OK,
I have to stir the pot a little bit; the offseason is already driving me crazy.
I do have a chat planned with Jim Mill next week. Just want to get his thoughts on the season and the team he built for that very exciting Calder Cup run.
How much fun was that?
Moving on ...
The first and biggest question on everyone's mind is will Mike Yeo and Daryl Sydor be back next year to coach the Aeros? Well, do the Wild want to go with an experienced head coach or do they want to take another chance on a rookie coach?
And if they do that, who comes to Houston to run the show for Season No. 18?
I think the Wild DO promote Yeo. I think he takes Darryl Sydor with him and I think the Wild make the playoffs in 2013. My hunch is based solely on the fact that I don't think the Wild want to miss out on Yeo. Talk around the league is that Yeo is a true up-and-comer. If the Wild don't hire him now, someone else will nab him.
This is not a new theory, and I am not claiming it as such. I am just saying that this is what I think will happen.
And for another bold prediction, let me tell you who I think will lead the Aeros next season: Terry Ruskowski.
Ruskowski was the modern Aeros first coach in 1994-96, losing his job in the middle of the second season.
Most recently, he coached the Laredo Bucks until he parted ways with that organization after last season. He was in town quite a bit during the latter part of the postseason run and even worked with the black aces.
He was on the road with the team in the finals helping out.
I am sure Mill will get a ton of resumes the second if/when Yeo moves on the NHL. Certainly Ruskowski will throw his name into the hat. What a story that would make if the former teacher replaces the former student?
Your thoughts?
Here are Ruskowski's stats courtesy of www.hockeydb.com
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Polaroids From A Season Past
Heather started this the other day when she went on about Pirate Radio and how it reflected her view of the season. That got me thinking -- which is always a dangerous thing -- and perhaps it was Heather's thinking, or perhaps it came from watching Elton John videos when getting the "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" post. But to me, this season represents Almost Famous, one of my favorite movies.
I don't know how many of you've seen the movie, it's one of my favorites, but it bombed at the box office way back in 2000. Anyway, it's about this kid named William Miller, based on Cameron Crowe, the writer and director of the movie. And it's the story of how this 15-year-old-kid lands an assignment in 1973 from Rolling Stone -- who thinks he's much older to write a story on a band called Stillwater. He joins the band on tour, and while it's supposed to be a short journey, he finds that he just can't get away from them, going from San Diego to New York City.
I've left out a lot of the nuance, and I've really simplified the story. But there's a scene about halfway through the movie where the band has a huge fight, and they find themselves in Topeka, Kansas and on the verge of breaking up. William and the guitar player, Russell Hammond, wind up at a party in a suburban neighborhood where Hammond takes LSD and calls himself a golden god before jumping off the house into the pool. William gets him to safety, back on the band bus, and they're off for the next venue.
Here comes the point I've been building to. And I'll post the clip at the bottom. But they're all gathered on the bus, all wondering what the future holds when Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" starts to play. And slowly, one by one, the entire bus breaks out, singing the song. And William says to woman next to him, Penny Lane, played by Kate Hudson, whose character is sleeping with Hammond in the movie, that he needs to go home. And she looks at him and says, "You are home."
So what's the point of all of this? Heather talked about how there's nothing better to her than being on the press row during a game with Andrew and myself. And that's damn special. But for me, it was last Saturday night/Sunday morning. It's about 3:00 a.m. and I'm on the Pennsylvania Turnpike heading to Philadelphia so that I could catch my flight home. I'm tired. I'm trying to find anything on the radio to keep me awake. There's no traffic. No traffic. And it dawns on me. It's me, but there's nothing better than this. On the road, covering a hockey team in the playoffs. Sure, Kate Hudson's not leaning her head on my shoulder like in the movie, and I'm not on bus with a bunch of folks singing "Tiny Dancer," but I'm home.
It's all over now. Next week I'm bag to my normal world of temporary legal employment. That world that pays my bills. But I know where my home is.
Now at the end of the movie, William has to write his story. Throughout the movie, he's been taking Polaroid photos, and as he writes his story, he looks at the photos. So I hope you'll indulge me a bit as I share with you, my "Polaroids" of the season.
1. I'll remember Jean-Michel Daoust putting on a pair of boots worn by the Dynamics -- he was in his suit -- after one of the Peoria playoff games. Heather was there, she saw it, too. And I remember after another playoff game, going through the media dining room to get the media room to write. And the player wives, girlfriends, and children were gathered in the room. And there was Daoust, a huge smile on his face, playing with the kids.
2. I remember the first time we interviewed Jared Spurgeon after a game, right before he got called up to the Wild. He looked so young, so tiny -- Daoust looked like a giant compared to Spurgeon.
3. There was Colton Gillies choking up, struggling to answer, as I asked about his memories of Derek Boogaard.
4. It's not so much the game seven game-winning goal against Milwaukee that I remember so much, but instead I still see Chris Jerina jumping up from his seat and banging the glass.
5. I remember being on the ice after game seven against Hamilton as the guys came out to the salute the crowd.
6. Jon DiSalvatore always had this little twinkle in his eye during the playoffs. It was like he couldn't believe how much fun he was having, and just how much he was enjoying his teammates.
