It was a wonderful Spring at the Russell household for a couple of reasons. First, the Flyers run was an unexpected surprise and gave us 5 more weeks of Philly hockey. Which, of course, now makes the 'off season' that much shorter. Training camp doesn't seem SO far away as it did the previous year.
Second, during these playoffs, I finally was able to have my 3 year old son "watch" hockey. And watch it with me. I know there are many other dads out there who can probably agree that this is a wonderful moment for a father. To be able to enjoy, share, and teach my child about a game I have loved since I have been able to have memories is very special.
As with any 3yr. old, repetition is key. SO the phrase "Umberger Scores!" Naturally was engrained in this sponge-like mind. 10 times we heard that call during the playoffs...And that phrase was screamed throughout the house all day long, arms in the air, big smile on the face, as Daddy and son re-live the Umberger calls ad nauseum. I even unearthed a Phantoms RJ Umberger Bobble head and gave it to him where it now still resides on his nightstand next to his bed. Each night as he's tucked in, he says "goodnight Umberger." (I can't wait to share this with him when he's 14 and the not so cute stuff begins to come out of his mouth)
Now the draft happens. The Flyers jettisoned one player. RJ Umberger. Ugh. So now what of my fairy tail hockey land? How do I tell him? Will he understand that the mean old salary cap is to blame? Will he comprehend that his beloved #20 had to leave because #17 and #6 were also in line for raises, and that #48 and #44 and #19 have a lot of the money already spent?
So, no point putting it off. I got down on my one knee at his level, pulled him close, and said the following:
"Son, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Umberger won't be on the Flyers anymore. We won't be seeing him as much as we did. But he is in a better place. You see, he will be able to play first line power play time with Mr. Nash. And Mr. Hitchcock, his new coach, really likes Umberger and will make sure he is happy with more minutes and more responsibility. He won't have to be behind a handful of other centers waiting to be slotted into a spot where he can contribute... (he's still listening)
You see, Daddy thinks this may be a lot like another great Flyer player's career: Mr. Primeau. He, like Umberger started on a team where he played in the shadow of Mr. Fedorov and Mr. Yzerman, and really didn't get a chance to blossom until they decided to move him to Carolina; well...um...Hartford really but then they became Carolina...Anyway...
In Carolina, son, he took on a bigger role and played a lot and got to develop to be even better and he became quite a star. Then he came to the Flyers where everybody loved him and loved how great he was. I'll save to tell you about another time, ok?
(he nods)
So, what I'm trying to say here, is that maybe, just maybe this move will really help Umberger and just maybe he'll become a great big star, and all the people in Columbus will get to hear "Umberger Scores!" over and over again.....So....Um.....Are you ok?"
"Can I play trains daddy?"
And there you have it...
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