I Like Mike

Mike Fisher Joins the Twitterverse

2011-04-26T09:15:00.001-04:00

http://www.senatorsextra.com/feature/mike-fisher-joins-the-twitterverse/

By James Gordon

As far as we know, no Ottawa Senators have taken the leap and joined Twitter. One popular former Senator has, however. Mike Fisher, Nashville playoff hero and husband to country music superstar Carrie Underwood, will be dispensing his thoughts 140 characters at a time @mikefisher1212 (note: fisher1212 is some guy named Norman will probably be getting waaay more PVs than normal from people who weren’t paying attention to the address…like me).

Anyways, Fisher has more than 5,000 followers now and has tweeted a grand total of three times. The first acknowledged the Easter holiday: “Happy Easter to all! Our Lord has risen!! Thanks u Jesus.” Of course, religion could play a big part in his messages. He was very open about his faith during his time here and the logo on his web site actually incorporates a Jesus Fish (get it? Fisher? Fish?).

Mike Fisher Scraps, Underwood Looks on

2011-04-18T16:41:00.002-04:00

The Salary Cap Effect of the Mike FIsher Trade

2011-02-14T16:45:00.003-05:00

Source: http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2011/02/14/the-salary-cap-effect-of-the-mike-fisher-trade/
By: Dominic Pirilli

If you follow country music, you know a bit about Carrie Underwood. What you may or may not know is that Carrie’s husband is ex-Ottawa Senator and new Nashville Predator Mike Fisher.

Lucky for you, this article isn’t about country music. No offense to anyone who enjoys some Garth Brooks.

The Predators acquired Fisher on Wednesday in exchange for a 2011 first-round draft pick and a 2012 third-round selection.

I’ll say this loud and clear: Mike Fisher is a well-paid NHL player. His current contract (signed in 2008) is for 5-years and worth $21,000,000.

That’s a lot of chicken.

Fisher is due $4-million this season, as well as the same amount next season. For his final season (2012-2013), Fisher will be paid approximately $3-million.

The official cap hit for each of Fisher’s contracted seasons? $4,200,000.

However, since the Predators acquired Fisher mid-season, they will only be responsible for $1,354,839.
According to the fine folks over at CapGeek.com, the Predators are projected to finish the 2010-2011 season with $51,013,844 in spending, which would be $8,386,156 under their $59.4 million cap limit. The Predators already had some wiggle room as far as finances are concerned.

On the other hand, the Ottawa Senators needed to make some salary cap room. Like the Predators, Ottawa has a $59.4 million limit. With the ousting of Mike Fisher from their books, the Sens are projected to finish the 2010-2011 season with $57,825,197 in spending, which would be $1,574,803 UNDER the limit.

Mission accomplished.

For Carrie Underwood, hubby hockey star Mike Fisher 'makes me a better person'

2010-11-09T11:04:00.001-05:00

By Bruce Ward, Postmedia News October 14, 2010

OTTAWA — The honeymoon glow still hasn’t worn off for Carrie Underwood, judging by her gushy remarks about her husband, Ottawa Senators star Mike Fisher, in a country music special edition of People magazine.

Underwood says Fisher is not only “ a better person than I am,” he also “makes me a better person.”
She also reveals that Fisher is the first person she calls with news and he now sleeps in her bedroom — a switch from the days when they were unmarried and “he had his own stuff in his own room.”

The honeymoon in Tahiti following their July wedding was wonderful, Underwood says in the cover story. But she yearned for her dog Ace constantly.

“When I went on my honeymoon, it was the worst thing ever being away from Ace for two weeks!” she tells People. “That’s the longest ever. Great honeymoon, but it was horrible without Ace. I was e-mailing my sister, ‘Send me pictures!’ I missed him like crazy.”

Underwood also says that under his tough hockey-player veneer, Fisher is fond of shopping and the couple likes to watch their favourite TV shows together.

“He likes to shop! There’s this rugged side, but we can also shop together and watch American Idol and The Bachelorette together!” Underwood says.

Fisher’s constant attention to his bride has clearly paid off. “Mike’s the missing piece to my puzzle. He’s my best friend and he makes me happy,” she says.

Referring to Fisher’s role as her beau in the video for her latest single Mama’s Song, Underwood reveals, “Mike doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, but he agreed to do it. At this point in my life, it would be weird to have a ‘rent-a-husband’ and be snuggling up to some guy I don’t know.”

Underwood, 27, also says that while she looks forward to seeing Fisher become a dad, the couple is in no hurry to have children.

“Right now, it wouldn’t be fair to either of us or the kid. It’s not like, ‘Biological clock! Gotta have them now!’ I’ve got plenty of time. I just want to enjoy being married.”
She also praises Fisher’s rock-solid spirituality.

“Mike is such a strong person, and he talks about his faith openly. He doesn’t go around making people feel bad, but when he’s asked, he’s honest. That’s how I want to be.”

Under Armour signs Mike Fisher

2010-10-27T13:55:00.001-04:00

Under Armour statement From http://www.uptownsports.ca/news.php#323

Adding Mike Fisher to our Under Armour team of athletes is very exciting. Mike joins our elite group players, and brings his character, work ethic and intensity to our brand.

We at Under Armour are looking forward to working with Mike for many years to come, equipping him on the ice in his training and as well in working with his many charitable ventures off the ice. Mike is truly a great asset to be adding to our team and we welcome him and wish him the best in 2010 and beyond

Mike Fisher Photoshop

2010-10-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

The 6th Sens blog wants you to have fun with Mike Fisher and Photoshop!

Life in the Fishbowl

2010-09-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

By Wayne Scanlan, The Ottawa Citizen

So, what did you do this summer?

Mike Fisher, after leading his teammates in goal scoring for the first time in 17 years, married superstar recording artist Carrie Underwood in the offseason and appeared in a music video with his bride, and the couple is having a new home built on the outskirts of Ottawa.

It can't be easy being a "Fish" in two fish bowls: the music/glam world he has married into and the fish bowl he has known, as a Canadian player on a Canadian-based National Hockey League team. Growing up in a small city like Peterborough, learning to skate and fish and hunt in his Kawartha Lakes backyard, was hardly ideal training for fending off paparazzi (although that crossbow he favours would come in handy).

But, on the surface, anyway, Fisher takes all the fuss and hype in stride.

"You know what, living in Ottawa, we're kind of protected from a lot of it," Fisher says. "Nashville, the same. It would be different if we were living in L.A. or New York or something, but we're fortunate to be living where we are. You just kind of learn to live with it. It's all good. It's all worth it."

Weddings are welcomed by most hockey teams as a sign a player is "settling down" after wild bachelor days. The devoutly religious Fisher hardly needed to moderate his lifestyle, but he'll take any post-wedding success that comes his way, if that's the tradition.

"I hope so," he says.

Not every player is marrying a famous singer, but Fisher says "marriage is marriage," behind the celebrity tag.

Even for his fellow, well-heeled NHL players, it's tough to keep up with the developments in Fisher's life over the past year.

For all of that, the first order of business on a slow Monday morning at Scotiabank Place was to ask the man about his groin. Specifically, Fisher left the Senators' practice early because of tightness in the groin area, a typical problem for him at this time of year.

Uh, Mike, about these training-camp injuries you always seem to get....

"Well, I'm no spring chicken anymore," Fisher says, grinning widely.

"I've been fortunate the past few years to play most of the games, so, as long as it's nothing serious, I can deal with it. I'll be fine."

Asked when "spring chicken" status expires, he says, "after 10 years."

For Fisher, 30, this will be his 11th NHL season, all with the Senators, none quite as prolific as last season, when he scored 25 goals to lead all Ottawa players.

Naturally, someone wondered when that last happened in his career.

"Junior? Nah, I don't even know if I did in junior," Fisher says. "Probably bantam. It has been a while."

Give him a career-high 53 points last season plus bonus marks for memory. While Fisher had a tremendous final season with the Ontario Hockey League's Sudbury Wolves in 1998-99, with 41 goals and 65 assists, a teammate named Norm Milley topped him with 52 goals and 68 assists.

Milley and Fisher don't make for a fair comparison anymore. Last year, Milley, a second-round draft choice (47th overall) of the Buffalo Sabres in 1998, just three selections behind Fisher, scored 20 goals for the Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams of the German Elite League.

Drafted for his physical game, Fisher has hit the 20-goal mark four times in the NHL, but admits he led the Senators in goals for two chief reasons:

- Injuries to top players, such as Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza; and,

- A regular turn on the power play.

After scoring just one power-play goal in 2008-09, Fisher counted 10 during manpower advantages last season, or 40 per cent of his 25 goals. Only Spezza, with 11, had more.

"You know what ... guys were hurt," he says. "I don't expect to lead the team (in goals). I'm going to do what I can do, but I'm not a top scoring type of guy, especially on our team when guys are healthy.

"I'm going to chip in, and I think I can do better than I did last year, for sure."

When his groin improves, pencil him again as the No. 2 centre behind Spezza and between veteran winger Alex Kovalev and one of the young guns, either Nick Foligno or Peter Regin. (Foligno has the early edge).

Not every NHLer takes his game upward at the age of 29 or 30, but Fisher says he could feel the improvement as his responsibility grew, especially on the power play.

"When you're scoring those goals, you're getting confidence and making better plays in other areas too," he says.

Predictions for Ottawa and the rest of the Eastern Conference for 2010-11 are all over the map, but Fisher thinks this is a "great group" coming together.

"We want to do some damage," he says.

"I feel we've got enough experience, and some good young guys, toughness, and a lot of different intangibles you need.

"There's a lot of great teams in this league, but I feel like we're right up there with some of the top ones when we're playing the way we know we can."

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Life+Fish+bowl/3588696/story.html#ixzz10w134oyO

Cameo in the wife's video

2010-09-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

Carrie Underwood's Mom (and Hubby) Cameo in New Music Video

2010-09-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

Source: People.com

Carrie Underwood's latest music video may look a little bit like a family home video. That's because it stars her mother Carole and new husband Mike Fisher.

The country singer, 27, enlisted her loved ones for the "Mama's Song" video, which premieres on Friday. The tune, off 2009's Play On, is about leaving the nest and finding the man of her dreams.

"[Mike's] not 'in' it but you can tell it's him," Underwood tells PEOPLE about the hockey player's cameo. "He hung out with my mom [on set] and he's great with her."

The lyrics for the song reference her upbringing – and her newlywed status.

"Mama you taught me to do the right things / So now you have to let your baby fly," she sings. "And I know you watch me grow up and always want what's best for me / And I think I found the answer to your prayers / And he is good, so good / He treats your little girl like a real man should."