7. There were the three games toward the end of the year against Oklahoma City. That beating that Patrick O'Sullivan took shift after shift, game after game. And I thought that those people who thought O'Sullivan was soft had obviously never really seen him play because I couldn't believe the punishment he was taking, punishment he was taking yet kept getting up from.
8. I think the biggest thing I'll most remember about this team is the same thing Jon DiSalvatore will most remember. It's the guys. The way they rallied around each other. The way they sacrificed the good of their game for the betterment of the team. It was a joy to cover this team, to be around this team.
9. And I'll remember the press box, table more like it, that I shared with Andrew and Heather every game. How's that awful old song from the early-70s go, "We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun." It's hard to believe it's over. Thank you for allowing me to share a table with you.
10. I remember that game when Patrick O'Sullivan joined the team. And it became evident then just how special this team could be.
11. And I still can't get it out of my mind. Robin Lehner throwing his stick in the air and the Senators going into full on celebration mode as the Aeros sunk to their knees on the ice, not able to believe it was all over. And I'll remember the fans, applauding the team, applauding the Sens as the Calder Cup was rewarded to them and they passed it around.
And finally, some thank yous and acknowledgements.
Thank you, Rich Bocchini, for your assistance throughout the season. He took over the media relations position literally right before the season started. He was under constant pressure throughout the season, but whatever I needed, or Andrew, or Heather, he got us.
Thank you, Joe O'Donnell. You're a true professional who we're lucky to have here on your way to the big time.
Thank you to Dave Maxwell who helped with access, and with getting us the players we needed for interviews. He was a special help on the road during the playoffs when he was conduit to the locker rooms in Peoria and Milwaukee and made sure I got the players I needed.
Thanks to team trainer Jody Green for coming through with the sinus meds I so desperately needed in Peoria after game four. And thanks to the entire medical staff who so generously shared their spot on the corner with me after I tried the photography thing.
Thanks to the entire Aeros staff of trainers and equipment guys we talked to and bumped in to and got in the way of every night. Thanks to Gary and the rest of the security staff.
Thanks to Mike Yeo, Darryl Sydor, and Brian Wiseman for not treating me like the idiot about hockey that I truly am. And thanks to Jim Mill for that same reason. Maybe someday I'll know all of the ins and outs of hockey like I do of baseball.
Thanks to Jon DiSalvatore for always being willing to take questions, even after painful, difficult losses. And thanks to Jed Ortmeyer for that same reason.
I want to thank Fred Trask for being with us, and me, in spirit. I was afraid that Fred would be upset with me for trying to photograph the games, because Fred should have been the one doing that. But Fred offered me advice on what cameras to purchase and gave me tips on what I should try to doing to make my work better. Thanks, Fred. I'm just your temporary replacement, and I hope that someday I can relinquish back to you the role of T3I photographer.
Thanks to Chris Jerina, our Midwest Bureau Chief, for so willingly traveling all around Illinois and Wisconsin and other parts to provide us with photography and news.
Thanks to Andrew and Heather. And thanks to everybody for reading.
Who would have thought in December that this season would have gone like it did? Who would have thought then that everybody would be so disappointed? It was a special season for the Houston Aeros, and it's one that I'm happy that I, in my own way, was able to participate in. That we all, in our ways, were able to participate in.
And as promised...
I don't know how many of you've seen the movie, it's one of my favorites, but it bombed at the box office way back in 2000. Anyway, it's about this kid named William Miller, based on Cameron Crowe, the writer and director of the movie. And it's the story of how this 15-year-old-kid lands an assignment in 1973 from Rolling Stone -- who thinks he's much older to write a story on a band called Stillwater. He joins the band on tour, and while it's supposed to be a short journey, he finds that he just can't get away from them, going from San Diego to New York City.
I've left out a lot of the nuance, and I've really simplified the story. But there's a scene about halfway through the movie where the band has a huge fight, and they find themselves in Topeka, Kansas and on the verge of breaking up. William and the guitar player, Russell Hammond, wind up at a party in a suburban neighborhood where Hammond takes LSD and calls himself a golden god before jumping off the house into the pool. William gets him to safety, back on the band bus, and they're off for the next venue.
Here comes the point I've been building to. And I'll post the clip at the bottom. But they're all gathered on the bus, all wondering what the future holds when Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" starts to play. And slowly, one by one, the entire bus breaks out, singing the song. And William says to woman next to him, Penny Lane, played by Kate Hudson, whose character is sleeping with Hammond in the movie, that he needs to go home. And she looks at him and says, "You are home."
So what's the point of all of this? Heather talked about how there's nothing better to her than being on the press row during a game with Andrew and myself. And that's damn special. But for me, it was last Saturday night/Sunday morning. It's about 3:00 a.m. and I'm on the Pennsylvania Turnpike heading to Philadelphia so that I could catch my flight home. I'm tired. I'm trying to find anything on the radio to keep me awake. There's no traffic. No traffic. And it dawns on me. It's me, but there's nothing better than this. On the road, covering a hockey team in the playoffs. Sure, Kate Hudson's not leaning her head on my shoulder like in the movie, and I'm not on bus with a bunch of folks singing "Tiny Dancer," but I'm home.
It's all over now. Next week I'm bag to my normal world of temporary legal employment. That world that pays my bills. But I know where my home is.
