ITS TIME FOR HOCKEY!!
Yesterday was the First day of NHL Training Camp…The first camp I haven’t laced my skates up for in 20 years, and honestly that feels great! It made me feel really good when the players and coach Todd McClellan called me yesterday to discuss how quiet the locker room was without me there. They had a meeting to discuss who was going to replace my leadership.
I wondered what it was like in the locker room after a big trade, after such a huge trade. I know that can be somewhat scary and exciting at the same time. When a team gets a player of Heatley’s caliber, emotions can run high because they know what Danny can bring to the Sharks! Although losing a team and fan favorite in Cheech can be deflating, you have to remember that sometimes change can be the best thing for a pro athlete. Cheech has been in San Jose since the beginning and his talent and determination is incredible! It has been overshadowed by his struggles with his confidence after having early success, which placed a lot of pressure on him. A new beginning might be just the trigger to bring him back to his high scoring ways.
Milan will thrive in Ottawa because of the mentality the Senators play with offensively. Milan’s everyday work ethic must be more consistent because there is no hiding from the Canadian media. He is one of the most talented players I have played with so he could thrive anywhere. I love this trade for the Sharks and Senators.
Losing Erhoff and Lukowich was surprising to me. Brad brings so much passion and energy both on and off the ice. I haven’t met many guys that want to win as bad as he does, I hope things start going his way soon. Christian, I thought was the hardest worker day in and day out, that I have seen. He will be a huge addition to Vancouver’s blue line. This was a cap reduction trade to free up money for Heatley. Doug Wilson might be one of the best GM’s in improving his teams through trade, and this trade reflects that.
I think San Jose is the team to beat in the West again. I feel that they are stronger team this year than last year, so I hope the boys are still pissed off and embarrassed at what happened last April, God knows I am!!
JR
We can’t wait to see what the team can bring to the ice!!! No matter how great Heatley is (and we are SO happy to have him), we will still miss our #27, JR. Hope you’re well.
~Jen~
I was shocked when I heared about cheech gettin traded! He was my boy along with many other’s thorton Nabby Seto Michi and JR you are still my boy! My dad is shocked but not as much we hope this is ganna be the year final.I wish the guy’s good luck in there new envirment and hope Cheech can score more then ever befor! I just hope Heatly was worth the loss Of the Cheechoo train.
Well really JR, I don’t think anyone can “replace” your leadership, as you are one of a kind! But yes, someone needs to try to fill your skates, and I think that person is Dan Boyle. He’s got heart the size of Texas, grit, a will to win, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind….sound familiar? ;o)
Yeah we’ve lost alot of guys this season but we knew DW was going to make changes and he kept true to his word. Chachi has been my favorite Shark since day one, and it’s going to be really weird not seeing him on the ice. But I agree with you, I hope his career finds a resurgence in Ottawa, because a guy who works as hard as he does deserves that. He’ll always be my favorite player no matter where he is!
So it sounds like you are enjoying your retirement, I’m glad! Are you still planning on being at the Tank on opening night? I got tickets specially for that! Oh well that and the fact that it’s opening night and I have been STARVED for hockey!
)
Best always,
Heidi
If the Sharks are in it, you should pull a Scott Neidameyer/ Teemu Selenne and come back with 1-2 months left in the season and play.
JR,
You were the best thing to happen to the team. I hope that the boys have picked up some key charecter traits of yours and can carry the passion that you brought. God knows it will take a whole team to carry what you did. I miss you, and wish you nothing but the best in your retirement. Hope to see you at the TANK!
GO SHARKS!
“I know that can be somewhat scary and exciting at the same time. When a team gets a player of Heatley’s caliber, emotions can run high because they know what Danny can bring to the Sharks!”
Well said JR.
Hi JR. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your retirement. Hopefully playing lots of golf. I saw you play in Tahoe and you play golf like you play hockey. GREAT!!!!!! We missed you tonight for the first home exhibition game.
best wishes in everything you do.
Debbi
Congratulations on the Blackhawks Heritage Night. It’s a well deserved honor.
When the heck is Sharks Celebrate #27 Night?? Better yet, when can we count on you taking Remenda’s place and getting some realistic color analysis? Granted, baldy cracks me up from time-to-time, but for someone who collects an American paycheck every month he still clings too much to the “O Canada” theme for this old fan. You would rock Randy’s world and we need you back in some capacity!