What was the best part of making the video, which filmed in August? "Just seeing [Mike] in my world was sweet," she says.

The video premieres Friday on VEVO, and will also be available on PEOPLE.com.

• Reporting by EILEEN FINAN

Senators’ newlywed Fisher not pondering a move

2010-08-05T18:10:00.000-04:00

By Allen Panzeri, Postmedia News

OTTAWA — Mike Fisher is not interested in demanding a trade — not even if he has to live and work thousands of kilometres away from his new wife, country music star Carrie Underwood.

Fisher says he loves playing in Ottawa, where he has played his entire career since being drafted in 1998, and intends to play here for the final three years of his contract, which will pay him US$11-million in the next three seasons.

After that, it’s anyone’s guess where he’ll be playing. Fisher will be 33 and an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2013.

If the Senators no longer want him, maybe he could find a home with the Predators in Nashville, where Underwood lives. After all, Fisher and Underwood, who were married two weeks ago in Georgia, want to start a family, and it’d be a little difficult to do with one parent in Nashville and the other in Ottawa.
However, all of that is still somewhere down the road, said Fisher, who on Wednesday flatly brushed aside any suggestion he’d request a trade.

(It probably wouldn’t be too hard to arrange, though, because Senators general manager Bryan Murray and Predators general manager David Poile are close friends from their years together in the 1980s when Murray was coach and Poile was general manager of the Washington Capitals.)

“We’ve got that question a lot, and not just from media, but from friends, too, kind of asking what are our plans,” Fisher said during a break from his summer hockey school in Ottawa. “Obviously, I love it here in Ottawa, she likes it and she knows how much I like it, and I want to stay here my whole career, if possible.
“It feels like home, I’ve been here for so long. But it won’t be just up to me. It’ll be up to the team, too, after my contract is up. But we’re both comfortable here and home is where we are.”

What will be tricky is maintaining a long-distance relationship. Fisher probably has the busier schedule, with only about one day off a week. But he figures they’ll be OK. They’ve had plenty of experience during their courtship.

“We’re going to be apart a lot,” he said. “We’re both travelling and busy, but that’s not going to limit our relationship at all.

“It’s going to be the same as dating, really, being married, as far as back and forth. It’s all good. We’ll see each other when we can.

“We both obviously have an understanding of each other, and it’s going to be great.”

Fisher said the wedding and honeymoon were everything the couple had hoped they would be. It was relaxing and they spent some good time together, even if he’s still finding it difficult living in a world where celebrity photographers dog your every step.

“It is what it is,” he said. “I’ve never really got used to it, but she’s used to it. It’s a little different for me, but I’m learning to deal with it.

“It’s a part of life now, I guess. You can use it for good or bad, too.”

Bad news for hockey fans, though. Asked if being married would make him a better hockey player, Fisher said he didn’t think so.

“I don’t think I’ll change too much,” he said. “I’ll be the same.”

Ottawa Citizen

More Honeymoon Eye Candy

2010-07-14T08:42:00.000-04:00

Honeymoon Bound

2010-07-13T13:42:00.000-04:00

2010-07-13T13:35:00.000-04:00

Newlyweds Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher both had eye-catching jewelry on their left hands as they made their way through LAX headed off on their honeymoon yesterday. Carrie fiddled with her new band, but wasn't wearing her big diamond engagement sparkler. They were among the three celebrity twosomes who now share July 10, 2010 as their wedding anniversary. The country sweetheart — who is apparently already signing her name Carrie Fisher — and her hockey playing man had their special ceremony in Greensboro, GA on Saturday. They made a quick stop in LA on Sunday before heading off to enjoy their time together as husband and wife. Carrie is also doing well in our bikini bracket so if she's headed to the beach some two-piece relaxation may be in order. Congrats to the happy couple!

Source: http://www.popsugar.com/Pictures-Carrie-Underwoods-Wedding-Ring-Her-Way-Honeymoon-9087443

Fisher-Underwood tie the knot

2010-07-11T08:44:00.000-04:00

By Doug HempSTEAD, Ottawa Sun

It’s officially Mike and Carrie Fisher.

The elite wedding of Senators forward Mike Fisher, 30, and American sweetheart superstar country singer Carrie Underwood, 27, went ahead as planned Saturday in Greensboro, Ga.

The couple, known for steadfastly guarding their privacy, gave exclusive coverage rights to People magazine, which reported Saturday evening 250 friends and family witnessed the event, set to classical music and featured the religious couple’s favourite Bible readings.

Among those in attendance were country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, as well as Ottawa Senators Chris Phillips, Shean Donovan, Nick Foligno, Chris Neil and former teammate Wade Redden.

“We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!” the newlyweds told People in a statement, signing their names “Mike & Carrie Fisher.”

The magazine reports Underwood wore a Chantilly lace dress by Monique Lhuillier.

People’s website includes a statement attributed to the wedding planner who described the ceremony as “a spiritual expression of their love” for a “very special couple.”

Here in Ottawa, the event was known as Fisher’s wedding, while Stateside most thought of it as Underwood’s wedding. Many were referring to it simply as Fisherwood.

It seems it isn’t hockey fans who are behind the buzz — Underwood was the most-searched term on Yahoo! on Friday.

The wedding site the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, was chosen not only for its glitz, but also its seclusion. The waterfront property on Lake Oconee is about a two-hour drive from Atlanta and has basically one road going in or out.

That made it easy to cut the umbilical cord, severing media and fan access. Word was the entire facility was booked by the couple for $500,000.

Police even patrolled the waterways to keep boat-bound gaggles of admirers well back from shore.
A large white tent proved to be an efficient way of keeping paparazzi-hired helicopters from a bird’s eye view of the couple’s special day.

The weather was decent though — hot, to be certain, 33C.

Local media in Greensboro reported private security firms kept watch as limos filed into the plantation property for about 90 minutes.

The exact time of the wedding isn’t known, but is thought to have been around 5:30 p.m.

Even though the Ritz-Carlton is an open facility, management made sure all uninvited guests — that’s anyone without an armband, apparently — knew the rules days in advance. The following is an excerpt from a letter written July 8 to guests by Ralph L. Vick, general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Lodge.

“The lodge and all outlets, including the outdoor pool and spa will be closing at noon on July 9. Check out time tomorrow will be no later than noon. We appreciate your understanding.”

The newlyweds will likely spend their first night as man and wife in the Ritz’s Presidential House — a 5,400-sq.-ft. suite with mahogany furniture, marble floors and baths, and feather beds.

It’s not known for certain where the honeymoon will be, but Underwood told Life & Style magazine Fisher was in charge of that.

“I don’t where it is. That was Mike’s project.”

Several media outlets speculate the honeymoon will be in Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Underwood also told People they are forgoing a wedding registry.

“We just want people there — that’s the best gift,” she said. “The basics are always nice, like a nice bottle of wine. We can write your name on it and when you come over for dinner, we can break it out.”

Her next public appearance is scheduled to be NBC’s Today Show concert series July 30.

Mike and Carrie Kiss

2010-06-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Mike, Carrie's wedding to go ahead as planned

2010-06-17T10:39:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Sun

Senators centre Mike Fisher and singer Carrie Underwood will walk down the aisle this summer as planned.

While gossip websites have been reporting the last two days the wedding has been postponed until later in the summer over a disagreement between the bride and groom over meal plans, Fisher’s agent, Todd Reynolds, flatly denies any such spat.

“There’s nothing to it. I spoke to Mike (Tuesday), the date hasn’t changed,” said Reynolds. “We heard about (the rumours) a couple of days ago and we tweeted something about it just to say there’s nothing to it.”

OK Magazine and Aceshowbiz.com reported the couple couldn’t come to an agreement on the meal and claimed the nuptials were supposed to be held this month. Indications are Fisher and Underwood will wed in mid-July near Nashville.

Reports indicated that when the couple got engaged at Christmastime, Underwood wanted to get married in her hometown of Checotah, Okla., but realized it was too small to house such an enormous event. The magazine — and several websites — claim the guest list has ballooned to 250.
Reynolds wouldn't divulge any wedding details.

“I’m sworn to secrecy,” said Reynolds. “There’s wedding planners looking after it. I think that this (meal talk) is just people looking for something to write about.”

Reynolds said it would be difficult for the happy couple to change the plans at this point.
“There’s been no changes and there’s been no date change,” repeated Reynolds. “Can you imagine making the change of the date on something like this? It’d be like making a U-turn in an 18-wheeler on a one-way street.

There’s a lot of moving parts. I think it’s all just the rumour mill.”

Carrie Underwood Shows Off Her 6' 1" Prize

2010-06-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

Source: http://www.theboot.com/2010/06/11/carrie-underwood-mike-fisher-kiss/

Carrie Underwood walked away the big winner during the 2010 CMT Music Awards when she took home the "buckle" for CMT Performance of the Year and Video of the Year. But even before she accepted her first award, Carrie says she already had one prize, fiance Mike Fisher, by her side.

"It's really great having him there because no matter what happens, I go home a winner," Carrie said backstage at the awards. "I have the biggest prize -- it's the guy sitting next to me. Win or lose, I know he's proud of me, and that's really nice. But, of course, it's nice to share the good times with him, too, and to have him here for anything."

The two will tie the knot this year, but the singer admits she's still a bit uncertain how her wedding will compare to many celebrity weddings. "We're still working on everything," she said. "I haven't been to too many weddings, so I really don't have that much to compare it to. I guess the unique thing will be me and Mike. We've never been married before, so it will be like anybody else's wedding."

Earlier in the week, the glowing couple were given a bridal shower during the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge as the country music community welcomed Mike to the family. Besides the "shower," Carrie says that everybody has been extremely kind to her main squeeze, making him feel right at home.

"Everybody has been so nice and welcomed him," she said. "He was walking by Brad Paisley earlier, and he's like, 'Let's go hang out.' I said, 'I leave on Saturday to go back on the road.' He's like, 'We don't need her. Let's go.' Everybody's been super nice. Not that I expected anything different because I know what kind of people I'm around."

Carrie will indeed be on the road Saturday, June 12, taking her Play On tour to Birmingham, Ala.

Highlight Reel

2010-06-11T07:52:00.000-04:00

This is just cute.

Mike Fisher and Chris Neil are harassed by Mark Hatfield

2010-02-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

Dinner at the Grammy Awards

2010-02-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 30: Singer Carrie Underwood and professional hockey player Mike Fisher during the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards - Salute To Icons Honoring Doug Morris held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 30, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS)

More Grammy Eye Candy

2010-02-01T08:48:00.002-05:00

Fisher joins Underwood at Grammy Awards

2010-02-01T08:38:00.000-05:00

Ottawa Sun, February 1, 2010

Mike Fisher and fiancee country music singer Carrie Underwood arrive on the red carpet for the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. (Reuters)

It was quite a change of pace for the Senators' Mike Fisher.

