It has been my long-held belief that on those occasions that I agree with Mr. Fischler, it's time to rethink my position. For the first time I can recall, after reflecting upon the issue, I still agree with him. Must be the exception that proves the rule.
I would like to state for the record that I don't harbour any irrational hatreds towards anyone associated with the game of hockey. I do have a short list of folks, but none of 'em have ever worn skates professionally.
I have memories that go back a little further than most of the people posting here. Ken Dryden (I think) was once asked when the best hockey of all time was played. He answered something to the effect of "when any given fan was 12 years old."
I was 12 in 1969 and grew up on tales of them that came before, guys who played when hockey was a lot more important than it is today, both to them and to the fans.
While Gretzky is a talent that stands alone, he doesn't mean as much to me as folks like Beliveau, Harvey, Morenz, Richard, Plante, Shore, Schmidt, Orr, Howe, Lindsay, Mahovlich, Bower, Hull, Mikita and a mess of others. Funny, I couldn't come up with any Rangers off the top of my head.
Troubles me that the fact that I remember a time when guys didn't wear helmets, stars took care of their own battles on the ice and the game was more than simply another entertainment option might have me branded a moron by youngsters who declare that they have all the right answers.
Most of you folks probably grew up watching 99 or hearing about him from your elders. You're products of your times and a reflection of them.
Mark Twain once wrote that when he was 16 his father didn'tr know anything but that when he was 20 he was amazed at what the Old Man had learned in 4 years.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.