Now at the end of the movie, William has to write his story. Throughout the movie, he's been taking Polaroid photos, and as he writes his story, he looks at the photos. So I hope you'll indulge me a bit as I share with you, my "Polaroids" of the season.
1. I'll remember Jean-Michel Daoust putting on a pair of boots worn by the Dynamics -- he was in his suit -- after one of the Peoria playoff games. Heather was there, she saw it, too. And I remember after another playoff game, going through the media dining room to get the media room to write. And the player wives, girlfriends, and children were gathered in the room. And there was Daoust, a huge smile on his face, playing with the kids.
2. I remember the first time we interviewed Jared Spurgeon after a game, right before he got called up to the Wild. He looked so young, so tiny -- Daoust looked like a giant compared to Spurgeon.
3. There was Colton Gillies choking up, struggling to answer, as I asked about his memories of Derek Boogaard.
4. It's not so much the game seven game-winning goal against Milwaukee that I remember so much, but instead I still see Chris Jerina jumping up from his seat and banging the glass.
5. I remember being on the ice after game seven against Hamilton as the guys came out to the salute the crowd.
6. Jon DiSalvatore always had this little twinkle in his eye during the playoffs. It was like he couldn't believe how much fun he was having, and just how much he was enjoying his teammates.
7. There were the three games toward the end of the year against Oklahoma City. That beating that Patrick O'Sullivan took shift after shift, game after game. And I thought that those people who thought O'Sullivan was soft had obviously never really seen him play because I couldn't believe the punishment he was taking, punishment he was taking yet kept getting up from.
8. I think the biggest thing I'll most remember about this team is the same thing Jon DiSalvatore will most remember. It's the guys. The way they rallied around each other. The way they sacrificed the good of their game for the betterment of the team. It was a joy to cover this team, to be around this team.
9. And I'll remember the press box, table more like it, that I shared with Andrew and Heather every game. How's that awful old song from the early-70s go, "We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun." It's hard to believe it's over. Thank you for allowing me to share a table with you.
10. I remember that game when Patrick O'Sullivan joined the team. And it became evident then just how special this team could be.
11. And I still can't get it out of my mind. Robin Lehner throwing his stick in the air and the Senators going into full on celebration mode as the Aeros sunk to their knees on the ice, not able to believe it was all over. And I'll remember the fans, applauding the team, applauding the Sens as the Calder Cup was rewarded to them and they passed it around.
And finally, some thank yous and acknowledgements.
Thank you, Rich Bocchini, for your assistance throughout the season. He took over the media relations position literally right before the season started. He was under constant pressure throughout the season, but whatever I needed, or Andrew, or Heather, he got us.
Thank you, Joe O'Donnell. You're a true professional who we're lucky to have here on your way to the big time.
Thank you to Dave Maxwell who helped with access, and with getting us the players we needed for interviews. He was a special help on the road during the playoffs when he was conduit to the locker rooms in Peoria and Milwaukee and made sure I got the players I needed.
Thanks to team trainer Jody Green for coming through with the sinus meds I so desperately needed in Peoria after game four. And thanks to the entire medical staff who so generously shared their spot on the corner with me after I tried the photography thing.
Thanks to the entire Aeros staff of trainers and equipment guys we talked to and bumped in to and got in the way of every night. Thanks to Gary and the rest of the security staff.
Thanks to Mike Yeo, Darryl Sydor, and Brian Wiseman for not treating me like the idiot about hockey that I truly am. And thanks to Jim Mill for that same reason. Maybe someday I'll know all of the ins and outs of hockey like I do of baseball.
Thanks to Jon DiSalvatore for always being willing to take questions, even after painful, difficult losses. And thanks to Jed Ortmeyer for that same reason.
I want to thank Fred Trask for being with us, and me, in spirit. I was afraid that Fred would be upset with me for trying to photograph the games, because Fred should have been the one doing that. But Fred offered me advice on what cameras to purchase and gave me tips on what I should try to doing to make my work better. Thanks, Fred. I'm just your temporary replacement, and I hope that someday I can relinquish back to you the role of T3I photographer.
Thanks to Chris Jerina, our Midwest Bureau Chief, for so willingly traveling all around Illinois and Wisconsin and other parts to provide us with photography and news.
Thanks to Andrew and Heather. And thanks to everybody for reading.
Who would have thought in December that this season would have gone like it did? Who would have thought then that everybody would be so disappointed? It was a special season for the Houston Aeros, and it's one that I'm happy that I, in my own way, was able to participate in. That we all, in our ways, were able to participate in.
And as promised...
And JM Heads for Europe
The season is over, so it's time for players to start signing new contracts, changing teams, etc. And today the first Aero departed for greener pastures as JM Daoust signed with the Straubing Tigers of the DEL.
Good luck Jean-Michel. I enjoyed watching him, even when he wasn't on the ice as he seemed, from my eye, to be one of the chemistry guys every team absolutely needs to have. And read the Google translation story that I linked to you because there you'll be amazed at what Dauost was able to accomplish weighing only 75-pounds.
Good luck Jean-Michel. I enjoyed watching him, even when he wasn't on the ice as he seemed, from my eye, to be one of the chemistry guys every team absolutely needs to have. And read the Google translation story that I linked to you because there you'll be amazed at what Dauost was able to accomplish weighing only 75-pounds.