After scoring the game-winning goal Saturday afternoon against the Montreal Canadiens to give the Sens a franchise-record nine wins in a row, Fisher jetted off to Los Angeles to be with fiancee Carrie Underwood for the Grammy Awards.

Only hours after the game, Fisher was rubbing elbows with music's elite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel where Sony Music's chief creative officer Clive Davis hosted an annual pre-Grammy party.

Hopefully, Fisher wasn't too worried when crooner Harry Connick Jr. joined Underwood on stage for a duet, When Somebody Loves You, before she performed solo, belting out her hit single Cowboy Casanova.
Among those at the party were Rihanna, Keri Hilson, Katy Perry, Ke$ha and Fergie.

Sunday evening, the newly engaged pair hit the red carpet and then took in the Grammy Awards ceremony. For the first time, Fisher was present to see Underwood pick up some musical hardware.

Underwood was awarded the Grammy for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for I Told You So with Randy Travis, but lost in the Best Country Song category to Taylor Swift's White Horse.

No word on whether the team expects Fisher to take part in Monday morning's skate, which would be a killer given the Grammy Awards went late into Sunday night.

More eye candy from the Bell Sens Soiree

2010-01-26T11:10:00.000-05:00

Photographs by Jean Levac, David Gonczo, The Ottawa Citizen

Bell Sens soiree

2010-01-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

Underwood, Fisher step out together

2010-01-26T08:55:00.002-05:00

By OONA WOODS, Special to the Ottawa Sun
January 26, 2009

Carrie Underwood joked about eloping as the cameras flashed during her first-ever appearance with Mike Fisher as an engaged couple.

The debut came at the Bell Sens Soiree Carnaval Mystique fundraiser for the Sens Foundation at the Lac-Leamy Casino on Monday night.

"No, no, that's not really my style," she said after a party-goer asked her if she had considered it. "But, you know, sometimes, maybe I think about it".

Ottawa media were the first to capture pictures of Fisher and Underwood. U.S. gossip magazines have reportedly offered up to $50,000 for pictures of the couple together — having had to make do with hockey pictures of Fisher spliced alongside various glamorous shots of American Idol winner Underwood.

Shean Donovan was holding court as croupier at the blackjack table before Underwood was ushered over to take part with guests who paid $450 each to be there (corporate tables ran to $4,500). Fisher soon followed, jokingly saying that "I've got my eye on you" to teammate Donovan.

Tarot readers, glitter-clad contortionists and fortune tellers mingled with the elite attending the carny-styled event that also attracted Ottawa mayoral candidate Jim Watson — along with Sens brass, players and members of the business community.

Donovan soon vacated the spot of croupier, handily replaced by Fisher who seemed to instinctively know his way around a poker table. Underwood was comfortable and close with Fisher, taking his arm, patting his hand and joking about her ability to play blackjack.

"I just can't add that fast," she said as Fisher adeptly added up the scores of the women (yes, only women) at the table. Fisher also displayed flourishes-of-hand and gave her advice on how to deal the cards.

"No, take it with your left hand and then transfer it to your right," he admonished after she reached across the table to deal.

Underwood was very friendly with the assembled crowd — even cheered when they scored a blackjack.
Sens centre Jason Spezza's wife Jennifer said, "You can tell where Carrie Underwood is — just follow the glare of the cameras," indicating to the brightly lit spot where Underwood was standing.

"Her schedule is so busy, we haven't had a chance to get to know each other, but she seems very nice," she said.

Meantime, Alex Kovalev — looking much taller than he does in recent team photos — was asked if he had a hand in organizing the Fisher-Underwood wedding, "Yes" he deadpanned in heavily accented Russian.

It's true: Mike & Carrie engaged

2009-12-21T15:50:00.001-05:00

Ottawa Sun, December 21, 2009

Senators heartthrob Mike Fisher and his country singer superstar girlfriend Carrie Underwood are engaged to be married.

Fisher confirmed their engagement just moments ago as the Senators prepared for tonight's game against the Boston Bruins at Scoriabank Place. Responding to questions, he said he popped the question to Underwood on Sunday, but declined to offer any other details at this point.

"It's true," said Fisher. "We're both obviously excited and very happy."

Senators teammate Chris Neil said Fisher called him not long after popping the question.

"I think it's great. It's a long time coming. There's going to be a lot of broken hearts in Ottawa with all those girls who are in love with Mikey," said Neil.

Underwood's publicity agent Jessie Schmidt also confirmed the engagement. She said no date has been set for the wedding, and also could not provide any further details.

The blogosphere had been alive and buzzing since Sunday with rumours the celebrity couple had become engaged. The rumours began spreading after a friend of Underwood’s family congratulated the former American Idol and the Senators centre on their upcoming marriage on his Twitter page last night.

This morning, a source close to the couple confirmed to the Ottawa Sun that Fisher popped the question and Underwood had accepted the proposal.

Underwood, who makes her home in Nashville, was in Ottawa through the weekend and was on hand for the club’s 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild Saturday at Scotiabank Place. It's not known if she will also be at tonight's game against the Boston Bruins.

The couple has been dating for approximately a year. They have kept their relationship largely out of the media -- quite an accomplishment for one of Nashville's hottest stars and one of the NHL's most eligible bachelors -- but had recently begun speaking in public about their love affair.

Link to video: http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/12/21/12226131.html

Are Fisher and Underwood Engaged?

2009-12-21T06:52:00.000-05:00

December 21, 2009, Ottawa Citizen

OTTAWA — The Twittersphere is ablaze with the rumour that Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher is engaged to American music star Carrie Underwood.

The news has not been confirmed by Fisher, 29, or Underwood, 26, and a Senators publicist said the team does not comment on players' personal lives.

Fisher's Wikipedia page had been updated Sunday night to say the couple was engaged — but time will tell whether that will stay unchanged. Underwood's Wikipedia page did not have the news, nor did her official website.

On Twitter, a user giving the name Colin Peter tweeted that he attended a Christmas party with Mike Fisher's cousin, who received a call from family to share the news.

"Congratulations to mike fisher and Carrie underwood! We just got the call at our family Christmas get together :)"

Carrie Underwood fans using Twitter reported seeing Peter's account with the original tweet announcing the engagement before he protected his account due to mass attention. One claims Peter confirmed the news in a private message when asked.

A number of minor celebrity blogs and websites picked up on the Twitter rumour mill Sunday night, though none went so far as to confirm the news.

Looks as though Monday's morning skate will be an interesting — or irritating — one for Fisher. The Senators play the Boston Bruins on home ice Monday.

Mike Fisher for Team Canada

2009-12-18T19:05:00.001-05:00

http://mikefisherforteamcanada2010.ca/

Getting to know ... Mike Fisher

2009-12-14T11:32:00.002-05:00

There's much more to Sens centre than his hard-working play

Wednesday, 09.12.2009 / 10:25 AM / Features

By Rob Brodie (via http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=509203&cmpid)

In many ways, Mike Fisher embodies everything that is good about the Ottawa Senators organization.

He’s a hard-working guy both on and off the ice, someone who feels as invested in his community as the National Hockey League team he’s been a part of for nearly a decade.

But there’s much more to the 29-year-old native of Peterborough, Ont., than just hockey. He tirelessly supports such charity causes as Roger’s House and runs his own summer hockey camp in Orleans.
Oh, and perhaps you’ve heard of his celebrity girlfriend, country music star Carrie Underwood?

Fisher took a few minutes to talk with OttawaSenators.com about hockey and his life:

Q: You come from an area that is all about hockey. Who were your hockey idols growing up in the Peterborough region?
A: Lots of guys who came through there. Mike Ricci, Tie Domi, Chris Pronger, Cory Stillman. They’re guys I watched when they played for the Petes (of the Ontario Hockey League).

Q: That area is also known as ‘cottage country.’ Do you have a cottage in the area? What’s that like?
A: I have a place about 40 minutes north of Peterborough that I live at during the summer. I enjoy boating, water skiing, jet skiing, tubing and all that stuff while I’m there.

Q: If you weren’t a hockey player, what sport would you like to play for a living?
A: I’ve never played football but it would probably be fun. Or maybe golf.

Q: If you weren’t a forward, what other position would you like to play?
A: I’d like to be a goalie. I always liked playing goalie during road hockey.

Q: What is your favourite NHL city to visit?
A: We don’t get out to L.A. too much, so it’s always a nice change. Or Florida. The weather’s nice there.

Q: What do you like to do to relax?
A: I like hunting or watching golf or football on Sundays and going to church. Sundays are regular days off for us, so that’s how I enjoy my Sundays.

Q: Your favourite type of music?
A: I like everything. I like country, I listen to some Christian music, worship, rock, alternative. You name it.

Q: Your favourite Carrie Underwood song?
A: Temporary Home. It’s on her new album that just came out (Play On).

Q: Your favourite type of reading?
A: I read a lot of Christian books, inspirational stuff. Some leadership stuff, too.

Q: What’s your favourite TV show?
A: I’d probably say Seinfeld.

Q: If you’re cooking dinner, what’s the perfect meal?
A: For me, it would be a steak and potatoes kind of deal. Something on the barbecue.

Q: What do you enjoy most about doing community work in Ottawa?
A: I just enjoy being able to help out. Usually, you get a lot more out of it than you put into it. It just puts thing into perspective and you feel fortunate about what you have. I just enjoy interacting mostly with kids.

Q: What’s the most fun thing about running your hockey school?
A: Being with kids is always fun, and seeing them learn and progress and trying to help them out as much as you can. And seeing how excited they are to be there is fun.

Another torch pic

2009-12-14T11:31:00.003-05:00

'Proud to be Canadian'

2009-12-14T11:26:00.002-05:00

Fisher shares the flame as Olympic Torch Relay hits Gatineau

Friday, 11.12.2009 / 8:21 PM /

By Rob Brodie (via senators.nhl.com)

As he held aloft the flame that never ceases to capture the attention of the world, Mike Fisher was filled with a mix of emotions.

But on a frosty Friday night in Gatineau, one thought was so clear and so unmistakable.

"I was proud to be Canadian," the Ottawa Senators centre said after doing his part to bring the Olympic Torch Relay into the national capital region.

Clad in a white track suit with the words 'Vancouver 2010' emblazoned on the pant legs with a Winter Games toque protecting him from the chill of the wintry winds, Fisher jogged for 300 metres down Boulevard du Carrefour in Gatineau to a round of cheers that also included a few 'Go Sens Go' chants.

