Here’s my latest blog entry on nhl.com.

Hopefully, Avery’s initiative is an inspiration to other NHLers, wondering what to do when there’s no need to hang around the rink anymore. And, well, here are a few suggestions for internships that might be a great match.

Read it here or after the jump.

We all have to start somewhere

“Macho man and provocateur Sean Avery – by some accounts the most hated player in the National Hockey League – will be joining the estrogen-infused world of fashion as an unpaid intern at Vogue magazine.” – ABC News, April 24, 2008

Say what you want about Sean Avery, but this time he’s a great role model for all you little NHL fans out there. First, if you read that ABC News sentence again, you’ll see that “the most hated player” “will be joining the estrogen-infused world.”

In short, Avery wants to get in touch with his feminine side, which is great.

Second, Sean Avery is a well-paid professional in hockey, but he’s already getting ready for life after the NHL. He knows what he wants so he goes after it. Of course, Avery probably pushed aside a bunch of qualified college students waiting for their turn to intern, but whatev-ver, Sean’s in!

Hopefully, Avery’s initiative is an inspiration to other NHLers, wondering what to do when there’s no need to hang around the rink anymore. And, well, here are a few suggestions for internships that might be a great match:

Miikka Kiprusoff, intern at Speaker’s Bureau
This may sound surprising, but the same as what Patrick O’Connell, director of communications for Vogue, told ABCNews.com about Avery may apply to Kipper: “I don’t know if he’ll be writing yet, but he will be doing regular tasks.” Even if Kiprusoff might not be speaking any time soon, he will be doing regular tasks around the office, such as staring down visitors at the front desk.

Jaromir Jagr, intern at Cash & Carry
The Czech hockey artist already has a thorough understanding of the concept of cash. This internship would help him deepen his understanding to cover the carrying part, especially since, as an unpaid intern, Jagr wouldn’t be doing any cashing in.

Alexander Ovechkin, intern at the White House
There’s nothing this guy can’t do, so why not get into the White House, learn a few tricks, then go back to Russia and become the President? Besides, he’s already charmed half of Washington, and he doesn’t seem to see any problems anywhere, simply openings. While he will not be governing, he will be doing regular tasks, such as playing golf, riding horses, and shaking hands with the Stanley Cup winners.

Mats Sundin, intern at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
Having been with and around the club for a long, long time, it’s time for Sundin to take a peek to the other side. Sundin wouldn’t be making any really stupid trades or sign veteran players for multiyear contract, but he would be doing other regular tasks.

Sidney Crosby, intern at Tannen’s Magic Shop
“The world’s premier magic shop is pleased to announce the recruitment of Sidney Crosby as an unpaid intern through the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2008. As intern, he will not be creating grand illusions, but he will be doing sleight-of-hand and other regular magic tricks.”

Martin Brodeur, intern for Sean Avery at Vogue
Let the healing begin.