Big Sticks, Small Pucks: NFL Ice Hockey and Other Sports Obsessions
Where Athletic Support Comes In Many Shapes and Sizes
Sharks Going Out With Class..
Sharks Going Out With Class..
We still believe.
The Sharks were eliminated from the Stanley Cup finals when The Calgary
Flames took them out on their home ice, 1 to 3. But that's not the real
story. Watching other teams throughout the playoffs has shown us one true
thing:
Hockey players can be really bad sports.
Watching Colorado barely suffer handshakes and sincere thanks from the
winning Sharks was hint enough that to most hockey teams, winning isn't
everything, it is EVERYTHING. Flames coach Daryl Sutter was reportedly
heard to storm into the locker room screaming at his team that they would
not, repeat NOT be coming back to San Jose, The message being that they
HAD to take the series in six, not seven games.
What a nice guy.
Personally, we saw more class and sportsmanlike conduct in the ten minutes
after the Shark's last game than we had seen nearly all season long. Disappointed,
despondent, clearly down, the Shark's mustered one of the most important
character traits of a true athletes and congratulated the winning Flames
with dignity and sincerity. This is what Ron Wilson had taught them. Win,
lost or draw, you conduct yourselves with the excellence and talent that
allowed you to get to this point in the first place.
Watching the Shark's faces, particularly a downcast Scott Hannan who had
clearly played his heart and soul out, was heart wrenching. Face it, defeat
hurts. A lot. But to have come so far, in the face of such adversity and
disbelief in the world of hockey, was such a triumph. We couldn't help
but warm to these young men, exhausted, disappointed but doing the right
thing. What incredible examples they are to aspiring young athletes the
world over. What inspiring role models they continue to be, even in the
face of defeat.
Congratulations to The San Jose Sharks, Pacific Division Champions and
the champions of our hearts. Winners, every single one of you.
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