Wednesday afternoon notes: Former junior hockey coach, accused molester Graham James pleads guilty

Our Wednesday afternoon have a little bit of everything for the discerning hockey fan. We have trade news, another suspension handed down by the NHL, a former Nashville Predator lighting the lamp overseas, and in a bit of timing that meshes perfectly with the growing Penn State/Jerry Sandusky scandal, the hockey world's most notorious figure pleads guilty to sexually assaulting two of his former players.

For all that and more, follow on...

Top-Selling NHL Player Jerseys: Leading stars this holiday season | Hockey Gear HQ
One gift that's sure to put a smile on any NHL fan's face is a new hockey jersey, especially one with their favorite player's name and number. But which 10 players are selling the most right now?

Nashville Predators News

Preds On The Glass: POTG Predators Seven Stories: People Use the Internet to Kill Time Edition
Buddy takes Phil Wiliams on an emotional roller-coaster.

Paul McCann - UAH Hockey Saved?? Last Night. Tonight's SlapShot Radio
Tonight on SlapShot Radio (6:00 on 102.5), Paul will have a guest from the Save UAH Hockey group.

Kontinental Hockey League - Radulov the hero
Our old buddy Alex notched a hat trick the other night.

Springing Malik: The Pain Game 2011/12 - Part Two
The Preds rank solidly middle-of-the-pack here in terms of how much injuries have impacted the lineup.

Smashville 24/7: Blum and Josi carry friendship to NHL ranks
Naturally, they bonded over video games.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Graham James pleads guilty to sex assaults - CBC
This has been a long, long time coming. I remember back in the 90's when Sheldon Kennedy first brought to light allegations of misconduct by this celebrated junior hockey coach, this story shocked the NHL community. Found via Kukla's Korner.

Trophy Tracker: GM of the Year Award - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
So far, it doesn't look like David Poile will be going back to Las Vegas this summer.

Michael MacCambridge revisits Johnette Howard's classic "The Making of a Goon" from the National - Grantland
Grantland reprints an article from 21 years ago on enforcers and fighting in the NHL. The interesting bit is found about midway through, in reference to a player's union request prior to the 1974-75 season.

Michael Sauer Diagnosed With Concussion Following Hit By Dion Phaneuf - Blueshirt Banter
If you saw the hit, you wouldn't be surprised to read this.

Stars trade Krys Barch to Florida for prospect Jake Hauswirth - The Dallas Morning News
Dallas and Florida make a minor trade.

Daily Debate: How high can the Jets soar this season? - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
Remember, Winnipeg will be in the same conference as Nashville next season. Is there reason to worry about them?

Jackets Add Hall of Famer Craig Patrick as Senior Advisor - The Cannon
Hmm... are the Blue Jackets actually bringing in a well-respected, experienced and accomplished NHL executive to their front office? Times are a-changing.

Driving Play: NHL Trends That I've Spotted, November Edition
Taking a stab at whether 3 big-name NHL talents are washed up.

Cycling the Puck - The Copper & Blue
A little mid-week chalk talk for you.

Canucks in danger of running out of bodies - The Province
Are the Vancouver Canucks too soft?

The Player: Mandatory visors and politics of NHL player safety - Puck Daddy
Thoughts from an anonymous NHL player on whether facial protection should be mandated across the league.

Theo Fleury discovers his lost Stanley Cup ring on Craigslist - Puck Daddy
Well, here's a heart-warmer for you.

And lastly, here's NHL Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan, dropping the hammer on Mark Fistric of the Dallas Stars: