Stanley Cup Hockey is Awesome

Stanley Cup hockey is awesome. To the hardcore hockey enthusiast this is not breaking news. To me, a kid that grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball with a little golf on the side, is all in on hockey.

If you look at TV ratings over time you will notice I am not alone. Strictly going by ratings, hockey used to be a bit of a fringe sport in that it catered to the same group of die hard people year after year. Back when I was a kid you'd spend April, May, and June watching the NBA playoffs and maybe catch a little hockey here and there. Not anymore.

Why is that?

For whatever reason, a larger percentage of people are realizing NHL hockey is a better product than NBA basketball. Add to that the fact that TV networks like TNT and ESPN are putting more resources into covering the sport. Bottom line, they are doing a much better job with hockey than they used to.

Stanley Cup hockey is awesome. It is non-stop action that uses every corner of the ice. Compare that to the NBA game where the game takes place on a 94 foot court but most of today's action occurs in a 48 foot space from three point line to three point line. The game is becoming stagnant. The game is becoming a three point shooting contest.

The Celtics championship series against the Mavericks didn't help the NBA much. It was a short series and most games were blowouts. The closest margin of victory was seven points. Meanwhile the Stanley Cup Final saw the Florida Panthers jump to a 3-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers. But that comfortable margin has been reduced to a 3-2 series lead with Game 6 Friday night in Edmonton. We cannot wait!

For more opinion and analysis on Stanley Cup hockey tune into Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida from 2-6.

The weather is expected to be much better this weekend than last. Some of the events that were postponed are ready to take place. Here are your Weekend Vibes for the third weekend in June. Check out these 6 things to entertain you this weekend in Southwest Florida.

It is officially here, summer. Summer solstice occurred on Thursday. It's also hurricane season and we had our first storm of the year. Time to check out our supplies and plans if a storm comes our way. There is a guide here to help remind you of a few things so you will be prepared.

Summer Solstice celebrations are occurring all over. There is a night market in downtown Fort Myers and an artisan market in North Naples. In addition, there is a Juneteenth celebration in Naples that was postponed from last week.

Finally, I DO have a sneak preview of a great family show taking place beginning of next week. I couldn't resist.

Remember, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for June 21st through the 23rd.

There are lots of things to keep you busy this weekend in the Fort Myers and Naples area. If you can, get out and support local events and business. Enjoy these Weekend in Southwest Florida.

*Please note, events are subject to change. Especially considering the weather. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

It's time for the annual celebration of summer at Fort Myers Brewing Company. Try new, limited edition beers as well as your longtime faves. There is a large roster of live entertainment and lots of great food from a variety of trucks. Festivities begin Thursday and run through Sunday. Free. More info here.

This monthly event highlights local and regional musicians. It's Friday from 6-10pm. Some streets are closed in the downtown area and music is featured both outdoors and in many of the restaurants, bars and galleries. Free. More info here. 

This celebration takes place at River Park Community Center Saturday. It was originally planned for last week but was rescheduled due to weather.  Enjoy dancers, music and live entertainment. There will also be presentations, food, vendors and more. The center is on 11th St., in Naples beginning at 11am. Free.  More info here.

This fun event is at the Collaboratory in downtown Fort Myers. It's a place to interact with local entrepreneurs and creators. Perhaps you'll make some connections and get some inspiration. There will be entertainment and food trucks too. Free. More info here.

Meet local artisans at this monthly Mercato market in North Naples. Some 25 artists will be on hand with a wide variety of goods. In addition, there is a Bubbles Bar for you to enjoy sparkling wine and Prosecco. Proceeds benefits Empty Bowls Naples, a non-profit with a mission to  fight hunger. Saturday Noon to 4pm. Free. More info here.

This is NOT this weekend but I wanted to give you a heads up because it is a big deal for parents and grandparents to get ready for. The show is actually Tuesday and Wednesday. This popular, award-winning kids television show comes to life on the stage at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composers. Tickets start at $43. More info here.