Happy Holidays!

The Holiday season continues, but for us at Notinhallofame.com., this is the equivalent of Santa Claus looking down the chimney.

Tonight, Canton told us who has taken the next step to join their hallowed halls and here we are! 

These are the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists in alphabetical order:

Eric Allen: Cornerback.  1988-94 PHI, 1995-97 NO, 1998-2001 OAK. Allen became a Finalist for the first time and needs the momentum as his eligibility window in the modern era is closing.  A six-time Pro Bowl Selection, who has 54 career Interceptions, Allen is ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jared Allen: Defensive End.  2004-07 KC, 2008-13 MIN, 2014-15 CHI, 2015 CAR.  Allen is now four-for-four in eligibility years as a Finalist.  A two-time Sack leader with 136 career Sacks, Allen also has 171 Tackles for Loss.  A five-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro, Allen is ranked #17  on Notinhalloffame.com,

Willie Anderson: Offensive Tackle.  1996-2007 CIN, 2008 BAL. Anderson was eligible for the first time in 2013, and eight years later, he was a Semi-Finalist for the first time.  He is now a three-time Finalist.  Anderson went to four Pro Bowls, was a three-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #137 on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Jahri Evans: Offensive Guard.  2006-16 NO, 2017 GB.  Evans makes it as a Finalist in his second yer, and is the first player from the New Orleans Super Bowl winning team to make it here.  The Guard was a six-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #31 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dwight Freeney: Defensive End.  2002-12 IND, 2013-14 SD, AZ 2015, 2016 ATL, 2017 SEA, 2017 DET.  Freeney is a Finalist for the second straight year and won a Super Bowl with the Colts, had 125.5 Sacks and went to seven Pro Bowls earning three First Team All-Pros.  Freeney is ranked #48 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Antonio Gates: Tight End.  2003-18 SD/LAC.  Gates is an unsurprising Finalist on his first ballot.  He will enter the Hall soon, and the only question is whether the eight-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro enters this year.  Odds are that he will.  He is ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Rodney Harrison: Safety.  1994-2002 SD, 2003-08 NE.  Eligible since 2014, Harrison is now a three-time Semi-Finalist, and is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots.  Also, a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, Harrison had 30.5 Sacks and 30 Interceptions.  Harrison is ranked #211 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Devin Hester: Punt Returner, Kick Returner & Wide Receiver.  2006-13 CHI, 2014-15 ATL, 2016 BAL.  Hester is now a three-time Finalist, and has been one all three of eligible years, so it is only a matter of time before he is modeling for that Canton bust.  A three-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, Hester is a member of the 100^th Anniversary Team.  Hester is ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Torry Holt: Wide Receiver.  1999-08 STL, 2009 JAX.  A ten-time Semi-Finalist, Holt is now a five-time Finalist.  A Super Bowl Champion with the Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls, and was a two-time Receiving Yards leader.  Holt is ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com, and it appears that he is the next WR in queue, but strange things can happen.

Andre Johnson: Wide Receiver.  2003-14 HOU, 2015 IND, 2016 TEN.  Johnson is now a Finalist in his first three years on the ballot.  Named to seven Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros, Johnson had well over 14,000 Receiving Yards and twice led the league in that category.  Johnson is ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Julius Peppers: Defensive End.  2002-09 & 2017-18 CAR, 2010-13 CHI, 2014-15 GB.  Peppers is a Finalist in year one, and has an excellent chance to be a first-year inductee.  A nine-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro, Peppers has a whopping 159.5 Sacks. Peppers is ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Fred Taylor: Running Back.  1998-08 JAX, 2009-10 NE.  Taylor is now on a five-year streak of Semi-Final Selections, and he broke through finally as a Finalist.  He only had one Pro Bowl under his belt, but is highly believed to be the best offensive skill player that Jacksonville ever had.  Taylor is ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Reggie Wayne: Wide Receiver.  2001-14 IND.  Wayne won a Super Bowl with the Colts and has been a Semi-Finalist all five of his years on the ballot, is now a five-time Finalist.  A former Receiving Yard leader and six-time Pro Bowler, Wayne is ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com,  Could Wayne be the next WR in the Hall?