"Everything they've got going on here, it's pretty neat to be a part of it," Fisher said after running behind the convoy of vehicles that is leading the coast-to-coast torch relay.

Just after making the turn onto Boulevard de la Cité, Fisher stopped to light a torch held by Jean Labonté, the captain of Canada's national sledge hockey team. Labonté brought the flame into Place de la Cité and, after making his way through a wildly cheering throng, mounted a stage and lit the Olympic cauldron.

Fisher enjoyed his own share of cheers, starting from the moment he climbed into a van that carried the torchbearers to their designated starting points. He was mobbed by fans after his run was done, sharing a keepsake photo with a number of them.

The entire experience brought the Olympic spirit a little closer to Fisher, something he clearly felt as he took his turn carrying the torch.

"Just that I was proud to be Canadian, and the Olympics and everything that it represents," Fisher said when asked afterward about his thoughts as he ran with the torch. "A lot of different things and emotions. I'm very fortunate to do it and it was neat."

There's one moment that might possibly top it — playing for Team Canada at the Vancouver Games. Fisher's hot start with the Senators this season has at least put his name into the conversation for a spot on that team.

"Just that I was proud to be Canadian, and the Olympics and everything that it represents. A lot of different things and emotions. I'm very fortunate to do it and it was neat." - Mike Fisher

"That would be even better," Fisher said about the prospect of suiting up for Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics. "It would be a dream come true if I was able to put the Canadian jersey on (in Vancouver)."

The torch relay will spend the weekend in Ottawa-Gatineau, with three other members of the Senators organization taking part in it. Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray will carry the flame from the Alexandra Bridge into Ottawa around 12:10 p.m. on Saturday. Then on Sunday morning, the relay will wind its way down Palladium Drive past Scotiabank Place, with Bill Courchaine, the Sens' director of sales and corporate partnership, carrying the torch at 8:40 a.m.

On Monday at about 7 a.m,, Senators president Cyril Leeder takes the torch down King Edward Avenue in downtown Ottawa, between Laurier Avenue East and Osgoode Street.

The 106-day relay, which involves 12,000 torchbearers, will visit more than 1,000 Canadian communities. Traversing in excess of 45,000 kilometres, it is the longest torch relay in Olympic history, culminating in the opening ceremony of the Vancouver Games on Feb. 12.

Fisher tries not to dream too big

2009-12-12T16:46:00.003-05:00

Olympics would be 'nice surprise,' but Sens his focus

By Ken Warren, The Ottawa Citizen

Photograph by: Wayne Cuddington, The Ottawa Citizen

Mike Fisher will get his taste of the Olympic spirit tonight when he carries the torch through the streets of Gatineau.

In Fisher's perfect world, of course, he would be in the middle of the action during the Olympics, playing for the Canadian hockey team.

Fisher isn't getting carried away, though. He realizes his chances of making the roster are somewhere between slim and non-existent, but he hasn't given up hope completely. Steve Yzerman, executive director of Canada's Olympic team, will announce the roster on Dec. 30.

"It would be a real nice surprise if that ever happened, but, right now, I'm just focused on what I have to do here, and whatever happens, happens," Fisher said before Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. "That team is so hard to make. I'm probably a longshot, but who knows? I feel like I'm playing pretty well and I just want to keep it going."

Fisher wasn't on Yzerman's radar in the summer, as 25 other forwards, including fellow Senators centre Jason Spezza, were invited to a summer orientation camp in Calgary.

Yet, while Spezza has struggled through the first three months of the season, Fisher has been a blessing for the Senators. He scored his 13th goal of the season in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, equalling his goal output for the entire 2008-09 season. Fisher also had 11 assists before Thursday's game and his all-out physical style could be an asset if Yzerman is looking for some players with a rougher edge.

Fisher recognizes he would probably have no chance to play his natural centre position for Canada, considering the likes of Sidney Crosby, Joe Thornton, Ryan Getzlaf, Mike Richards, Jonathan Toews, Jordan Staal, Vincent Lecavalier and Derek Roy are all centres, too.

Yet, if Yzerman asked Fisher to play the wing, he would fly to Vancouver with bells on.

"I had a chance to play the wing earlier in the year," he said. "I know I can play both positions. Maybe that helps (my chances), but again, I don't know. Regardless, I'm trying not to think too much about it. I just have to give it heck here for the next 20 days (before the announcement)."

Mike Fisher, Bryan Murray, Senators brass to carry Olympic Flame

2009-12-10T12:36:00.003-05:00

By Ken Warren, The Ottawa Citizen

Photograph by: Christian Petersen, Getty Images

OTTAWA — Ottawa Senators centre Mike Fisher will carry the Olympic flame in Gatineau on Friday.

At approximately 6:50 p.m., Fisher will be handed the torch from the Preservation Centre along Boulevard du Carrefour to the intersection of Boulevard de la Cite. A community celebration will be underway as the Olympic Flame arrives at Place de la Cite at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, at approximately 12:10 p.m., general manager Bryan Murray will carry the torch as the relay crosses the Alexandra Bridge to St. Patrick Street between the Samuel-de-Champlain Monument and Sussex Drive.

Bill Courchaine, the Senators director of sales and corporate partnerships, will take the Olympic Flame along Palladium Drive up to Scotiabank Place at 8:40 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Senators president Cyril Leeder is the last of the team's representatives to take part in the honour. On Monday, Dec. 14, around 7 a.m., Leeder will take the torch on King Edward Avenue near Laurier Avenue East and go south up to Osgood Street.

Fisher talks about Underwood

2009-11-23T08:29:00.002-05:00

By DON BRENNAN, Sun Media

November 23, 2009

Mike Fisher made a vow to his girlfriend of almost a year when she wrote a love note to him for all the world to see.

“I told her that when my CD came out, I’d return the favour,” the Senators centre said with a laugh after Saturday’s 5-3 win over Buffalo.

In an exclusive interview with Sun Media, Fisher also chuckled when asked if he had any immediate plans to propose to country singing superstar Carrie Underwood, who he has been dating since near the start of this year.

“Who are you, Ellen?” he joked, referring to Ellen DeGeneres, the popular daytime TV host who last week pressed Underwood with similar questions.

While saying there are no marriage plans in the immediate future, Fisher admitted Underwood is just his second “serious girlfriend.”

“There’s been only one other girlfriend, really,” he said. “It lasted a while, but it was a long time ago.”

Underwood told Ellen that her relationship with Fisher represents the longest she has had with a boyfriend. A 26-year-old Grammy winner who calls Nashville home, Underwood responded with an emphatic “no” when asked if she and Fisher plan on moving in together.

“Call me old-fashioned,” she said, “He’s there. I’m here. We’re both doing our thing and it’s good. The next guy I move in with will be my hubby, whoever that is. I’m not saying it’s going to be him.”

But there’s also no question of how she feels about Fisher.

In the liner notes of her new CD, Play On, Underwood wrote “thank you #12.”

“You are the most amazing addition to my life!” the inscription stated. “You are such a wonderful person and have had such an amazing hand in the building of this album and in the growth of me as a person. I love you so much. You make my life better in every way! I thank God for you every day ... xoxo, Carrie.”

Fisher was tickled by the message.

“Obviously, it was very nice,” he said. “I was happy she included me in something like that.”

The 29-year-old Senator was also discussed when Underwood appeared on Live With Regis and Kelly earlier this month.

“You got yourself a good-looking brute,” said Regis Philbin, holding up a large photo of Fisher to the studio audience.

“He is, yeah,” replied Underwood. “He told me to tell you hello.”

Fisher chuckled over being referred to as a “brute.”

“I saw it,” he said of the TV appearance. “I got the schedule. I can’t miss it, you know. Yeah it was fun. I wish they had a better picture, but ...

“I like Regis and Kelly.”

Despite the attention from the entertainment world, Fisher said he and Underwood would prefer to keep their romance out of the tabloids and public eye.

“We’re pretty private, and we obviously want to keep it that way,” he said. “Keep our relationship and details really private. But at the same time, we’re both happy with the way things are.

“I’m obviously happy, and it’s been a good start so far on the ice, and things are great off the ice.”

Fisher and Daniel Alfredsson have been Ottawa’s best two players. At the 20-game mark, Fisher has nine goals and is second in team scoring with 20 points, a key member of the team’s 11th-ranked penalty kill and 17th in the league on faceoffs with a 54.4 winning percentage.

Fisher, who is coming off a sub-par 2008-09 campaign in which he had 32 points, thinks his relationship with Underwood has played a part in his success thus far. He says he meets up with Underwood more often than most people know and when her schedule prevents her from watching a game, she listens to it.

“Yeah, there definitely can be (a tie-in) ... she expects me to score every night now,” laughed Fisher, who has six points in the three games heading into tonight’s Scotiabank Place meeting with Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. “This year, I think, I felt a little more relaxed coming into the season. Because of the bad season I had last year, there was kind of less pressure, and I was like, you know what, I’m just going to play and have fun.”

Fisher, who has worked his way into consideration with the Team Canada selection committee, admits his confidence is high.

“I think I’m playing pretty good, but I really don’t know what they’re looking for, as a team. There are so many good players that can come in and play. Obviously, it would be definitely a thrill. Maybe they are looking at me, but who knows?

“I feel really good. It’s amazing what confidence will do. I just want to keep it going. I feel now I’m playing offensively like I always knew I can.

“I definitely feel so much better with the puck ... I’m relaxed.”

Meanwhile, off-ice interests aren’t about to lead him to GM Bryan Murray’s office.

“No, I don’t want a trade to Nashville,” he joked.

Turpin Ball Hockey 2009

2009-11-01T10:23:00.001-05:00

Mike Fisher Wins Hot 89.9 Contest

2009-11-01T08:30:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Sens Town Blog.

3rd Annual Turpin Ball Hockey Tournament

2009-11-01T08:19:00.003-05:00

Smile!

2009-10-29T08:51:00.001-04:00

SUNRISE, FL - OCTOBER 28: Filip Kuba (notes) #17 congratulates Mike Fisher (notes) #12 of the Ottawa Senators after he scored a goal against the Florida Panthers on October 28, 2009 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Dejected

2009-10-24T08:54:00.000-04:00

OTTAWA - OCTOBER 22: Mike Fisher (notes) #12 of the Ottawa Senators skates away dejected while Shea Weber (notes) #6 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his game winning overtime goal in a game at Scotiabank Place on October 22, 2009 in Ottawa, Canada. The Nashville Predators defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-5 in overtime. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Fisher comments on the changes to the team

2009-10-11T11:46:00.004-04:00

Fight!

2009-10-03T22:33:00.005-04:00

Fisher drops the gloves!

