Newfoundland Club Of America

Hockey Hearsay

The San Jose Mercury News writes that there's a curious Canadian tradition of gently poking fun at the good people of Newfoundland, the far-flung province at the easternmost point of North America. Jokes are told about guileless, dimwitted "Newfies."

"They're all about Newfies being slow or stupid," said Sharks forward Ryane Clowe , a native Newfoundlander who, for the record, is neither.

Such as: How many Newfies does it take to play the San Jose-Detroit playoff series?

Just two. Clowe and Red Wings forward Danny Cleary .

OK, so there's no punch line there. Unless you count both players' efforts not to become one by being eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. In addition to being two of the rare Newfoundlanders to reach the NHL, Clowe and Cleary are among the best ever to emerge from a remote island known as "The Rock."

So far, Clowe is getting the better of The Battle of Newfoundland as the Sharks hold a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. Clowe also is emerging as one of the NHL postseason's impact players as he leads the Sharks in scoring with four goals and five assists.

Not only are the two friends, but they also will become extended family this summer when Clowe marries longtime girlfriend Jennifer Murray, who just happens to be Cleary's third cousin.

"No, I'm not a matchmaker," Cleary said. "But she and I basically grew up together. It's funny how they crossed paths a few years ago. He's a good player and a good guy."

The Mercury News believes that Cleary and Clowe would make good members of Newfoundland's tourism board, too. From their respective locker rooms, each talks glowingly about its rugged beauty, unique distinctions and how "mainlanders" have misconceptions about the province.

"We're definitely the butt of jokes," Cleary said. "But you'll find that Newfoundlanders are very friendly and down to earth."

Well, at least when they're not on the ice.

Newfoundland was a British colony until officially becoming part of Canada in 1949. That might help explain why there isn't a storied tradition of Newfoundland hockey players. Less than 30 have reached the NHL.

An isolated location and sparse population -- only 500,000 live in a province consisting of Newfoundland and Labrador -- contributed to a lack of hockey scouts working those hinterlands over the years.

Cleary, 32, a right wing who had 46 points this season for the Red Wings, has done his part to change that. He left his island hometown of Riverhead as a teenager to play junior hockey and in 2008 became the first Newfoundlander to bring back the Stanley Cup after Detroit won the title.

River King Newfoundland Club Draft Test is April 9 and 10 - Animal ...

For The Telegraph/DAN CRUZ

The Newfoundland Club of America will hold a Draft Test, hosted by the River King Newfoundland Club, beginning at 8 a.m. each day April 9 and 10, at Gordon Moore Park in Godfrey.

According to The Newfoundland Club of America, the Draft Tests are “a series of exercises designed to develop and demonstrate the natural abilities of purebred Newfoundland dogs. While working in a land-work capacity involving hauling, the dog and handler must demonstrate teamwork skills. The Newfoundland has historically functioned as a draft dog in various capacities, and the performance of these exercises is intended to demonstrate skills resulting both from natural ability and training that are applicable to realistic work situations.”

The Newfoundland, or “Newfie,” is truly an outstanding breed. Initially, they were bred to help fishermen from, as their name suggests, Newfoundland, Canada. They are exceptionally strong and have webbed feet. Their coat is thick and the oils help keep the dog waterproof. Google “Newfoundland dog” and there’ll be story after story about Newfies who were responsible for saving someone’s life, some probably stretching the truth a bit or a lot. Remember, there was Seaman who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their way West.

Everyone has their favorite breed(s), but I think these dogs are just exceptional. Along with mutts, of course.

This is the Newfoundland, official breed book of the Newfoundland Club of America

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