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Jiri Fischer has been, at times, very giving in terms of taking questions and giving very real answers. I talked to him about his heart condition, he was candid about the mental and physical struggles as well as building a support system. He’s given a few interviews (less and less) as he completely overhauled parts of developmental. As a rookie, he stood out in camp and management talked to him about starting the year in Detroit. He boldly told them to either take him for the year or send him to development. I was shocked when he talked about it. They took him.
Right now, rookies and team leaders (along with MI natives from other clubs) are working out together and pushing each other. Some are being helped off the ice as well in learning to be a pro. In just over a month, the bonds that form now will be integrated in the realm of competition. Jobs can be taken/earned. It is the hard part of the climb to the top league. Friends will go to battle and try to stay with the club as long as possible.
Some of you have played at different levels of semi pro/pro sports. You’ve made the cuts and then for whatever reason (retirement etc) you’ve left the fray. It’s a part of life I wish I’d been better at, but I was terrible in team sports. I’ve competed in other fields but not there. I still don’t know how athletes walk that duality.
As I watch the herd get thinned, I hope each year for a surprise. Someone who breaks through and forces coaches and managers to make choices they don’t want to have to make. If you’ve been a coach, or an athlete, shoot your thoughts into the comments section. Everyone has a different read on how this goes down. Also, for the fans, who do you think is going to make life hard for veterans and coaches? I’m still going with Carter Mazur. I don’t know that he’ll make it, but I think he will push the pace.