the posts after yours. All I seen was Jigsons comment "You guys just don't get it, do you?" And then I closed off the browser in disgust with the recent power trips of some around here.

Came back on, and found out the actual thread was deleted..

I just see now, that it is gone.. It was just locked when I saw it this morning..? Maybe that is a sign that you should just make another one..?

Maybe copy & paste the article from the news section, if you do..?

[J-BOLD]

I just see now, that it is gone.. It was just locked when I saw it this morning..? Maybe that is a sign that you should just make another one..?

I'm sure that will get locked, too.

[Seer]

I'm sure that will get locked, too.

As long as people don't start getting into the sexual element again, I don't see why it should? Maybe make a qualification about not doing that..? All I was referring to, was that ladies are beautiful at all ages.. and my pics were by no means nudes or scantily clad girls..? I thought they were tasteful..?

I think it might have been that the "conversation" sort of drifted away from the main subject...? (before, during and after my post)...

[jockdent]

When I saw that your thread got locked, JBold; I read the entire thread to see why; and I couldn't find a reason.

I didn't see anything inappropriate. Even if a poster did write somrthing inappropriate; that post should have been deleted and the poster reprimanded.

No reason to lock the thread.

[dmac0850]

i read that thread n was looking forward to reading more about the skating coach n her qualifications/past successes

figure skaters have very good skating form and fundamentals

the mods here are terrible and thats why i dont post very much, i think mybe they closed the thread because they percieved jbold and seers disagreement on the attractiveness of 50+ ladies as something serious they had to censor. ridiculous

anywways does anyone know anything about this lady? Tavares is certainly looking much better after working with her

[Euronuck]

Can Barbara Underhill help the Maple Leafs glide into the playoffs?

April 20, 2012
Kevin McGran

The Maple Leafs have enlisted the help of former world figure pairs skating champion Barbara Underhill, seen with former NHLer Ron Duguay at a Battle of the Blades event.Frank Gunn/The CANADIAN PRESS

When Paul Martini was spinning her in the air at the world figure skating championships and Winter Olympics in the 1980s, the last place Barbara Underhill thought she would land was with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
But the former world champion has been brought into the Leafs’ camp to help young players get better at the most basic element of both sports: skating.
“It wasn’t something I went out and went after. It sort of came to me,” Underhill said of a gradual move into professional coaching. “I love being on the ice. I love skating. I love figuring out the science of skating, figuring out how to generate power and speed.”
She’ll combine what she’s learned as a figure skater, broadcaster and hockey mom in this new role — officially the Maple Leafs’ skating consultant.
“Every player is different,” she said. “I spend time one-on-one with the players to figure out how to get them stronger, faster, more in balance. We work on every aspect of skating. It’s extremely individual. I do a lot of video analysis. I break down the player’s stride. I work on the finest detail to make them quicker, faster.”
Underhill’s reputation in the hockey world grew by leaps and bounds after working with Brian Boyle of the New York Rangers. The 6-foot-7 centre has three goals in four games against the Ottawa Senators in the playoffs, and his career took off two years ago after a summer working with Underhill.
“Brian Boyle is so tall. He just has body parts going everywhere,” said Underhill. “I had to get him in balance. I had to get him more (ice) contact. I had to get him in a balanced position so he could find that power. It’s a real science. It’s really fun to see some of these players as they improve, and exciting.”
In a recent interview, Boyle said Underhill helped him improve.
“She pushed me really hard,” Boyle told The Canadian Press this week. “We put a lot of hours in. It’s helped me with my agility and my straight-ahead speed has been increased, and my efficiency . . . It’s really helped my game and my confidence.”
Underhill also worked with Rangers defenceman Michael Del Zotto and players from the Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning. Her new gig means the Leafs are her priority, but she will continue to take on other clients.
Crossover between figure skating and hockey — where strength, speed and agility are important — is not all that uncommon. CBC’s Battle of the Blades, in which Underhill paired with ex-Ranger Ron Duguay, converted retired hockey players into figure skaters.
Some players are in fact former figure skaters, including Colby Armstrong of the Maple Leafs and Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes. Skinner once placed third in juvenile at the Canadian championships.
Leafs assistant GM Dave Poulin, who played 13 NHL seasons, credits his figure skating roots.
“I figure skated until I was 9 in Timmins,” said Poulin. “It definitely helps with the edges. I always considered skating a strength.”
In the 1970s, figure skater Laura Stamm helped train New York Islanders forward Bobby Nystrom. The pair worked in secret because it was a bit taboo in the macho world of hockey for a player to figure skate — and to be coached by a woman. Stamm went on to help Eric Desjardins, Adam Graves, Larry Murphy and Scott Niedermayer.
Like many parents, Underhill’s first taste of coaching involved her kids. Husband Rick Gaetz coached their children in hockey, so Underhill helped out.
“My sons were my first victims,” said Underhill. “Since tyke, I’ve been on the ice with my boys. That’s where it all began and one thing led to another. It’s crazy, but I’m having the time of my life.”
Gaetz became a partner in the OHL’s Guelph Storm, and Underhill signed on to teach skating to junior hockey players — honing her own skill. Soon that side of her career blossomed. She left CBC, where she’d been broadcasting figure skating events for 16 years after retiring from competition.
“I got to a point where this is what I wanted to do. This is where I wanted to be. I wanted to be on the ice again,” said Underhill. “At that point I was still working with the CBC in broadcasting — 16 years. I decided to end that part of my career so I could put all my focus on coaching skating.
“It was a great decision, but I had no idea where it was going to take me. I just love it so much. I feel like I’m where I need to be when I’m on the ice.”
So, what can she do for the Leafs? How can she turn them into a winner? Those questions are a tad early.
“We haven’t gotten into discussions yet as to who I’ll be working with on the Leafs,” said Underhill. “I can say there’s a few I have my eye on that I can’t wait to get on the ice with. Right now, I’ll spend time with the younger guys, the prospects who are in town.”

