NHL Goes to Camp

First off, let me apologize for the long layoff. I have no excuse. I would like to tell you Bob Goodneow advised me to lock myself out, but I simply can’t. No excuse. I apologize.

Since we last met, things have happened. I waited in an excruciatingly long line Saturday to get Bruins tickets. I thought the organization did a good job getting people excited. At the Garden, people were allowed to skate if they bought tickets and a myriad of players were on hand for autographs, and meet and greets. While in line, I shook hands with Glen Murray, and Travis Green. I have long said there is not a more approachable, down to Earth athlete than a pro hockey player, and these two didn’t disappoint. Both guys were cordial, stopping for everyone, and taking pictures with the kids. I thought it was a great touch.

After being in line for about an hour and a half, the girl in front of me called Ticketmaster, to inquire about opening night. The sad news came, that game was sold out. Time for Plan B. I called Dave, and I am pretty sure I woke him. I inquired if the beloved Lockmonsters were playing on October 20th. With the precision of a Marine guiding in an air strike, he checked his laptop, and reported back to me, no, they weren’t. Now frig off. We had a new plan. Buffalo on the 20th. Well, little did I know I would have another hour to think about my decision. At the end we decided Buffalo sucks, let’s see Toronto on October 27th. After all, they have Tie Domi, and Eric Lindros. I figured Domi would give Orr a shot, and Jumbo Joe owes Old Glass Jaw one from last season. So, that’s what we did. The Goonsquad will be in the Garden Thursday October 27th. Hopefully our T-Shirts will be done by then. If you are there, and see us, stop and say hello. There are no guarantees we won’t be liquored, and belligerent, but hey, it’s worth a shot.

Camps have opened. Two places I think would be fairly tough camps this year. Carolina and Anaheim. Down South, the ‘Canes just added Jim Cummins to the roster. That means Gordie Dwyer, Jesse Boulerice, and Cummins are all fighting to stay in the Show. My guess is Boulerice and Cummins stay, Dwyer back to Lowell. Out West we have Trevor Gillies, Kip Brennan, Travis Moen, and Todd Fedoruk all trying to catch on with the Ducks. My bet is Brennan and Fedoruk stay, Gillies, and Moen down to Portland.

Apparently there have been a couple of decent scraps in Boston’s Camp as well. Anyone see them? Anyway, I feel like we are up to speed. I promise no more long layoffs. Three weeks to opening night, and I am like a caged animal right now. Do you think a Flux Capicator is a bit excessive for the Grand Prix? I can wait 3 weeks, can’t I?