Alright, all is well with the world! The Leafs won their game tonight and I got to see the whole thing, including Coach's Corner. Yup, I'm a diehard supporter of Don Cherry, and the home team. I have had to miss the Saturday game telecasts for the last couple of weeks for various reasons, and if you're a fan, you know how hard that can be. I love every minute of the whole thing, right from the opening notes of the anthem (for which I ALWAYS stand ... how about you?) to the final seconds of the third period. I'm one of those fans ... you know the one with the jersey, the sweater for winter days, the "stylish" T for summer days, the key chain, the car licence plates, the mouse pad, etc., etc. but I'm not one who supports them 'no matter what'. Belak took a totally vicious, totally unjustifiable highstick to another player tonight, and he deserved the penalty he got, and maybe even more. That was a moronic move and he cost his team one of the goals against.
Notwithstanding, I have my favourites on the team, of course. Domi is truly a lovable "work horse", and not so much an enforcer anymore , not like he used to be. That's OK. It means the man plays the game more now, instead of playing the tough guy. He's a good guy off the ice, too. Ever read about his visits to schools, to encourage kids to work hard and do 'better than he did' ? I put up with Sundin, and his always hanging-open-mouth. Gotta' love Nolan! Any man with a smile that good lookin' is worth having on the team, just for a little eye-candy! The goals he scored tonight (yeah, including the one that the refs called back) make him just that much better to have on the roster! And Don Cherry ... well look up the man's story some time. If you have an open mind, and you're not an elitist, you'll find yourself looking at a patriot, a real Canadian through-and-through. He's not a high school grad, no. You can't fault him just because of that though. As a teacher, I know the reality is, we are not all academics. I've taught lots of kids through my years of chalkdust that were never going to make it to grad day, but they're still good people. He is a principled and honest man, who loves his country and loves his game. I look forward to hearing from him each week. And you?