Patrick Willis: Linebacker.  2007-14 SF.  Willis is now a five-time Semi-Finalist, and is now a three-time Finalist.  Willis only played eight years but was a Pro Bowl in seven and a First Team All-Pro in five of them.  He is ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com

Darren Woodson: Safety.  1992-03 DAL.  Woodson becomes a Finalist for the second time, and time is elapsing on his candidacy.  He was a three-time Super Bowl winner, a three-time First Team All-Pro and is ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Those left off were Tiki Barber, Anquan Boldin, London Fletcher, Eddie George, James Harrison, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters and Vince Wilfork

So, who is going to get in!!! 

These Finalists will join Senior Candidates, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell, and Coaches/Contributor Finalist, Buddy Parker, and over Super Bowl weekend we will learn who will comprise the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

Brian Dumoulin was a Second Round Pick by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008, but the product of Boston College never played for the organization as he was traded to Pittsburgh three years later while playing for the Eagles.

The American Defenseman made his first appearance for Pittsburgh in the 2013/14 campaign, playing a handful of Games that year and the next before finding a permanent place on the finding a permanent place on the Pittsburgh blueline.  The traditional Defenseman helped the Pens win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, with the finesse-based player netting two 20-plus point years and a fifth-place finish in Plus/Minus (+31) in 2018/19.

Dumoulin ha his best offensive year in 2022/23 with 25 Points, which was also his last year in Western PA, as he signed with the Seattle Kraken in the offseason.  He had 139 Points over 546 Games as a Penguin.

If you are a regular visitor at Notinhalloffame.com, you know that we created the Notinhalloffame NHL Cup, where in every regular season game, we award points (5-4-3-2-1) to the top five performers.  This is the third year that we have done this, and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid won the first two.

To keep everyone regularly in the loop this time, we have decided to give regular updates, starting at Thanksgiving, and tell all of you the top ten.  We will be doing updates every Monday. (note, with it being Christmas on Monday, and no games scheduled, we waited a day!)

Here is the fourth current top ten in Notinhalloffame Cup Points:

1. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins. 66 Cup Points:  32 Games, 20 G, 24 A, 44 P, +6, 5.5 PS. (#1 Last Week)

The Boston Bruins (like last year) have been the best team early in the season, and it is David Pastrnak who has led their offensive threat.  He is the league-leader in Shots (163), is fourth in Goals (20), fifth in Points (44), and is Boston’s leading scorer, and is in the top ten in most essential offensive categories.  Could he win his first Hart?

2. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning.  61 Cup Points, 34 Games, 23 G, 34 A, 57 P, +2, 6.5 PS.  (#2 Last Week)

Kucherov is in his tenth season in Tampa, and is putting forth a season that could gain him another Hart or Art Ross.  He is leading the NHL in Points (57) and is second in Assists (34) and third in Goals (23).  It is a minor surprise that he is not first in Cup Points, but he is getting close.

3.  Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs, 46 Cup Points:  27 Games, 23 G, 12 A, 35 P, +4, 4.5 PS. ($7 Last Week)

The American sniper is back as the league’s top sniper the leadership in Goals (28) and Even-Strength Goals (20).  If he holds that, Matthews will win his third Rocket Richard Trophy.

4. Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators, 53 Cup Points:  34 Games, 16 G, 22 A, 38 P, +4, 4.3 PS (#5 Last Week)

Forsberg is off to the best start of his career and should make his second All-Star Game, though other than Even Strength Goals (6^th with 14) and Game-Winning Goals (4^th with 4), he is not in the top ten in any major offensive category. 

5. Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators.  52 Cup Points:  27 Games, 15-12-0 Record, .909 Save Percentage, 2.82 GAA, 4.5 GPS. (#3 Last Week)

Saros is a shock to be the highest ranked Goalie and to be in the top five in general.  How he got here is by being a workhorse.  Saros is leading the NHL in Saves (708), is second in Minutes (1,510), and is fourth in Wins (15) and Goalie Point Shares (5.0).  Saros’ rank means that it is the Predators that are the first squad with two ranked players.