Wiseman accepts Assistant Coach gig at Michigan
Aeros assistant coach Brian Wiseman had homecoming of sorts this season, returning not only to hockey after a 5-year break, but to the Aeros, where he played in his pro days.
After one season with the Aeros, he's now returning to Ann Arbor and his alma mater, the University of Michigan, as an assistant coach.
Here's the story from the Michigan web site.
Best of luck to Coach Wiseman!
After one season with the Aeros, he's now returning to Ann Arbor and his alma mater, the University of Michigan, as an assistant coach.
Here's the story from the Michigan web site.
Best of luck to Coach Wiseman!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
And The New Coach of The Admirals Will Be...
While we're all still wondering if we'll have Mike Yeo around next year, or whether he'll be rewarded with the top job with some NHL team somewhere, comes the word that Milwaukee head coach, and former Aero, Lane Lambert is being promoted by the Nashville Predators organization. The word is a press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow in which it will be announced that Lambert's been hired on as assistant coach to the Preds, which means the Ads will be in search of a new coach.
Just a reminder that, while the actual hockey is finished for the year, hockey itself is not finished. There'll be more coaching moves to come. AHL/NHL affiliations will be shifting around. The Moose are moving to St. John's, Newfoundland and we're waiting for the AHL to figure out which conference/division in which to place them -- my guess is that the AHL finds a way to keep them in the so-called Western Conference, North Division because the teams in the Eastern Conference don't want to be bothered with all of that far-flung traveling the teams in the Western Conference have to deal with.
There'll be roster changes throughout the league, more coaching changes, and don't forget, the league's moving to a 76-game schedule next year.
Just a reminder that, while the actual hockey is finished for the year, hockey itself is not finished. There'll be more coaching moves to come. AHL/NHL affiliations will be shifting around. The Moose are moving to St. John's, Newfoundland and we're waiting for the AHL to figure out which conference/division in which to place them -- my guess is that the AHL finds a way to keep them in the so-called Western Conference, North Division because the teams in the Eastern Conference don't want to be bothered with all of that far-flung traveling the teams in the Western Conference have to deal with.
There'll be roster changes throughout the league, more coaching changes, and don't forget, the league's moving to a 76-game schedule next year.
Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
This is, I think, the hardest post to write that I've ever done here. The interviews were hard to transcribe, listening to the inflections in the voices of Mike Yeo and Jon DiSalvatore, the emotion, the passion, the disappointment, the feeling that they had just let down not only themselves, but the fans, especially the fans.
This isn't how the Aeros wanted this season to end. Not losing game six on home ice after having a 2-1 lead in the third period. Not losing a game on a desperation play by a Binghamton defender coming from nowhere to block a Patrick O'Sullivan shot that appeared to be a sure goal with about 50 seconds left that would have sent the game to overtime. Not after they finally got their power play working. Not after they left everything they had out there on the ice.
In the end, the Aeros just couldn't go any further. All of the game sevens. All of the physical play. The injuries. In the end, it was just too much. Especially with a 19-year-old rookie goalie named Robin Lehner playing out of his mind.
The better team won last night. The Senators getting the 3-2 win to win the Calder Cup in front of 10,000-plus screaming Aeros fans. So, for one last time, lets get to the notes, quotes and observations from game six.
1. First, here's the link to my game story in the Press. I know you're sick and tired of my pushing this, but this will be the last time for awhile. I don't know what the status of Aeros coverage in the Press will be for next season, but they've indulged me for four seasons, so go over one last time this year, read the story, leave some comments. Let them know you care (and damn, what do you know, people from Binghamton are already bitching about it though I say nothing but good things about the team).
2. Despite the Aeros loss, this was easily the best game of hockey I've seen in a long time. Perhaps it had something to do with Terry Koharski not being around, but David Banfield and Jean Hebert did an excellent job of officiating this game. They kept the scrums to a minimum. They called the penalties that needed to be called. They didn't get in the way of the flow of the game. Perhaps the league listened to Mike Yeo, perhaps they didn't. But still, nice job of officiating.
3. I think the bravest person around last night was Jon DiSalvatore. It's Mike Yeo's job to talk to us media folks, win or lose. But DiSalvatore could have said no. I don't think any of us would have objected. I think we would have all understood. But the guy's the captain. He's been the go-to guy for a comment all season. So we asked for him, and he came out, and he talked to us. You could tell it was hard. You could tell he was dying inside. Dying for himself, his teammates, the fans. But he stood there one last time and answered our questions.
There was a reason the guys elected him to be the captain. And we've seen it many times out there on the ice. But his performance after this game, standing there, facing us, after this, that's why he was the captain.
4. "If I can say right now, thank you to all of the fans," DiSalvatore said at the very end. "I do want to thank them. They were tremendous. They showed up tonight, and they were great. We really appreciate that support. We’re upset that we couldn’t bring a championship, but we appreciate all of the support that they’ve given to us, and we hope that they’re back next year for sure."
5. The crowd last night was fantastic. The Aeros are a minor league team in a major league town. They battle for attention with the Astros, the Texans, and the Rockets. The Dynamo probably get more attention. They're there with the Cougars and the Owls. But despite that, they went out and won games. They demanded attention, and the fans, the city paid attention. There were over 10,000 folks inside Toyota Center last night banging their thundersticks and clanging the cowbells. I was down there in the corner in the third period, and you could feel it.