Sens give Fisher 'A'

2009-10-02T20:44:00.009-04:00

source: Ottawa Sun, October 2, 2009

The Senators have named veteran Mike Fisher an alternate captain, and allowed defenceman Christoph Schubert to move on to the Atlanta Thrashers.

The squad made the announcements at a morning skate on Friday, just before leaving for New York where they will open the regular season on Saturday night against the Rangers.

"He's a very good leader. He brings what we are looking for," said coach Cory Clouston of handing the "A' to Fisher.

Although he had missed practice earlier this week with for undisclosed 'minor things," Fisher was back on the ice Friday. He gets the 'A' left behind by the departure of Dany Heatley in a trade to the San Jose Sharks. Heatley had asked to be traded earlier this summer.

"It's definitely a nice honour but we have lots of guys in our who are leaders," said Fisher, who is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday's game.

World Championships

2009-04-27T10:31:00.002-04:00

Mike and his team-mates at the World Championships in Zurich.

Back in Black

2009-01-06T09:09:00.002-05:00

Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood romantically linked

2009-01-06T08:50:00.002-05:00

OTTAWA — Romance is in the air at Scotiabank Place.

Ottawa Senators centre Mike Fisher and former American Idol singer Carrie Underwood are dating and the love match has apparently been going strong for months.

Ms. Underwood, 25, was at the Sens-Toronto Maple Leafs game Saturday night where the Jumbotron “Hug Cam” at the Air Canada Centre spotted her in a private VIP box hugging two people sitting next to her. Mr. Fisher’s parents and his brother, Bud, also a hockey player, were in the box watching the team go down to the Leafs in a 3-1 battle.

The romance apparently began after Mr. Fisher, 28, went backstage following Ms. Underwood’s March 21 concert at Scotiabank Place where she performed before 7,700 country fans. The couple hit it off, say observers, and then began dating some time after their initial meeting.

The struggling Ottawa Senators are in Buffalo for a game Tuesday night against the Sabres. Reached Monday at practice, Mr. Fisher declined to talk to reporters about his romance with the country singer who is a multi-platinum recording artist and Grammy-award winner.

“I can’t comment on anything in my personal life, so that’s about all I can say. I don’t really want to say anything,” he said.

But indications are the romance continues to grow and that the country singer and vegetarian has already met most of Mr. Fisher’s family.

On New Year’s Eve, Ms. Underwood and Mr. Fisher’s sister dropped into Rinaldo’s swanky digs on George Street for some deluxe pampering and pedicures.

“She was here with Mike Fisher’s sister and the staff took good care of them,” said Pat Rinaldo.

“She was very quiet, very sweet and pleasant. She wasn’t demanding at all, everyone loved her and a lot of people recognized her.”

Ms. Underwood was being pampered prior to her going to a New Year’s Eve bash at Jason Spezza’s Westboro home where other players on the team were also guests.

Ms. Underwood is scheduled to perform at the People's Choice Awards Tuesday night where she is nominated for Favourite Female Artist, Favourite Star 35 and Under, and Favourite Country Song for the song Last Name.

Ottawa fitness trainer Tony Greco, a close friend of Mr. Fisher, says he thinks the couple are made for each other.

“I think it’s serious, I mean he’s really happy with her. They’re a perfect match,” said Mr. Greco.

Mr. Fisher is a big country music fan and is known to have strong Christian values. In the off-season, he devotes his time to hockey camps in his hometown of Peterborough and Kingston through Hockey Ministries International.

Ms. Underwood was raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma and began performing at the Free Will Baptist Church and area talent shows. She won season four of American Idol and parlayed that into great success in country recordings and concerts.

She dated Chace Crawford, an actor from the TV-series Gossip Girl, but that relationship ended some time ago, according to news reports.

With files from Ken Warren

Carrie Underwood & Mike Fisher: New Couple?

2009-01-05T21:00:00.001-05:00

Source: JustJared.com

Carrie Underwood may have her eyes set on a hot new boy - Canadian hockey player Mike Fisher.

The 25-year-old American Idol alum was spotted with her hair tied back at the "Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs" hockey game at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Saturday (January 3). Carrie's 28-year-old Canuck cutie played with his fellow Senators but unfortunately
lost out to the Leafs 3-1.

Carrie watched the game from the VIP box with Fisher's family, including his
younger brother Bud. She was shown on the big Jumbotron screen's "Hug Cam"
throughout the game as she hugged the two people sitting next to her.

"She looked like she was having a great time," a spywitness reveals to
JustJared.com. "They have been talking for a while, but when the romance
with Dr. Travis Stork didn't go anywhere, she decided to take some time for
some hot hockey player action."

Before Stork, Carrie was romantically linked to Gossip Girl hunk Chace
Crawford.

A bunch of 'thugs?'

2008-12-15T07:05:00.003-05:00

By CHRIS STEVENSON, SUN MEDIA

As far as Don Cherry is concerned, the Senators aren't dressed for success.

The television icon ranted on about the shabby dressing habits of the Senators and the Tampa Bay Lightning on his popular Coach's Corner segment on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, saying it's no wonder both teams find themselves at the bottom of the standings given their homely haberdashery.

Cherry started off his segment with a clip of the Washington Capitals walking into the Bell Centre for Saturday night's game against the Canadiens in Montreal. The Caps, tops in the Southeast Division with an 18-10-3 record under coach Bruce Boudreau, were walking into the rink wearing suits and ties.

"Look at this, a first-place club. Boudreau's got them looking good. First place, smokin' along. Don't they look good? That's the way to dress when you're walking in and all the kids see ya," said Cherry.

He then cut to shots of the Lightning, last in the NHL with a 7-15-8 record, and the Senators, last in the Northeast Division with an 11-12-5 record, walking into Scotiabank Place for Saturday night's game, won 2-0 by the Senators.

The first shot was of Tampa defenceman Andrej Meszaros, talking on a telephone, and some teammates. He was wearing an open-necked shirt, a black jacket and a black toque.

"Now I'm gonna show ya two thugs. Look at this, this is Tampa, a last-place club. Don't they look like a bunch of thugs? Look at this guy, Meszaros. They're gonna steal your hubcaps," said Cherry.

Then there was a shot of Senators centre Mike Fisher walking into the rink -- dressed similarly to Meszaros.

"Wait until you see Ottawa. This is Ottawa walking in, another last-place club. Look, two thugs," said Cherry as the screen showed Fisher and Meszaros talking and laughing. "They're going to break into your car every time. Million-dollar guys. Aren't they a great example for kids?"

Fisher brushed off Cherry's comments.

"Our dress code hasn't changed in the nine years I've been here and we've been in first place for a lot of those years," said Fisher yesterday. "I haven't dressed differently. Some nights I wear a tie and some I don't.

"When it's cold, I'll throw a sweater over top. If you're wearing a trenchcoat you can't even tell anyway.

"Seeing some of his outfits, I don't know if he should be commenting."

Coach's Corner co-host Ron MacLean commented on the Senators stopping to talk to Meszaros, a former teammate. "One thing that is apparent is they love Meszaros," said MacLean.

"Yeah, they're going to have a love affair ... and that's the way they're playing," said Cherry.

" 'Oh, don't hit me.' Look at that. Isn't that sickening?"

Before the season, in a memo circulated to media who travel with the Senators, the team dress code on road trips was described as "business casual, i.e., minimum of sports jacket, dress pants, golf shirt and dress shoes.''

Fisher Hit

2008-11-30T17:03:00.000-05:00

We Fish You A Merry Christmas

2008-11-24T21:37:00.004-05:00

The annual Trees of Hope corporate tree trimming event features Bob-FM and their Mike Fisher themed tree!

Overtime Interview

2008-11-20T20:13:00.004-05:00

Pain

2008-11-20T15:47:00.004-05:00

Fisher out two weeks

2008-11-20T15:38:00.001-05:00

Photograph by : REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine

James Gordon, The Ottawa Citizen
November 19, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have lost centre Mike Fisher for two weeks and hope winger Chris Neil won't be out much longer than that.

Each player injured a knee this week - Fisher against the New York Rangers Monday and Neil against the Islanders on Saturday.

"(Fisher) has got a strained ligament in his knee, so he'll probably be out a couple weeks," head coach Craig Hartsburg said following practice Wednesday. "Chris Neil will have surgery, a scope, on Friday to clean up some meniscus tear there and not sure exactly how long (he'll be out)...we'll wait and see how the surgery goes."

Hartsburg suggested Neil will be out longer than Fisher, but not by much.
The injuries come at a bad time for the Senators, who are currently mired in a five-game losing streak. The team could call up a replacement for Fisher from Binghamton or put Christoph Schubert, who was a healthy scratch against the Rangers, back into the lineup.

Fisher Goal!

2008-11-08T19:30:00.002-05:00

Fisher finally cracks scoresheet in dramatic fashion

2008-11-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

Ken Warren, Canwest News Service Published: Tuesday, November 04, 2008

(Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher scores the winning goal against Washington Capitals' goalie Brent Johnson in the last minute of overtime during their NHL hockey game in Ottawa November 4, 2008.)

OTTAWA -- Mike Fisher couldn't have answered his critics in a more dramatic fashion.

Fisher scored his first goal of the season with 39 seconds remaining in overtime, handing the Ottawa Senators a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals Tuesday night.

Fisher's opening nine games had been a story in frustration, with him producing nothing but zeros in both the goals and assists department.

The disappointment ended -to a degree - against the Capitals.

In addition to scoring the game winner, Fisher also delivered an assist on Dany Heatley's second period goal which opened the scoring.

As exciting as the finish was, it never should have arrived at that point.

The Senators did many of the necessary things, shutting down Alexander Ovechkin and displaying the same, solid, structured game plan they displayed on their recently completed four-game road trip, to put themselves in position for victory.

Yet a combination of failed opportunities on the power play and the standout play of Capitals goaltender Brent Johnson - he made 42 saves - forced the Senators to play extra time.
Johnson made several sharp stops in the final period, with the Senators picking up the pace.
Senators goaltender Alex Auld, who stopped 25 shots in the first three periods, also did his part. His biggest save was a right-pad stop off Alexander Semin with 8:20 remaining in regulation.
The Senators came into the game sporting the NHL's fourth-best power play - converting on exactly one of every four opportunities - but you wouldn't have known it based on Tuesday's performance.

Handed several gift chances by referees Eric Furlatt and Don Koharski, the Senators failed to take advantage.

The table was set for Ottawa to take a lead into the third period after Capitals veteran Sergei Fedorov received a double minor. After receiving a hooking call, Fedorov apparently offered a few choice words to the officials, wondering why the Capitals were on the wrong end of so many calls.

