Outsourcing: Cartoons from Sweden

If you recall, this past summer BoC had a brief series called Letters from Switzerland from our generous friend Markus (will it continue? only Markus knows for sure), where we received some overseas updates about some former NHLers. In that same spirit, I present a guest submission from reader Kyle J., a guy I can only assume hails from Sweden (to be completely honest, I'm not sure about this, but based on a few phrases of broken English I've corrected, I'm comfortable being presumptuous). Well, I'm never a guy to turn away free artwork, especially if it's potentially from Sweden!

I am, however, a guy who (for better or worse) will regularly publish e-mails I get.

Dear Earl Sleek.

I have been wanting to find a way to mix my passion for graphic arts and hockey together for a long time. I have finally figured out how. A Graphic Novel of Hockey(Comic book). However I would like to showcase them where people could see them. And reading your blog since the Season We Won the Cup I know that many people in fact read your blog. I have really enjoyed your cartoons. If you wouldn't mind letting me post these on BOC I would very much enjoy some feedback so I could start up on my own or possibly work together on some.

Thanks

BOC Reader of you and Rudy,
Ducks Fan and Hockey enthusiast,
and Fellow Artista,
Kyle J.

Just take a look at the awesomeness below, inspired by last week's Ducks win against the Toronto Maple Leafs (featuring an ill-advised goaltender switch by Ron Wilson for the shootout):


Quite literally the best artwork this blog has ever seen.
(Click image to enlarge.)
I don't even know where to start. The Terminator version of Nik Antropov is killer, the classic Ron Wilson media staredown is spot-on, and I want to run and hide from that George Parros glare. Basically, Kyle, I give this a hearty standing ovation. Outstanding.

One of my side goals here at BoC is to semi-legitimize the notion of internet cartooning, even though I'm pretty much just a hack. Well, fellow hacks, the bar may have just been raised, and I'm pretty excited to see that. Plus, now with Switzerland and Sweden on the BoC contribution list, I can't wait to see what our German or Finnish readers will do to top this.

[1:15 pm edit -- Oh boy did I blow this one. I've now been informed that Kyle J. is from Southern California, not Sweden. Well, this won't be the last fact-checking error that Sleek will ever make, but it is a doozy. Also, a new version of the picture was submitted with "Foliage" instead of "Foilage". Sorry for the mix-up, KJ.]

Go Ducks.

Thanks, Ron Wilson!

Nothing says I Love You like a cold Cujo in a shootout.
(YouTube)
One thing about Ron Wilson -- he's not a guy who forgets his old friends (nor his potential future boss). There is no such thing as a "filthy two points" in this young Ducks season. Positivity!

Leafs Nation: Welcome to California....Now go Home

When Eastern conference teams visit the Shark tank, you always see your share of their jerseys. When that team is the Maple Leafs and they have not been in San Jose since 2003, well you get tons of Leafs diehards. I think I saw a Leaf jersey of every player who has played in Toronto in the last 50 years. The most random and entertaining had to be the Potvin, Clark, and Sittler. The Toronto media must be going crazy after the Leafs went 0-3 in California. It doesn't help when you get blown out by LA and Anaheim and lose a 2-0 3rd period lead tonight. Mats Sundin looked frustrated and I even saw him push away a linesman as the final horn was blown. It will be interesting to see if he waives his no-trade clause to go to a contender. If you believe the rumors, Toronto is ready to clean house both player-wise and the front office.

Speaking of rumors, there was word of Cujo deciding between the Sharks and Flames for his comeback. Ron Wilson and Sharks insiders seem to dispel these rumors and had some entertaining quotes regarding this. I tend to believe them as Doug Wilson's MO seems to be quiet and under the radar. If you look at recent history, he seems to make moves that noone else is expecting. Remember early on when Mark Recchi was put on waivers? The Sharks were mentioned as front runners for claiming him. Of course that didn't happen either. It will be interesting to see who the Sharks are rumored to be interested in come the trade deadline. Don't expect them to be coming to San Jose.