Body Boys- The Under-Hyped Hunks of Hockey ________Part 1: Eastside Boys______

By: Medina Chebatoris (@Medina_MarieC) and Caitlyn Boyer (@trubluePensfan)

They can skate like the wind. They can score goals from anywhere on the ice or make miraculous saves. They can even drop the gloves when the need calls for it. But WHERE…IS…THE BODY?

Here at Let’s Talk Pens, we strive to bring you the best quality articles that we can think up. Articles that are well researched have opinions backed by stats/evidence, as well as including debatable and thought provoking topics. However, being serious all the time can get very boring so Caitlin and I (the only women on staff) decided we were going to mix things up a bit. We decided that we wanted to do a feature JUST for the ladies that visit our blog (or for our male friends in the LGBT community who just happen to love hockey). One focusing on topic female fans usually catch a lot of flak about- how attractive hockey players are. It is true that the NHL has a rather high number of physically and facially appealing athletes, many females would agree that it only comes as a nice perk. Who cares how good looking a man is if he isn’t helping his team? This article, however, is not going to focus on the “usual” names that everyone swoons over. The men featured are those that seem to get forgotten about a lot because they aren’t the next cover of GQ (although some of them defiantly should be). And never wanting to make things too long, Caitlin and I decided to break the list into 2 parts: one for the east, and one for the west. So ladies (and gents), put the kiddies to bed. Tell your husband/SO to go watch TV. Pour yourself a nice glass of wine and enjoy.

• Tom Wilson- Washington Capitals:

Clearly a goofball and animal lover, one need only look into the puppy dog brown eyes to know this Winger has a heart of gold. His sweet, little smile and pinch-able cheeks gives him a “take him home to mama” kind of feel.

• Johnathon Bernier- Toronto Maple Leafs:

Could you not stare up into those eyes forever? And you know as a goalie he is extremely flexible. If you like your men tall, dark and handsome, Johnny Boy is the one for you. His chiseled jawline, soulful eyes, and olive complexion will have you begging to be…..Saved.

• Carl Hagelin- Pittsburgh Penguins:

Long blonde hair, ice blue eyes, a stare that would melt the ice caps and a body built for sin, he is the 1st of three Penguins that made our East list. For the fans of the HBO hit show, True Blood, it is almost like Eric Northman came to real life and decided to play hockey. Mix with a fun- loving nature and Carl is the Viking of your dreams. One I, personally, would not want to wake up from.

• Erik Gudbranson- Florida Panthers:

Who can resist that “boy next door” kind of charm? While Erik may put on a front as a tough defenseman, that smile gives his true persona. A little research and you will find he is a genuine person with a kind spirit who has a rugged style about him. He is still rather young and will defiantly be drawing “the look” as time goes on.

• Olli Maatta- Pittsburgh Penguins:

It was Olli a Maatta of time before this Finnish flame made a Hockey Hunks list. He is the second of our featured Penguins. Now 21, he is still baby faced with smooth porcelain skin and a cheeky smile that tells you there is mischief going on under those blonde locks. Olli reminds you of a typical Scandinavian Prince and after his beach scene in the Penguins volleyball video, girls may soon be flocking to try and be this young man’s Princess.

• Lars Eller- Montreal Canadians:

When one thinks of Denmark, hockey isn’t exactly what comes to mind. Yet here he is, the delicious Dame himself. Lose yourself in his eyes and surrender yourself to his almost Christian Grey-like aura. His intensity will make you weak in the knees, but his smile will bring you right back up into his strong, powerful arms.

• Patric Hornqvist- Pittsburgh Penguins:

What can be said about Horny? As featured Penguin #3, jaws dropped when we got a glimpse at what hides under all those pads (seriously Pens, THANK YOU for the volleyball outing). Amazing personality, humor, down to earth…he is the complete package that every girl would want in a man. He doesn’t draw the attention due to his beautiful wife and equally more adorable child, but it doesn’t make him any less attractive. Take notes boys because this is what women want. Rock solid bod aside, he is a good person inside and out.

• Chris Higgins- Utica Comets (AHL)/Vancouver Canucks:

Each list will feature a player who started the season in the NHL, but is now playing a step down in the American Hockey League. While affiliated with a team that is actually in the West, Mr. Higgins holds tenure over the other AHL player (who will be on part 2) and therefore featured 1st. Chris is an all-around good looking man. Great smile, great personality, and did we mention a stomach you could wash clothes on? He is 100% grade A All-American hunk.

Whether they are single or married, hometown bred or a foreign fox, these men seriously deserve a second glance and deserve to be held on the same hotness-level as their more popular brethren. But remember, they are also amazing hockey players. They wouldn’t even be talked about to begin with if they weren’t. Caitlin and I hope that you have enjoyed Part 1 of our Body Boys article. Keep an eye out on Twitter for the announcement of part 2 later on this week. May your dreams be filled with things not suitable for work.

#MedinaChebatoris #CaitlynBoyer