Back in the first period, the Senators were granted a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:57. On both occasions, the Senators failed to convert, allowing the Capitals to hang around for far too long.
As a result, the teams headed into the third period deadlocked 1-1.

Up to that point, all the scoring came in a span of 2:13 early in the second period.
Heatley broke the ice, beating Johnson on a breakaway, following a perfect pass from Fisher.
The buzz around Fisher's first point of the season didn't last long, as Tomas Fleischmann converted a pretty tick-tack-toe passing play with Mike Green and Alexander Semin to tie the game.

The game was scoreless following the opening period, when the Senators failed to cash in with their lengthy two-man advantage. Heatley fanning on the best opportunity in the opening seconds of the two-man edge.

Capitals goaltender Brent Johnson was also sharp to keep the Senators from scoring early.
Four minutes into the game, Capitals defenceman Jeff Schultz overskated the puck at the blue-line, allowing Daniel Alfredsson to take off on a long breakaway. However, Johnson bailed out his defencemen, stopping Alfredsson with a nifty poke check when Alfredsson attempted to deke the goaltender.

While the Senators outshot the Capitals 13-9 and answered the call for a spirited start at Scotiabank Place, Alexander Ovechkin also came close several times against Auld.
Auld, who came into the game having allowed only five goals in his past three games, was once again solid in making his sixth consecutive start.

Fisher Winning Goal!

2008-11-05T19:44:00.003-05:00

Fisher vs. Weber Fight

2008-10-29T17:56:00.002-04:00

Fisher moves up, Spezza moves down

2008-10-20T19:22:00.001-04:00

Jason Spezza has been taken off the top line with Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson.

Mike Fisher will replace him there.

Spezza will now centre a line with Nick Foligno and Jesse Winchester.

Spezza will now centre a line with Nick Foligno and Jesse Winchester.
(sportsnet.ca)

Fisher's line shows promise for Sens

2008-10-14T13:16:00.005-04:00

Jean Levac, Ottawa CitizenMike Fisher of the Ottawa Senators blocks against Chris Osgood of the Detroit Red Wings during first period action at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Saturday.

Allen Panzeri, Canwest News Service Published: Sunday, October 12, 2008

OTTAWA -- When Mike Fisher made his season debut on Saturday night, it wasn't a moment too soon for the Ottawa Senators.

Fisher was needed not only because of captain Daniel Alfredsson's absence due to injury, but also because coach Craig Hartsburg needs to find a line that will provide some secondary scoring.

If the Senators only offensive weapon is going to be the Alfredsson-Jason Spezza-Dany Heatley line, then even the most ardent Ottawa fans will have to admit that the team is an easy target for National Hockey League opponents.

Check the big line and take your chances with the other three. Not bad odds.

Hartsburg is counting on Fisher, among others, to provide the scoring that will make the attack more balanced. The groin injury that bothered Fisher during training camp and forced him to miss the first two regular-season games in Stockholm delayed the experiment.

In Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Red Wings, Hartsburg had Fisher at centre with Nick Foligno, who scored a goal, and Chris Neil. The line showed promise. In Sweden, Hartsburg talked about lining Fisher up with Antoine Vermette, but Alfredsson's knee surgery has forced some shuffling.

Whoever Fisher's with, however, the 28-year-old centre is going to be expected to better the 23 goals and 24 assists he got last season.

Hartsburg calls Fisher a "heart-and-soul" guy and says he's going to use him on the power play and to kill penalties.

More importantly, no one, from the second to the fourth line, will think it's OK just to be sound defensively.

"What happens, to me, is that guys get themselves into situations where they don't think they have to score," Hartsburg said. "We want everybody to play the right way, compete, and play well defensively, but you still have to try to produce some offence for us.

"Everybody, even the fourth line, if they kick some goals in, that changes the game for us."
For the past three seasons, Fisher's numbers have been clustered in the same area code: 44 points (22 goals) in 2005-06, 48 points (22 goals) in 2006-07 and 47 points (23 goals) last season.

Everyone has been patiently waiting for him to have a breakout season, one that would take him into the 30-30 range, but that season has yet to arrive.

Certainly last season was frustrating for anyone looking for a semblance of consistency.

While Fisher collected 47 points, he had skids of 14, 18, and seven games without a goal. It's not being harsh to say that a second-line centre has to be more consistent than that.

So the question is: Is this as good as it gets for Fisher, or is that breakout year still just around the corner?

One person who'd like to think it is still ahead of Fisher is Senators general manager Bryan Murray, who signed him to a five-year extension worth $21 million US last year.

Fisher said he was irritated by his inconsistency last season but hopes it taught him something.
"Typically I've been fairly consistent," he said. "I went through last year, but that's how you learn and become a better player, by going through those situations.

"I think in parts of last year, I played the best hockey I've played in a long time, so that's obviously a positive thing. Obviously goals and assists are nice and that kind of stuff, and I think I can bring more than that, and be an all-around type of player. But my game is not just all about goals and assists."

Another challenge for Fisher will be staying healthy. The closest he's come to playing a full season was last season, when he played 79 games.

After Saturday's game, he said his groin felt fine, though he was clearly not at 100 per cent. He often looked slow, and anyone who has watched him over the years knows he's not slow.

However, with the benefit of four practices before the Senators' next game, on Friday at Scotiabank Place against the Phoenix Coyotes, he should be fine.

"I just want to be a big part of this team," Fisher said. "I know I'm going to get a lot of opportunity to play big minutes in a lot of situations, so I want to step in and contribute offensively and be a tough player to play against, to do everything and more than I've done in the past."

Ottawa Citizen

Go Fish! He's back in lineup

2008-10-11T09:25:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Sun
October 11, 2008

Mike Fisher wore a smile as he walked off the ice.

"Roll the tape," the Senators centre told waiting cameras.

Since the Senators arrived back from Stockholm last Monday, Fisher has been giving daily updates on his groin injury to the media. The message had pretty much been the same. Until yesterday.

Now for the good news: The Senators are getting Fisher, one of their heart-and-soul players, back in the lineup after he missed the first two games with a groin injury.

"I felt good and it's the hardest I've gone. I did some good things and I felt good out there," Fisher said after practice. "I feel like I'm ready to get going."

Fisher won't put any extra pressure on himself to be a scorer just because Daniel Alfredsson is out.
"It's a tough break losing Alfie, but if we continue to play as a team and I think if everyone chips in and keeps going the way we've been going, then we should be fine," said Fisher. "Regardless of whether he is in or out, for me I just had to make sure I felt good and that I was going to be able to have confidence."

Fisher's return means Nick Foligno moves to left wing with rugged winger Chris Neil on the right.

"(Fisher) brings a little bit of everything: He's very intense and he's got great speed, he can shoot the puck and he's good at both ends of the rink," said coach Craig Hartsburg. "He adds a lot to your hockey team. As a player, you look at every player having assets and (Fisher) has a lot of assets."

Tough Times for Fisher

2008-10-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

by Wayne Scanlan, The Ottawa Citizen

He speaks softly and handles setbacks gracefully, so it's hard to know how badly Mike Fisher is hurting.

Not in the groin, but in the head.

This has been a cruel confluence of circumstances for the Ottawa Senators centre, who is doubtful for today's season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm.

Presented a longer than usual summer, thanks to Ottawa's first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Penguins, Fisher trained hard in the offseason, but nevertheless suffered a groin injury, typical of NHL players in training camp and too typical for Fisher. The injury continues to give him problems.

"This is the time to be hurt," Fisher told us last week, a reference to the fact he missed that playoff series with a knee injury.

It's not as though this is any fault of Fisher's. He prepares as well as anyone on the Senators, always gives his best, which is often considerable. Yet, there is no escaping the fact he has been one of the hard-luck guys on this team.

Knee, wrist, shoulder, ankle, groin injuries. Over the years, Fisher has had more than his fair share, often because he plays the game so hard. He has had a knee reconstructed, a wrist mended and two surgeries on a serious elbow problem that all but wiped out his 2003-04 season.

Last season was a celebration of sorts, in that Fisher appeared in a career-high 79 games. In seven previous seasons, he had only once played more than 70 regular-season games (74 in 2002-03).

Three times the 28-year-old has been held to fewer than 60 games due to injury. So, what happens when Fisher hits that high-water mark of 79 games? He suffers a knee injury in the 81st game (April 3 versus the Maple Leafs) and is lost for the postseason.
And now this.

He joins his teammates on a week-long trip to Sweden to open the season, angling to be ready for Game 1 today, then reinjuries his groin in an exhibition game against Frolunda in Göteborg on Thursday.

All of that after a lengthy fan debate last week (it's preseason, there is more talk than action) about whether Fisher is a truer second- or third-line centre. And will he ever be the 30-goal scorer a team might expect him to be after signing him to a five-year extension last season for $21-million U.S.?

What has everyone talking, not to mention poking cameras in the man's face, is the fact Fisher will earn $6 million this season on a front-loaded deal, meaning he will make more than anyone on the roster except Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza. Captain Daniel Alfredsson could climb back to his rightful place among the top three if his agent can work out a new contract with the Senators.

Before his new deal, Fisher earned $1.5 million and was one of the club's great bargains as a two-way forward and penalty killer. Suddenly he's one of the cap-squeezers at the top of the payroll.
When it comes to fans and their sporting heroes, it's just like Cindi Lauper said: Money changes everything.

When a guy is paid as a top forward, he is expected to produce like one. Here's the catch: Why would anyone expect that of Fisher, based on his history, and are points really what his game is about? He came to camp, not appointed a scoring role, but a third-line spot, a checking centre who chips in with some offence. As camp evolved, and Alfredsson rejoined Spezza and Heatley, Fisher was being pencilled in alongside Antoine Vermette and rookie Jesse Winchester -- on what would have to be the club's second line.

Now he's likely out, a game-time decision today, so it's all theory, anyway. He will be back, he'll get his minutes, and with any luck at all he'll regain the health that carried him through 79 games last season.

He might even exceed the career-high 23 goals he scored last season, although he has established a pattern around that mark -- 22, 22, 23 goals in his past three campaigns.
Fisher hasn't changed. He's the same humble, honest hockey player who built up a huge fan following in Ottawa after making the jump from the Ontario Hockey League's Sudbury Wolves in 1999. It's his pay and the perception of his value that have changed.

Though he likes to hunt wild game in his spare time, Fisher didn't put a gun to anyone's head demanding that huge raise. When he signed the contract, the deal was widely praised as just compensation for one of the team's heart-and-soul players.

To be fair, his average per-year take through 2013 is $4.2 million, well below the $6 million for '08-09, and he could have made more on the open market.

The Senators didn't reward Fisher as much for his production as for his sound play, character and playoff potential. If the team is winning and Fisher is on, there won't be much talk about his contract.

