"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" - - - - 3/5/11

Of the following individuals, whose name has been mentioned the MOST lately--giving new meaning to the term "ad nauseum": Lady Gaga, Carmelo Anthony, Lindsay Lohan, or Isiah Thomas?..........TRIVIA QUESTION: The 1990-'91 New York Rangers--who finished 36-31-13 under coach Roger Neilson--had four players on the squad who tallied 25 or more goals apiece. How many of these players can you name? Answer to follow..........Recognition is in order for Eastern CT St. Univ. basketball player Jamie Kohn of Columbia (CT)--who has become the program's first selection to the CoSIDA Capital One College Division Academic All-District I Team. Currently a junior, Kohn is now eligible for the College Division All-America Team--which will be announced soon. Having had the opportunity to coach this special young man at the middle-school level, I can attest to his excellence both on AND off the court; it was never a question if Jamie would succeed--it was simply to what degree. You've made many people extremely proud, Jamie Kohn..........Speaking of Carmelo Anthony--I'm still trying to figure out who is currently the "First Lady of NY": Sandra Lee--love interest of Gov. Andrew Cuomo--or LaLa Vazquez?..........This week in sports history, March 8, 1937: While in the hospital recovering from a leg injury, hockey great Howie Morenz suffers a fatal heart attack at age 34--thus ending the life of one of the NHL's all-time best players. Morenz had been hurt back on January 28th--when he was checked into the boards during a game vs. the Chicago Blackhawks. Morenz started his career in 1923-'24 with the Montreal Canadiens; he led them to three Stanley Cup championships and scored 472 points during his 14-year career. A three-time winner of the Hart Trophy (MVP), Morenz also captured two scoring titles and was the league's biggest gate attraction during his early years with Montreal..........Looking for an AFFORDABLE way to enjoy professional baseball in 2011? Season tickets are now available for the upcoming CT Tigers (NY-Penn League) season. For the team's 38 home games at beautiful Dodd Stadium, premium box seats are $325 per seat while reserved boxes are $250. Season ticket holder benefits include a preseason "meet and greet" barbecue with players and coaches along with a 10% discount on merchandise in the Tigers Gift Shop. To reserve your season tickets, call (860) 887-7962 or email the team at info@cttigers.com ..........I suggest that some NBA team have an upcoming "Charlie Sheen Night." Free courtside seats will be awarded to the first 50 guys wearing ugly hats who stagger up to the ticket window with blondes on both arms..........Answer to trivia question: MIKE GARTNER (49), JOHN OGRODNICK (31), DARREN TURCOTTE (26), and BERNIE NICHOLLS (25)..........More good news at ECSU: Congratulations also go out to Eastern Connecticut State University's Stephanie Noheimer, a senior physical education major from Willimantic (CT), who was recently selected as recipient of the 2011 Holly E. Zimmerman Memorial Award. The award is presented to commemorate the spirit and love of the late Holly Zimmerman, a former ECSU athlete, and is given to an individual who possesses Zimmerman's qualities such as loyalty, thoughtfulness, and academic determination. Noheimer has lettered in indoor and outdoor track at Eastern since transferring from Rhode Island College in 2009. A health education minor, Noheimer carries an overall 3.90 GPA and was recently honored between games of a Little East Conference basketball doubleheader. Excellent work, Stephanie..........Happy birthday wishes go out to former NBA guard Litterial Green--who blows out 41 candles on March 7th. A native of Mississippi who played at Georgia, Green was a member of four different teams during his short, five-year career--his last season coming in 1998-'99 with Cleveland. One thing that Green should NOT have done during his NBA playing days was attempt to shoot from "downtown." In 26 lifetime three-point attempts, Green connected on just TWO--resulting in a career percentage of just .077. Hey--they all can't be Ray Allen, right? Green also spent time playing in the CBA in-between his NBA stops and also played overseas from 1999-2002. Here's wishing you many more celebrations to come, Litterial; best wishes..........Finally, condolences go out to the family of former Brooklyn Dodgers infielder Tony Malinosky--who died a few weeks ago in California at the age of 101. Yes, at the time, he was the oldest former living MLB player--having appeared in 35 games while hitting .228 for the team during the 1937 season. Sadly, his career was cut short due to a knee injury. He later served in the U.S. Army and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge. In a touching ceremony, Malinosky was honored at Dodger Stadium back in 2009 when he turned 100. You may have had a short career, Tony, but you surely enjoyed a long run at life. May Mr. Malinosky rest in peace.