6. "It was an interesting year for me, coming back here," Mike Yeo told us. "We had some amazing, passionate fans, but I think things kind of grew as the playoffs went on. Those passionate fans, I’m really happy for them that they got awarded with a long playoff run, and I wish we could have delivered to them what I believe that they deserve as well. I think our fans are the best in the league. I also think that with the help of the media – the media was great for us throughout the playoffs, and I think that picking up – I think we picked up a lot of new fans along the way. I think people got a chance to see what it’s all about. The passion that’s out there. The energy level that’s out there. The speed and intensity of the game. And our crowds were just unbelievable. Again, I wish in front of that crowd tonight, to see how classy they were, to see them cheering on right to the very end, I wish that we could have delivered a different outcome."
7. About that outcome. What a punch in the gut. Binghamton played great hockey. But the injuries were the doom for the Aeros. Cody Almond and Jared Spurgeon were probably, along with Colton Gillies, the team's best penalty killers, and they couldn't play. Jon DiSalvatore said the special teams were a wash -- each team had two goals on the power play -- and that it was the five-on-five that did the Aeros in. And perhaps he's right. Once again, going to the injuries to the Spurgeon and Almond.
We saw way too little of Spurgeon this season. That's because he was up with the Wild way before he was supposed to be up with the Wild, and he stayed up there because of just how good he was on defense. And Cody Almond had been a key piece to making the chemistry of the first line just right, providing the grit to go with DiSalvatore and O'Sullivan.
8. One of the things that Yeo and DiSalvatore have spoken about all year is the character of this team. About how they've banded together, become a family. Maybe it's kind of a cliche. But for this team, it worked, and Yeo says that why this team went as far as it did.
"You know what, when you see a guy go out and put his own agenda aside, and do everything he can to help the guy next to him, to help you, to help his teammates, that’s when you know that guy’s a winner. That’s a guy you want to go out and do the same thing for. That’s what we have with this group. It’s a group that cared an awful lot about each other. I think that that came from each guy giving everything he could for the group. It was a very special group."
9. Jon DiSalvatore was asked what that one thing, above any other thing, would be that he remembers about this season. He didn't mention a game, or a goal. He mentioned his teammates.
"It’s always going to be the guys," he said. "It’s us in there. We go through everything together. You experience different relationships with guys. You battle, and you grind, and you challenge each other, and at the end of the day you guys are all fighting for the same thing. And you come together – you learn so much about the character of guys, and what it took for what guys to get to this level, and how guys are experiencing pro careers differently, and how we all become part of it with each other. These relationships that you build, especially going this far is – they’re a lifetime. They become lifetime friends, and warriors that you’ll just go to battle with any day."
10. In the end, Binghamton was just the better team last night. Particularly Robin Lehner. "He’s fantastic. He was fantastic," Yeo said. "Certainly in the second period we had great chances. We could have extended our lead. We couldn’t get that third goal. He’s huge. He’s a big guy. He covers an awful of lot net. He was great."
11. It was tough to see the Aeros lose last night, to lose the series. It was tough to see Binghamton celebrating on the ice while the Aeros skated in a daze, trying to grasp what had just happened. But despite all of that, I had a slight tinge of happiness. Not so much for the Senators as a team, because I don't really know that team. But I do know two of the players, Barry Brust and Corey Locke.
Barry Brust was my money quote, my go-to-guy for three years in Houston. He'd always give a great quote, win or lose, especially if he had just lost a game. He's a good guy, hell, he's a great guy. And Corey Locke was only here for one season, but that season, two years ago, he was a star. He was Mr. Dependable. The guy just had, still has, this ability to put points on the board. And while not as great a quote as Brust, he would always talk and do his best to give us what we needed.
So as tough as it was to watch the Aeros lose, to see the guys I've been covering and getting to know this year lose, I want to congratulate Brusty and Corey and their teammates.
12. Finally, it's been awhile since I've posted a video. But there's this song that's been running through my head since the game ended last night. Perhaps it's because of the way Yeo and DiSalvatore kept trying to apologize to the fans and to each other for letting everybody down. Perhaps it's because the song is used in Slap Shot, one of my favorite movies. But it just seems to fit the mood I'm in, so here's Elton John with "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word."
I'll be back later this week with my thoughts on the season and a whole bunch of thank yous.
This isn't how the Aeros wanted this season to end. Not losing game six on home ice after having a 2-1 lead in the third period. Not losing a game on a desperation play by a Binghamton defender coming from nowhere to block a Patrick O'Sullivan shot that appeared to be a sure goal with about 50 seconds left that would have sent the game to overtime. Not after they finally got their power play working. Not after they left everything they had out there on the ice.
In the end, the Aeros just couldn't go any further. All of the game sevens. All of the physical play. The injuries. In the end, it was just too much. Especially with a 19-year-old rookie goalie named Robin Lehner playing out of his mind.
The better team won last night. The Senators getting the 3-2 win to win the Calder Cup in front of 10,000-plus screaming Aeros fans. So, for one last time, lets get to the notes, quotes and observations from game six.