6 (TIE).  Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche, 50 Cup Points:  34 Games, 17 G, 25 A, 42 P, +7, 4.6 PS. (#7 Last Week)

Rantanen, he currently tenth in both Goals (17) and Points (42), and is second in Game-Winning Goals (5).

6 (TIE). Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils, 50 Cup Points:  27 Games, 14 G, 25 A, 39 P, -4, 4.2 PS.  (#6 Last Week)

Hughes is currently fifth in Points per Game (1.54) and is on pace for a third straight All-Star selection.

8. Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks, 48 Cup Points:  35 Games, 10 G, 34 A, 44 P, +28, 7.3 PS.  (Not in the Top Ten Last Week)

The Hughes family have two representatives in the top ten (reminds of us last year when the Tkachuks once did the same), and this particular brother is the lone Defenseman ranked in the top ten) and he should be.  He is leading the NHL in Point Shares (7.3), Defensive Point Shares (3.3), and Plus/Minus (+28), and astoundingly is sixth in Offensive Point Shares (4.0).

9. Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks.  47 Cup Points:  25 Games, 17-7-1 Record, .917 Save Percentage, 2.46 GAA, 5.4 GPS. (#6 Last Week)

Demko, who was an All-Star last year, is the current league-leader in Wins (17), Goalie Point Shares (5.3), Shutouts (3) and is eighth in GAA (2.46) and ninth in Save Percentage (.917).

10. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche.  46 Cup Points, 34 Games, 18 G, 36 A, 54 P, +10, 6.0 PS. (Not in the Top Ten Last Week)

MacKinnon is in the top ten where he belongs and is currently the NHL leader in Assists (36) and is second in Points (54).  The Avs superstar is also eighth in Goals (18), and second in the Even Strength category (15).

Florida’s Sam Reinhart, New York’s Artemi Panarin and Vancouver’s J.T. Miller fell out of the top ten.

Our next update will be next Monday.

In the bustling world of online gambling, slot games have carved out a significant niche. While visuals play a crucial role in attracting players, it's the sound design that truly enhances the gaming experience, often determining the game's success. The sound design in online slot games not only contributes to the thematic allure but also impacts player psychology and behavior, and here’s how.

Creating Immersive Experiences Through Sound

The primary function of sound in slot games is to create an immersive experience. Sound effects play a pivotal role in signaling game events. Wins are usually accompanied by distinctive, uplifting sounds, creating a sense of achievement and excitement. Unique tunes can also be added to Canada Gambling online to make their use more pleasant to the player.

The sounds of coins clinking or triumphant music can trigger a dopamine release, encouraging players to continue playing. Conversely, subtle sounds or even silence can indicate losses, persuading the player to try again without causing discouragement.

Each game comes with its unique theme, be it adventure, fantasy, or classic casino vibes, and the sound design is tailored to complement these themes. For example, a game based on Ancient Egypt might incorporate sounds of sandstorms or mystical music, instantly transporting players to a different time and place. This thematic consistency helps in maintaining the player's interest and engagement.

Psychology and Behavior Influence

The psychology behind sound design is quite fascinating. Studies have shown that certain sound patterns can influence player behavior. For instance, fast-paced, upbeat music can lead to quicker betting decisions, while more relaxed sounds might encourage longer play sessions. Audio can also be used to create a sense of urgency during time-limited offers or bonus rounds, nudging players to make quicker decisions.

Moreover, audio design in slot games is not just about music or effects; it also includes the ambient sounds of a virtual casino. The chatter of other players, the noises of other slot machines in the background, and even the soft hum of a busy casino floor can greatly enhance the realism of the online experience, making it more engaging for players who enjoy the feel of a real casino.

However, it all must be carefully balanced. Overpowering or repetitive sounds can lead to sensory overload, causing discomfort or even driving players away. Game designers must ensure that the soundtrack is pleasant, enhancing the experience without dominating it.

In conclusion, sound design in online slot games is a critical component that goes beyond mere auditory aesthetics. It plays a significant role in creating an immersive experience, influencing player psychology, and even impacting the overall success of the game. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and engaging soundscapes in the world of online slots, further enhancing the player experience.