If he's hurt for any extended period and the team struggles, it becomes a sore point, not just for the player, but for the organization.

1st Pre-Season Game!!

2008-09-21T08:57:00.003-04:00

OTTAWA - SEPTEMBER 20: Stephen Valiquette #40 of the New York Rangers reaches back to pick up a rebound with Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators charging in to the to of the crease during second period action of a game on September 20, 2008 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Canada. The Ottawa Senators lead the New York Rangers 3-1 after two periods. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

OTTAWA - SEPTEMBER 20: Petr Prucha #25 of the New York Rangers carries the puck in behind the net while being chased by Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators during a game on September 20, 2008 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Canada. The Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Training Camp

2008-09-17T14:29:00.001-04:00

Mike Fisher does the hurdle agility hop test during opening day of the Ottawa Senators training camp on Tuesday September 16,2008. (Sunmedia photo by Errol McGihon)

Mike Fisher does leg squats during opening day of the Ottawa Senators training camp on Tuesday September 16,2008. (Sunmedia photo by Errol McGihon)

Turpin 2008 Ball Hockey Fun Day

2008-09-07T08:33:00.002-04:00

Mike Fisher Hockey Camp

2008-08-16T13:48:00.002-04:00

Senators centre Mike Fisher takes a break from camp duties with his brother, Bud (left), and father, Jim. who are both part of the team working at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre.

Fishing

2008-07-02T16:07:00.003-04:00

Just a little seasonal eye candy. No info on this photo... just found it on the 'Net.

Walking to Antoine

2008-04-27T08:31:00.003-04:00

Okay, it's not Fisher, but it's such a sweet story....

by Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen, April 27, 2008

Three days after his hockey season ended, badly, Antoine Vermette enters a home in Ottawa West and in that instant, the pain of a four-game sweep is forgotten.

As the Ottawa Senators forward walks through the front door, a 26-year-old woman on her sitting-room couch looks up, staring in wonder.

Soft, cooing noises emanate from her throat, like the sound of a mourning dove, as Vermette, a white ball cap perched backward on his head, settles down next to her as easily and comfortably as if visiting his sister or cousin. She rests her head on his shoulder.

In a few moments, Jodi Graham will rise from the couch and live out a fantasy she has been rehearsing for months: she will Walk to Antoine.

This time, for real.

Jodi's rehabilitation from a May 2006 car accident has inched along until this moment is possible. When firefighter Tyler Allen first came across her lifeless form in the passenger seat of a mangled Chevrolet Cobalt on Fallowfield Road, he thought the young woman was dead. Then, he leaned his head in close to her face and felt a faint breath.

From that moment, rescue workers and hospital emergency staff fought to bring her back. Approaching the two-year anniversary of the crash, the fight continues for Jodi Graham to find Jodi Graham. Pieces of her former self. At times the symbolic steps of progress have seemed to come with the speed of glacial movement. But the progress is unmistakable. A nurse named Andrea told the family recently she cried the day Jodi left the trauma unit of the Ottawa Hospital because she thought Jodi would never be able to communicate again. Today, she communicates in so many ways Jodi has her family jumping through hoops to follow her requests.

The physical steps by Jodi have been a small miracle. Hundreds of steps pretending to Walk to Antoine.

Wearing a white jogging suit with a pink Senators logo on the front, and steadied by her mother, Cheryl, Jodi walked several steps to Antoine last Sunday morning, in the living room of her house. As she walked into his arms, her right leg shook in a tremor.

"When she gets excited, her knee buckles," Cheryl said.

Buckling knees have been known to happen to female fans in the presence of Vermette, but he's been through a rough time. Just last week, he was part of a terrible hockey collapse, as the Senators, Stanley Cup finalists a year ago, fell in four games in a first-round playoff against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Outside the walls of this home lies a frustrated, angry community over the losses by its hockey team. Inside the walls the feeling is vastly different. There is no room in Jodi's heart for small-mindedness where Antoine or the Senators are involved. Her support is unconditional. Don't get her started on Vermette trade rumours.

Jodi Graham is nothing if not strong-willed. A former competitive soccer player with the Nepean Hotspurs, Jodi's rehabilitation stalled last summer as she grew frustrated by the lack of progress. Always bright, intuitive, she was mentally only too aware of her physical limitations. And that sent her into a brief submission that was likely inevitable.

Brain trauma-induced aphasia had robbed her of her speech. (She managed a "hi" to Antoine and can say "no" when her father, Raymond, tries to feed her venison.) The right side of her athletic frame, partially paralysed in the crash, continued to betray her.

Last spring she spent five weeks at a provincial rehabilitation hospital in Hamilton, and took steps, but only with the support of a walker.

At the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre, physiotherapist Julie Nishimura found a way to capitalize on the "Vermette factor." Knowing how fiercely Jodi followed the Senators, and especially Vermette, Julie and Jodi's occupational therapist, Louise Papineau, made good use of a sexy picture of Vermette that had appeared in the Citizen.

If injured Second World War soldiers found solace in pinup posters of Hollywood glam queens like Rita Hayworth, why wouldn't a young woman garner strength from a handsome hockey player like Antoine? Images wield power. Including healing power.

The photo, taken by Citizen photographer Julie Oliver at a Senators training camp, illustrates Vermette's bare "six-pack" abdomen. Louise pasted the photo on a sheet of art paper and wrote on the back: "It's worth looking up for this sight."

Standing a few feet away, the therapists would hold the picture up as a way of getting Jodi to walk or correct her posture. Julie and the other therapists would remind Jodi that Antoine may be outside in the bushes peeking in on her or around the corner as Jodi walks down a corridor. Part of her workout is to stretch her left arm up up as high as she can so she can "bid" on Senators tickets. She is encouraged to sit up as tall as she can, so the phantom Antoine can see her face rather than the top of her head.

It's been like this for nearly a year -- unwittingly, Vermette has been the carrot on a stick for a woman fighting to get better.

"He has been a bright light for her," Julie Nishimura says. "And he still is."
Jodi often waved to pretend Antoine has just scored a goal and then wiggled her index finger in an attempt to bring him to her. By raising two fingers, Jodi made the letter V for Vermette. Anyone speaking ill of Antoine was met with Jodi's famous middle finger salute.

Long before Jodi's accident, Vermette, 25, was her favourite player. He was a rookie in 2003 when Jodi identified him as a future star. Of course, his dark good looks might have been a factor. A couple of years later, when her teenage brother, Colin, had the notion but not the cash to get a birthday present for Jodi, he framed a picture of Antoine, adorned with a Vermette autograph he found on the Internet.

Now, it's Sunday morning and Vermette is in the house, examining that picture on the wall, and bearing a gift himself for Jodi. Sitting beside her, he draws a jewelry box from his jeans pocket and opens it to reveal a shiny gold cross dangling from a gold chain.
He opens the chain clasp and fastens it around Jodi's neck.

"I'll be with you all the time," Antoine says to Jodi, softly. "I'm thinking of you."

The scene was later described this way by Cheryl Graham: "It took my breath away."
A native of St-Agapit, just outside Quebec City, Vermette understands better than most the exalted status of a Canadian hockey hero. Still, he is humbled to learn of his role in Jodi's rehabilitation. He had only met her once before, in February 2007, signing her guest book in French, "I find you motivating and inspiring."

This is the wonder of the relationship. Jodi, from a wheelchair, fighting impossible odds, inspires the flashy hockey player, reminding him of reality outside the NHL bubble. The reverse is also true. Vermette is the light in Jodi's day. He tries to comprehend his place in her life, even though he may be physically miles away.

"It's tough to describe," he says. "When she says she is 'walking to me,' it's touching. It makes me realize how we can affect the lives of others.

"We feel bad because we lost a playoff series, but there is also more to life."
If Vermette was rendered nearly speechless by this meeting, Jodi has lots to say. She says it with the help of a computerized voice output system activated by a communication pad. In the machine's robotic tone, Jodi thanks Vermette for taking the time to come see her, congratulates him on his wedding engagement and tells him she has named her new Yorkie dog, "Toni," after him.

"I love watching you play hockey," she says. "How did you learn to skate so fast?"

Jodi advises Antoine to visit her physiotherapist, Julie.

"I love her," Jodi says. "She taught me to walk again.

"I think she could help you with your back spasms," she adds, referring to an injury that sidelined Vermette for a game in late October.

The scope of Jodi's rehabilitation is beyond the comprehension of most injured athletes. Les Bell, a longtime Ottawa West hockey parent, whose son, Brendan, is a defenceman in the Phoenix Coyotes organization, helped arrange Vermette's visit with Jodi. He delivered Antoine to Jodi's house on this sunny spring morning.

"This is 10 times harder than any rehab a hockey player has to deal with," Bell says.
Only a woman who has cheated death could remain convinced she will talk again, will know again the freedom of running and kicking a soccer ball on an open field.

"Will you come watch me play soccer?" she asks Vermette, on the voice machine.

Antoine assures her he would love to do that. Then the Ottawa Senators forward is invited to scribble on the wall of Jodi's sitting room. Jodi's brothers, Ryan and Colin, would have caught heck as kids for writing on a household wall -- but when you're Antoine Vermette, your written word is precious, anywhere.

On the wall, behind the couch they had shared so casually, Vermette writes, "Keep up the good work, Jodi," and signs his name, Antoine Vermette.

It's that time of the year again!

2008-04-12T20:27:00.004-04:00

Every April Mike pops up around Ottawa promoting Coca-Cola.

What were some of the NHL playoff series that you remember as a child?

2008-04-12T20:04:00.004-04:00

Overtime, April 6, 2008

Fisher Can Joke About Injury

2008-04-06T07:59:00.002-04:00

Mike Fisher thinks his team did a pretty good job in beating the Toronto Maple Leafs 8-2 at the
Air Canada Centre last night, especially after he and captain Daniel Alfredsson went down to
injury. He said he’s going to try to get back sooner than expected, though he said jokingly that
the way his teammates played last night, “I should have been knocked out (of action) a little
bit earlier.”

Steen & Fisher

2008-04-04T07:56:00.000-04:00

Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher, right, knocks Toronto Maple Leafs' Alex Steen off his feet during first period NHL hockey action in Toronto, Thursday April 3, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

The man, the player, the Christian rock single

2008-03-29T09:07:00.000-04:00

by Chris Stevenson, Ottawa Sun

It's performed by Thousand Foot Krutch (TFK), a Christian hard-rock band formed in Fisher's hometown of Peterborough. The band has produced six albums and is a three-time Juno nominee.

They play Mike Fisher whenever Mike Fisher scores a goal at Scotiabank Place, so it's understandable if you aren't really familiar with it, especially if you've only started hanging around Scotiabank Place in the last few months.