1. First, here's the link to my game story in the Press. I know you're sick and tired of my pushing this, but this will be the last time for awhile. I don't know what the status of Aeros coverage in the Press will be for next season, but they've indulged me for four seasons, so go over one last time this year, read the story, leave some comments. Let them know you care (and damn, what do you know, people from Binghamton are already bitching about it though I say nothing but good things about the team).
2. Despite the Aeros loss, this was easily the best game of hockey I've seen in a long time. Perhaps it had something to do with Terry Koharski not being around, but David Banfield and Jean Hebert did an excellent job of officiating this game. They kept the scrums to a minimum. They called the penalties that needed to be called. They didn't get in the way of the flow of the game. Perhaps the league listened to Mike Yeo, perhaps they didn't. But still, nice job of officiating.
3. I think the bravest person around last night was Jon DiSalvatore. It's Mike Yeo's job to talk to us media folks, win or lose. But DiSalvatore could have said no. I don't think any of us would have objected. I think we would have all understood. But the guy's the captain. He's been the go-to guy for a comment all season. So we asked for him, and he came out, and he talked to us. You could tell it was hard. You could tell he was dying inside. Dying for himself, his teammates, the fans. But he stood there one last time and answered our questions.
There was a reason the guys elected him to be the captain. And we've seen it many times out there on the ice. But his performance after this game, standing there, facing us, after this, that's why he was the captain.
4. "If I can say right now, thank you to all of the fans," DiSalvatore said at the very end. "I do want to thank them. They were tremendous. They showed up tonight, and they were great. We really appreciate that support. We’re upset that we couldn’t bring a championship, but we appreciate all of the support that they’ve given to us, and we hope that they’re back next year for sure."
5. The crowd last night was fantastic. The Aeros are a minor league team in a major league town. They battle for attention with the Astros, the Texans, and the Rockets. The Dynamo probably get more attention. They're there with the Cougars and the Owls. But despite that, they went out and won games. They demanded attention, and the fans, the city paid attention. There were over 10,000 folks inside Toyota Center last night banging their thundersticks and clanging the cowbells. I was down there in the corner in the third period, and you could feel it.
6. "It was an interesting year for me, coming back here," Mike Yeo told us. "We had some amazing, passionate fans, but I think things kind of grew as the playoffs went on. Those passionate fans, I’m really happy for them that they got awarded with a long playoff run, and I wish we could have delivered to them what I believe that they deserve as well. I think our fans are the best in the league. I also think that with the help of the media – the media was great for us throughout the playoffs, and I think that picking up – I think we picked up a lot of new fans along the way. I think people got a chance to see what it’s all about. The passion that’s out there. The energy level that’s out there. The speed and intensity of the game. And our crowds were just unbelievable. Again, I wish in front of that crowd tonight, to see how classy they were, to see them cheering on right to the very end, I wish that we could have delivered a different outcome."
7. About that outcome. What a punch in the gut. Binghamton played great hockey. But the injuries were the doom for the Aeros. Cody Almond and Jared Spurgeon were probably, along with Colton Gillies, the team's best penalty killers, and they couldn't play. Jon DiSalvatore said the special teams were a wash -- each team had two goals on the power play -- and that it was the five-on-five that did the Aeros in. And perhaps he's right. Once again, going to the injuries to the Spurgeon and Almond.
We saw way too little of Spurgeon this season. That's because he was up with the Wild way before he was supposed to be up with the Wild, and he stayed up there because of just how good he was on defense. And Cody Almond had been a key piece to making the chemistry of the first line just right, providing the grit to go with DiSalvatore and O'Sullivan.
8. One of the things that Yeo and DiSalvatore have spoken about all year is the character of this team. About how they've banded together, become a family. Maybe it's kind of a cliche. But for this team, it worked, and Yeo says that why this team went as far as it did.
"You know what, when you see a guy go out and put his own agenda aside, and do everything he can to help the guy next to him, to help you, to help his teammates, that’s when you know that guy’s a winner. That’s a guy you want to go out and do the same thing for. That’s what we have with this group. It’s a group that cared an awful lot about each other. I think that that came from each guy giving everything he could for the group. It was a very special group."
9. Jon DiSalvatore was asked what that one thing, above any other thing, would be that he remembers about this season. He didn't mention a game, or a goal. He mentioned his teammates.
"It’s always going to be the guys," he said. "It’s us in there. We go through everything together. You experience different relationships with guys. You battle, and you grind, and you challenge each other, and at the end of the day you guys are all fighting for the same thing. And you come together – you learn so much about the character of guys, and what it took for what guys to get to this level, and how guys are experiencing pro careers differently, and how we all become part of it with each other. These relationships that you build, especially going this far is – they’re a lifetime. They become lifetime friends, and warriors that you’ll just go to battle with any day."
10. In the end, Binghamton was just the better team last night. Particularly Robin Lehner. "He’s fantastic. He was fantastic," Yeo said. "Certainly in the second period we had great chances. We could have extended our lead. We couldn’t get that third goal. He’s huge. He’s a big guy. He covers an awful of lot net. He was great."
11. It was tough to see the Aeros lose last night, to lose the series. It was tough to see Binghamton celebrating on the ice while the Aeros skated in a daze, trying to grasp what had just happened. But despite all of that, I had a slight tinge of happiness. Not so much for the Senators as a team, because I don't really know that team. But I do know two of the players, Barry Brust and Corey Locke.
