Hey, folks. I am a Senators Alumni event today with old friend Laurie Bauschman. I asked my son -- HockeyBuzz's Detroit Red Wings blogger Erik Marsh -- to pinch hit for me today on my blog. I will have a new one of my own for the weekend.
In the meantime, all the best to the four remaining teams in the Olympic hockey tournament. This old Canadian is hoping my countrymen bring home another gold after a close call today against Latvia. Meanwhile, Team Finland should be very proud for their magnificent display of teamwork against the collection of individual stars who made up Team Russia. Team USA has a tremendous team that can easily take gold. So does Sweden.
It'll be fun!
********************
ONCE A FAMILY, ALWAYS A FAMILY By Erik Marsh
When my Dad retired as an NHL player, I was only seven years old. It’s safe to say any old hockey stories I know or retell, I didn't witness firsthand. More often than not, I’ve collected the story after sitting around the table with a couple of cold beverages and my Dad and his buddies as they talk about the good ol’ days. What’s most incredible, however, is not the stories themselves.
It’s the former players' camaraderie that is truly amazing. It doesn’t matter if they played together or against each other. It’s not even important that they played in the same era. For these guys, it’s about sharing a common bond that lasts a lifetime.
I’ve learned from an early age that whenever there’s an opportunity to follow Dad around and get a privileged glimpse into the inner circle of the NHL brotherhood, I should take advantage of the chance. I tag along without shame. At 26, some might say I’m getting a little old to hang out socially with my father but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Through all of this tagging along I’ve learned that for every superstar there is an underrated linemate, for every physical wound that time has healed there’s likely a grudge that will never die and for every player lucky enough to play in hockey’s greatest league, there’s a team of mentors that got them there.
The true insights into how the game is or was at it's core don’t come from commentators and analysts who look at the minutia. Instead, they come from the men who gave their blood and sweat long before the days of outrageous contracts and composite one piece sticks.
The NHL Alumni is a strong family encompassing everyone lucky enough to make a living playing the game they love at the highest level. Each team’s Alumni is special in their own way but the Ottawa Senators Alumni is truly an exceptional group of guys.
When the Alumni was formed, it consisted of former NHLers who now call Ottawa their home. Most of the guys never played together and in the beginning, very few even played on the Senators. Despite the differences in where and when they played, these men came together forging a unique bond to make a difference in the Ottawa community.
As the history of the Senators gets richer and richer every year, new players are joining the Alumni not only to give back to the city that cheered them on in their career, but to restore that kinship that only a hockey dressing room can build.
When my father was completing his 90-Day Challenge charity fundraising bicycle ride across Canada, I can barely put into words the feeling of riding next to him into Scotiabank Place on that June 4. I drew strength from the encouraging crowd awaiting our arrival. The outpouring of support was incredible and truly appreciated through our entire journey .
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators Alumni especially have always, and continue to go above and beyond in helping this cause. Whether it’s something as big in scope as arranging an entire parade including military vehicles, a police escort and hundreds of people or being the first to offer a place to stay or just taking time out of their day to come say hi and show their support, the Senators Alumni have the most heart in the league!