[Euronuck]

Seems to me she seems to really put alot of time and focus on playing to each players strengths in order to help them acheive the maximum they can.

It'll be interesting to see what kind of stuff she implements into the offseason repertoire for our prospects and our current Leafs.

On the other hand I can see the Leafs waiting with having her touch base with the current Leaf roster players as most likely come the draft and off season changes are most likely to be made. After all Burke needs to go out and get Carlyle the players he wants on this team so that is bound to change the make up of our current roster.

[youngbud]

Well guys Seer, JBOLD, Jiggy, anyone else I missed as a fan or TMLEFT. I'm sorry about the comments I made in the barb underhill thread. After Seer posted the pic of Vanna White I thought I was just being silly and adding to the comment made about her being 50 something and over the hill and one poster did make a comment about her being old and not that attractive. I made some sexual comment about Vanna White, and if they deemed that offensive (I don't think I said anything that god censored) then I am sorry, and am perfectly willing to take the hit on behalf of the team here.

Again, thought I was being funny, but I notice the thread got locked shortly after my post. I feel bad and I'll try not to let that occur again. At least if I get suspended it won't be because I said anything in anger....lol.

[NickD85]

That's great but the only way to speed Schenn up is to stick a giant rocket up his arse

[racer888]

With Undehill being their skating coach at least when Kessel curl's away from the play he will be able to do it with "flourish and style"

[beergirl-1]

I didn't close the thread but after reading it, I understand why it was. The sexist undertones were disgusting and if you guys think you're going to start it again in this thread, think again.

Let me ask you something. Does it make NFL (or NHL) players any less of a man because they take ballet for balance? How about how many players in professional sports that do yoga? Do any of you have a clue on what she will be working on with them? Have any of you even tried skating in a pair of figure skating skates? Who am I kidding, I bet a number of you have never even skated.

The pair worked in secret because it was a bit taboo in the macho world of hockey for a player to figure skate — and to be coached by a woman.

So I guess not much has changed from the 70's for some people. How sad.

[racer888]

Agreed no reason to be disrespectful towards women, but what you need to understand with all the problems surrounding the team as to how soft and not truculent they are the last thing leaf fans need to read is the team hiring a figure skater ( man or women) to help them. It just shows how laughable the current management is. Hire Gary Roberts if you want to make a difference. Get some damm players that will put in an effort every night if you want to improve things

[Seer]

i read that thread n was looking forward to reading more about the skating coach n her qualifications/past successes

figure skaters have very good skating form and fundamentals

the mods here are terrible and thats why i dont post very much, i think mybe they closed the thread because they percieved jbold and seers disagreement on the attractiveness of 50+ ladies as something serious they had to censor. ridiculous

anywways does anyone know anything about this lady? Tavares is certainly looking much better after working with her

Here's the original MLSE News Item (she has done a lot of work, with other teams!):

Underhill To Serve As Skating Consultant

Barb Underhill, 48, will serve as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Skating Consultant. She will work directly with Maple Leafs’ players and prospects, focusing on developing their speed, strength and agility.

Since 2007, Underhill has worked as the Skating Coach for the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm. She has also served as a Skating Consultant with the Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers since 2010, and the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2011.

A member of the Canadian Olympic team in 1980 and 1984, Underhill was a pairs skater with partner Paul Martini. Throughout their amateur career, they won five Canadian titles and won the World Championships in 1984. They went on to have a successful 14 year professional career, winning seven World Professional titles before retiring in 1998.

After skating, Underhill worked as a colour commentator, including 13 World Championships and four Olympic Games for CBC, CTV and TSN. She also appeared on CBC’s Battle of the Blades in 2009. Underhill is a member of the Canada Sports Hall of fame and was recently inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in March 2009. Thanks to her work in power skating coaching, Underhill was named one of The Hockey News’ 100 most influential people in hockey in 2011.

[Seer]

Also... Trish Stratus works with the LEAFS, in a part-time role... with meditation techniques... I see nothing wrong with women being involved with the team, at all... (most women are actually better teachers, in general).

I do think that Racer is right about Gary Roberts, though... He would be a fantastic addition here..!
As far as innuendos go, you will get that with any team, in any sport, on any website...

And by the way, I have read some comments from women in posts (about males) that are just as sexual... It goes both ways... In my opinion, we should be more concerned about prejudice, Wars, violence & addictions, than the focus we put on sex... Any kid can turn on prime time television these days and see shows that are MUCH more sexually oriented, than any sports board is.. (and they can access anything they want on the Internet, too.. without signing up anywhere..)

[racer888]

This is just more leafs management "smoke and mirrors". Since when has skating been a problem. We have one of the fastest teams in the league when they actually try (see 1st half of season) maybe the leafs should get a motivational speaker on staff

[Seer]

This is just more leafs management "smoke and mirrors". Since when has skating been a problem. We have one of the fastest teams in the league when they actually try (see 1st half of season) maybe the leafs should get a motivational speaker on staff

Umm.. No offense, Racer... but, Dion needs to learn how to skate backwards a LOT better than he does..., and a figure skater knows how to do this 100 times better, than most hockey players.. It could help out a lot of our D-men, to have Barb here..

Also... I have a friend who is a Pro Boxer... He took up figure skating as well, as he says it really helped him with exercising different muscles.. and his co-ordination... He also got a lot of laughs from some of the guys, when they would see him practice his skipping rope.. (which is stupid to laugh at him, because even Ali did that a lot)...