Barry Brust was my money quote, my go-to-guy for three years in Houston. He'd always give a great quote, win or lose, especially if he had just lost a game. He's a good guy, hell, he's a great guy. And Corey Locke was only here for one season, but that season, two years ago, he was a star. He was Mr. Dependable. The guy just had, still has, this ability to put points on the board. And while not as great a quote as Brust, he would always talk and do his best to give us what we needed.
So as tough as it was to watch the Aeros lose, to see the guys I've been covering and getting to know this year lose, I want to congratulate Brusty and Corey and their teammates.
12. Finally, it's been awhile since I've posted a video. But there's this song that's been running through my head since the game ended last night. Perhaps it's because of the way Yeo and DiSalvatore kept trying to apologize to the fans and to each other for letting everybody down. Perhaps it's because the song is used in Slap Shot, one of my favorite movies. But it just seems to fit the mood I'm in, so here's Elton John with "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word."
I'll be back later this week with my thoughts on the season and a whole bunch of thank yous.
Thoughts on a season ending...
There's a great movie that I recommend you all put on your Netflix list called Pirate Radio. It's about a rock and roll radio station that ran on a big ship in the ocean off the coast of England in the 60s, because the government banned rock on the BBC.
It's about the guys on that boat who put their heart and soul into the cause of delivering entertainment to their listeners, risking a certain amount of peril, but also getting lots of hot chicks, to do it. Sound familiar?
Anyway, there's a scene in the movie that struck me like an anvil when I saw it and it came back to me as I drove home tonight, trying my best to see the lines on the road through my tears.
Personally, it was extra special for me. Every day I got to hang out with John and Andrew was such a pleasure. Every game on press row... there is no happier place for me.
Used to, when I had to go to my happy place, it was on a hammock, gentle ocean breeze rocking me into a serene bliss. Now, my happy place is right there at the top of 108, watching hockey, writing about hockey, simply awash in things I love.
And I did grow to love this team. There isn't a guy in the bunch I can say a bad word about. In fact, most of them, I can't even begin to express my appreciation and admiration for their efforts, their leadership, their strength--both mental and physical.
And Yeo... gosh. Well, I already wrote about him for our friends over at Hockey Wilderness, some serious, some not so serious. But what I didn't say was how much I appreciated his generous and even-keeled interaction with the media all season. He literally could not have been nicer to us without actually bringing us flowers and giving shoulder massages.
The guy just flat out gets it, and if he's here next year, I'll be surprised and delighted. If you weren't already aware of how lucky we are/were to have him, please believe me when I say we were VERY lucky.
Lastly, Rich Bocchini has just been amazing to work with all season. Taking over the gig just before the first puck dropped, he jumped in and immediately made sure we had what we needed to do our jobs. And he's been a pleasure all season.
The disappointing thing about sports is that you run into an awful lot of egos in the front offices, so when you find a PR guy who literally says, "Whatever you need, I will try and get it for you." and then he goes and does it, you know you've got a keeper.
I don't want to leave people out, but I could go on too long if I don't. Needless to say, the hockey ops folks, the docs, Joe, everybody I've gotten to know or know better this season, are just grade A folks. Thanks for letting me tag along in Bingo. It was an unbelievable experience.
-----------------------------
In the end, this series goes back to those 9 days Binghamton had off. The Aeros ran out of gas after having to battle to 7 games in rounds 2 and 3. It was evident how much they wanted it, but Bingo had the jump in their legs all series, except for their rusty first game.
To me, that break was the difference in the series. Sometimes that's just how the puck bounces though.
Lehner was a pleasure to watch, though if they'd actually wanted to make this a REALLY fun series, they would have played both back-up goalies and just put me in picture-in-picture up on the Jumbotron. But nobody asked me. That great idea will die with the 2011 season.
Thanks to all the fans who support the team with all your hearts and minds and wallets, and extra thanks to those who do that AND support us so kindly here at T3I.
We stood on top of the mountain, compadres. I wouldn't have had it any other way.
It's about the guys on that boat who put their heart and soul into the cause of delivering entertainment to their listeners, risking a certain amount of peril, but also getting lots of hot chicks, to do it. Sound familiar?
Anyway, there's a scene in the movie that struck me like an anvil when I saw it and it came back to me as I drove home tonight, trying my best to see the lines on the road through my tears.
Carl: You okay?And that's pretty much how I feel tonight. This season was special. It was special in a quiet, determined way that, I dunno about you guys, but it sneaked up on me. And I don't think it's ever going to be this good again.
The Count: Yeah, just... You know, a few months ago, I made a terrible mistake.
Carl: Really?
The Count: Yeah. I realized something. And instead of crushing the thought the moment it came I... I let it hang on and... Now I know it to be true. And I'm afraid it's stuck in my head forever.
Carl: What was the thought?
The Count: That these are the best days of our lives.... It's a terrible thing to know, but I know it.
Carl: I don't know about that.
The Count: Well, yeah. Yeah. Maybe you'll be lucky. Maybe you'll have better days, but I doubt it. We stood on top of the mountain, compadre. It's a long way do-be-do-be down.
Personally, it was extra special for me. Every day I got to hang out with John and Andrew was such a pleasure. Every game on press row... there is no happier place for me.