Fisher scored his first goal at home since Jan. 17 last night (his first of two on the night) and hopefully for him and the Senators, it's a breakthrough for the struggling centre.

"It feels good to get a couple. It's been a rough go around the net," said Fisher. "I've just tried to stay mentally tough and get through it and help out in every situation."

Fisher took a nice little touch pass from winger Antoine Vermette just over the Buffalo Sabres' blue line last night and bore down on Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller.

Fisher slipped a backhander between Miller's pads at 4:17 of the second period to tie the game 2-2.

The goal -- a softy on Miller's part, really -- was just Fisher's third in the last 27 games and just the second game in that span in which he's actually scored since he had two goals in one game against the Coyotes in Phoenix March 8.

In the third, Fisher redirected a pass from Vermette into the open side to Miller's left at 3:58 for his 23rd of the season and a 3-2 Ottawa lead.

Trevor McNevan, a founding member of Thousand Foot Krutch, is a friend of Fisher's and wrote the song for him (according to McNevan, the name of the band "symbolizes the point in our lives that we realize we can't make it on our own strength.")

The Senators certainly aren't going to make it depending on just one line to score, so having Fisher get a little bit of a scoring touch at this point in the season would be a huge boost for them.
Any team needs production out of that second-line centre position and seven goals out of an average of 20 minutes of ice time a night puts a lot of demand on somebody somewhere else in the lineup to pick up the slack.

"He's played so hard for us," said Senators coach and GM Bryan Murray. "He gave us some momentum, especially in the third when it was a bit of a struggle. I thought (his goal) was going to carry the day, but unfortunately, we couldn't win it for him."

For the good of the Senators moving forward, they need to hear a lot more from Mike Fisher.
They need to hear more Mike Fisher.

Shot Down

2008-03-28T18:58:00.000-04:00

Radio Interview, March 19, 2008

2008-03-26T10:36:00.002-04:00

and part 2:

Just Some More Eye Candy

2008-03-26T10:27:00.001-04:00

Ottawa @ Buffalo

2008-03-26T08:17:00.001-04:00

Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher (12) attempts to deflect the puck off his stick in front of Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller during the second period of an NHL hockey game at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, N.Y., Tuesday, March 25, 2008.

Ottawa @ Buffalo

2008-03-25T21:09:00.002-04:00

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 25: Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators drives toward the Buffalo Sabres net on March 25, 2008 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Fisher, McDonald

2008-03-21T13:37:00.002-04:00

OTTAWA, CANADA- MARCH 20: Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators runs over Andy McDonald #10 of the St. Louis Blues at the top of the circle during a game on March 20, 2008 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Fisher Greets Gloucester-Cumberland Ringuette Team

2008-03-15T21:20:00.001-04:00

2007 Stanley Cup Finals

2008-03-15T21:10:00.001-04:00

CPImages/Paul Chiasson

Do You Shovel Your Own Driveway?

2008-03-15T09:28:00.004-04:00

Circa 2000

2008-03-15T08:25:00.002-04:00

Fisher and Price

2008-03-15T08:15:00.000-04:00

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price gets his stick up on Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal on Thursday, March 13, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

Awesome Mike Auction

2008-03-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ottawa-Senators-Signed-Mike-Fisher-Framed-Poster_W0QQitemZ250225246141QQihZ015QQcategoryZ25239QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

On Ice Interview March 11, 2008

2008-03-14T17:22:00.003-04:00

Fisher and Murray

2008-03-11T19:35:00.002-04:00

Mike Fisher talks with Bryan Murray at today’s practice at
Scotiabank Place. Murray said he’s still pleased with the
trade decisions he made as general manager when he
acquired Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman.

Fisher and fan

2008-03-11T19:32:00.000-04:00

JANA CHYTILOVA, THE OTTAWA CITIZEN

Marc André Bigras, 17, with Mike Fisher. Kids from the Children’s
Miracle Network Champions for Canada took in today’s practice.
Fisher scored two against Phoenix in the Senators’ last game.

Fisher & Faith - Grit & Grace

2008-03-08T00:25:00.002-05:00

by Lois Thomson - http:livinglightnews.org
May/June 2003

John Muckler was a man on a mission. For the past three years, the Ottawa Senators faced Toronto in post-season play and were beaten by the Maple Leafs each time. Muckler, the Sens' General Manager, figured his team didn't have enough grit, so he decided to go out and get some.

In the days leading up to this year's NHL trading deadline, he made a couple of key deals to acquire some toughness. And by adding rugged players like Rob Ray and Vaclav Varada, Muckler figured this year the Senators should be ready to challenge for the Stanley Cup.

But as important as their presence might be, Ray and Varada wouldn't be enough unless a core of quality players was already in place. Fortunately, Ottawa has that core, with stars like Captain Daniel Alfredsson (78 points), Marian Hossa (45 goals), and 22-year-old Mike Fisher.

In 74 games, Fisher scored 38 points this season (18 goals, 20 assists), and if that doesn't sound like he belongs with the others, just give him a chance. Fans haven't had the opportunity to discover what he's capable of doing yet, because Fisher is in his fourth season and has been injured for much of the first three. However, in his final year of junior hockey in Sudbury, he registered 106 points, so there's the belief that he can put up some big numbers for the Senators.

The 6-foot-one, 193-pound centre was Ottawa's second-round draft pick in 1998. He was keyed-up on draft day, saying, "I didn't know what to expect. There are so many factors involved and I had no idea where I was going. When they called my name I was pretty excited. It worked out well - I had a lot of family with me, and it was a real blessing for me to come to Ottawa."

However, Fisher, a feisty two-way player, suffered injuries in his first three NHL seasons which forced him to miss a considerable amount of playing time. In a December 1999 game against Boston, he took a hit on the inside of his knee and missed the rest of the year after having reconstructive surgery on his Anterior Cruciate Ligamate (ACL). He played in just 32 games. The following season, he sat out 22 contests with a shoulder injury. In 2001-02, shoulder injuries again sidelined him for 24 games.

It can be frustrating for a young player to miss so much time early in his career, but Fisher handled it well. "My faith has been pretty instrumental through it all," says Fisher, who made the Ottawa Senators when he was only 19.

"I didn't expect to make it that young and everything was looking great. But then [the injuries] happened and it makes you understand that Jesus is really in charge. It's like He says, 'You don't take the reins, I do.' He's really in charge of my career and my life."

Fisher placed his faith in Christ at a young age. "I grew up in a Christian family. (Mike has three siblings - an older brother, and a younger brother and sister.) We went to church every Sunday," he recalls. "When I was six years old, I made the step of faith to accept Him into my heart. I remember I prayed with my Mom before I went to school. I didn't want to wait any longer."

Fisher says his faith helped to sustain him when he left his home in Peterborough, Ontario, at age 17 to play hockey in Sudbury. "It was tough moving away," says Fisher. "I didn't have any Christian friends on the team and I didn't live with a Christian family. But I grew up in such a great family - they were very instrumental."

He adds, "When you get older you have to make your own decisions, you have to learn for yourself what's important. And they really helped influence me from an early age."

And how did his faith help him when he joined the NHL?

"The biggest thing in coming to Ottawa was to establish right up front what my lifestyle was going to be. They know I'm a Christian, and they respect that as long as you respect them."

While Fisher places his faith in God, Senators' Coach Jacques Martin places a lot of faith in Fisher. In an interview with The Ottawa Citizen, Martin said, "The one thing about Mike Fisher is that you know what he brings to the table every night. He's intense, and night in and night out he's our most physical player when it comes to finishing checks."

He concluded, "If we had more players finishing checks like him, we'd be a grittier hockey club."

To add a little more of that grit, Muckler acquired players he believed were necessary to challenge for the Stanley Cup; and indeed, the Senators finished atop the National Hockey League with 113 points. But after the first round, the team received an extra bonus: the Philadelphia Flyers ousted Toronto in a hard-fought, seven-game series.

"The Senators had lost to their nemesis in seven games last year, and Fisher missed the last two with an injury. Martin believes his absence was one reason why the Senators lost."

This year, however, Fisher has another year of experience under his belt; but win or lose, he's trusting God will look after him. "One of my favourite verses is Jeremiah 29:11," he says. " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'

"It's great having God to rely on, knowing He has a plan for us. We don't have to worry what's going to go on in our future or what's going to happen down the road. You just have to play your hardest, and if you're on God's team, that's the only team that's important."

Then he quickly added, "And Ottawa, too." Of course.

Interview with Mike on 93.9 Bob-FM

2008-03-07T23:25:00.000-05:00

http://www.939bobfm.com/audio/the-morning-after/fishermorningnewsroom.mp3

Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators gets around Peter Harrold #5 of the Los Angeles Kings

2008-03-07T23:01:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 06: Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators gets around Peter Harrold #5 of the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at the Staples Center on March 6, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators skates past Bruno Gervais #8 of the New York Islanders

2008-03-07T22:59:00.000-05:00

UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 29: Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators skates past Bruno Gervais #8 of the New York Islanders on January 29, 2008 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators is hit by Bruno Gervais #8 of the New York Islanders

2008-03-07T22:54:00.003-05:00

UNIONDALE, NY - JANUARY 29: Mike Fisher #12 of the Ottawa Senators is hit by Bruno Gervais #8 of the New York Islanders on January 29, 2008 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Mike Fisher Hockey Camp .... Coming Soon

2008-03-07T22:48:00.002-05:00

Two Minutes for Looking So Good!

2008-03-06T18:33:00.003-05:00

Eye Candy!

2008-03-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

EV Zug

2008-03-04T21:48:00.002-05:00

Fisher playing for EV Zug in Switzerland during the 2004-05 NHL Lockout.

Wild Wild West

2008-03-03T18:21:00.002-05:00

Brokeback Mountain? Not!

2008-03-03T12:00:00.004-05:00

More than 700 people mingled with hockey stars at the Hilton Lac-Leamy for the Bell-Sens Soirée on February 20, 2008 to raise funds for a wide variety of health-related causes. Getting into the Wild West theme were: Mike Fisher and Cory Stillman.

Photograph by : Jean Levac, The Ottawa Citizen

Turpin Ball Hockey Event

2008-03-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 8th, 2007, Local children under the age of 14 were entered into a draw tro play Ball Hockey with Ottawa Senators Chris Neil and Mike Fisher. A great day was had by all...

Photos courtesy of www.turpin.ca/en/info/news/index.spy

Fisher vs Downie - Feb. 28, 2008

2008-02-29T20:46:00.001-05:00

Fisher Interview - Overtime

2008-02-24T11:58:00.002-05:00

From the February 21, 2008 episode of Overtime.