-by Rach
I don’t know about anyone else, but I am pretty tired of the “Kovy dilemma”. Honestly, one of my fondest memories of last season( besides the obvious trade) was making my smart mouth comments while Ilya Kovalchuk was on the ice with my husband ‘clucked’ me for my poor sportsmanship. The woman in front of me turned around chuckling and said, “wow, you sound just like my daughter.”
It was an amazing day when Kovy was made Captain. Our voices pulsated with the fire breathing Thrash as the announcer belted the news. But, it was an even more amazing day when Thrashers management wiped their hands and walked away from the ongoing battle to try to appease a man who, really, when all was said and done, just wanted out…
Maybe it was because of the practice rink…it is truly about as amazing as the staff that employs it. Feet propped up behind the counter, half asleep, no attempt even to smile, let alone greet the people as they hurry in the door, eager to see their Thrashers practice.
Maybe it was because of ‘management’, lack of organization, desire, drive…no real desire to add a spotlight to the ice for the moments Ilya was on ice, to accentuate his every move and show the world how amazing he was. Maybe it was the other players, actually stepping up and trying to score on their own, trying to please the fans, pushing us one step closer to a redemption visit to the playoffs. Or, maybe it was just a genuine lack of belief that, as a Thrasher, he could make it through the journey, hoisting that cup over his head, while the fans went mad, those flames shooting out of Thrash, and bringing that grail home to the land that bleeds blue. Whatever the case may be, I bid thee farewell.
I believe Ilya is going to miss the ride…for there is this spark igniting in Blueland, and the man holding that lighter is none other than only our second General Manager in Thrasher history, Rick Dudley. There is no one better to reach for the stars that someone who believes the stars are all up there for grabbing…and grabbed has he!
When the Blackhawks were desperate to start shaving some of their extra salaries down, Mr. Dudley stepped to the front of the line. I will take one 6’4” right winger, compliment that with a 6’2” left winger, throw in a 6’1 defense-man, give me a minute to let that settle and I will most likely be back for an extra left winger before I am through with Chicago. I mean, come on, you just showed the world what a talented team you had going. We would be fools to let this opportunity pass us by! And that was just the beginning…