Used to, when I had to go to my happy place, it was on a hammock, gentle ocean breeze rocking me into a serene bliss. Now, my happy place is right there at the top of 108, watching hockey, writing about hockey, simply awash in things I love.
And I did grow to love this team. There isn't a guy in the bunch I can say a bad word about. In fact, most of them, I can't even begin to express my appreciation and admiration for their efforts, their leadership, their strength--both mental and physical.
And Yeo... gosh. Well, I already wrote about him for our friends over at Hockey Wilderness, some serious, some not so serious. But what I didn't say was how much I appreciated his generous and even-keeled interaction with the media all season. He literally could not have been nicer to us without actually bringing us flowers and giving shoulder massages.
The guy just flat out gets it, and if he's here next year, I'll be surprised and delighted. If you weren't already aware of how lucky we are/were to have him, please believe me when I say we were VERY lucky.
Lastly, Rich Bocchini has just been amazing to work with all season. Taking over the gig just before the first puck dropped, he jumped in and immediately made sure we had what we needed to do our jobs. And he's been a pleasure all season.
The disappointing thing about sports is that you run into an awful lot of egos in the front offices, so when you find a PR guy who literally says, "Whatever you need, I will try and get it for you." and then he goes and does it, you know you've got a keeper.
I don't want to leave people out, but I could go on too long if I don't. Needless to say, the hockey ops folks, the docs, Joe, everybody I've gotten to know or know better this season, are just grade A folks. Thanks for letting me tag along in Bingo. It was an unbelievable experience.
-----------------------------
In the end, this series goes back to those 9 days Binghamton had off. The Aeros ran out of gas after having to battle to 7 games in rounds 2 and 3. It was evident how much they wanted it, but Bingo had the jump in their legs all series, except for their rusty first game.
To me, that break was the difference in the series. Sometimes that's just how the puck bounces though.
Lehner was a pleasure to watch, though if they'd actually wanted to make this a REALLY fun series, they would have played both back-up goalies and just put me in picture-in-picture up on the Jumbotron. But nobody asked me. That great idea will die with the 2011 season.
Thanks to all the fans who support the team with all your hearts and minds and wallets, and extra thanks to those who do that AND support us so kindly here at T3I.
We stood on top of the mountain, compadres. I wouldn't have had it any other way.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Pictures Are Worth A Thousand Words
What's that they say, pictures are worth a thousand words? Well, I'll throw up some words and some quotes later. But I think the photos say all that there really is to say.
Curtains! Binghamton Wins first-ever Calder Cup at Aeros' expense
The Aeros just ran out of gas in the third period. You could see it as precious time ticked off the clock in the final 20 and ultimately on their magical run.The jump they had in the first period was gone, and the power play that tripled its production in the second 2o minutes of Tuesday's game was nowhere to be found early in the third period.
The two calls against Scandella and Earl were unfortunate, but legit. The tying goal by Bobby Butler was just a result of too much space in the middle of the ice. And the second, what can you say? What a shot ... Ryan Keller had about the size of a hockey puck over Hack's shoulder to shoot at ... and he nailed it.
Two of the Aeros best penalty killers (Cody Almond and Jared Spurgeon) were injured, and I think that made a huge difference when the Aeros really needed to stay out of the penalty box in the third period.
I thought for sure Patrick O'Sullivan was going to tie it up with 50 seconds left in the game. He settled a rolling puck and fired a shot that was going to land in the back of the net. But Geoff Kinrade did what you are supposed to do in the playoffs. He dove in front of the net and saved the game from going into OT.
I know John and Heather will have more later on tonight or tomorrow - there is still much to digest from this series and wonderful season.
But here is my take on the game and on the series - What a series by 19-year old rookie goalie Robin Lehner. The Aeros did not put more than two past him in any game (empty netter in Game 1). Throughout the playoffs, the Aeros won series after series; and they only scored more than four goals ONCE in 24 games. Read that again. The Aeros got to within two wins of a championship and only scored more than four goals one time.
That in and of itself goes to show just how good the Aeros were at grinding out wins in the playoffs. And it adds to the incredible statement Robin Lehner made in the last three games of the series.
He deserves every accolade, and maybe one day he will be known as a great, top-line goalie in the NHL.
But for now, he'll be known as the rogue crime-fighter that stopped the Aeros dead in their tracks.
Like the sign says in the picture above; who needs Batman when you have Robin?
Really?
I guess someone should tell the City of Binghamton to google "Dallas Mavericks + 2006 + Miami Heat+ Mayor + Parade"
Why?
Cuz, check this out!
To be completely fair, this is not coming from the BSens organization. I bet there is a Senators PR person in Houston right now that is fairly displeased with what can only be a complete lack of communication. But this is never, ever a good thing, especially in today's fast-moving electronic age. Why? Because every player will see this at least five times before the warm up tonight.
And here is a jpeg for you to click on just in case someone decides to go ahead and pretend this didn't happen today:
Why?
Cuz, check this out!
To be completely fair, this is not coming from the BSens organization. I bet there is a Senators PR person in Houston right now that is fairly displeased with what can only be a complete lack of communication. But this is never, ever a good thing, especially in today's fast-moving electronic age. Why? Because every player will see this at least five times before the warm up tonight.
And here is a jpeg for you to click on just in case someone decides to go ahead and pretend this didn't happen today:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
