A Nobody Fan's Sadness About The Sharks Letting Go of Drew Remenda

Ok, so I haven't been inspired to post anything on my blog over the past few months.  Now that hockey is officially finished until September training camp, I'm in my "I Miss Hockey" mode.  And, I truly do -- there's a hole that exists when hockey isn't being played.  However, as painful as the ending to the Sharks season was, something happened this week that enraged me.  And, the anger isn't lessening at this point.  So, here I am, taking it out on my blog. First of all, I'm a die-hard fan, have been since the beginning.  I'm not a season ticket holder -- not in my finances at this point.  However, I'm lucky enough to attend a few games a year (this year I attended 5), and I have a great winning record as a fan attending games.  The San Jose Sharks have always been my escape from everything stressful and crappy in my life, and they've filled that role well.  Until this week.  And, boy, did they ever make me angry.  You expect to see favorite players come and go -- I don't like it, but that's expected.  I've hated every Joe Thornton rumor I've read so far this year.  He's my favorite.  Love him!  But, for some inexplicable reason, they broke up one of the best announcing teams in the NHL by announcing that Drew Remenda won't be returning as their TV Analyst.  They wanted to go "in a different direction."  Well, I don't know what direction that is, but it's the wrong way.  I've read the kudos to Drew on Twitter by peers and the media, and I listened to a couple of great interviews he's given since the parting of ways.  As usual, Drew has been nothing but classy, witty and intelligent in these interviews.  Since I have watched Sharks games since the beginning, no partner has come close to the chemistry/talent of the Randy Hahn/Drew Remenda team.  And, I also felt like Remenda did bleed teal.  He might be critical, like a parent, but I don't think anyone put more of their heart and soul into the organization than Drew, at least to this fan.  I met him at the "Sampling With The Sharks" fundraiser in 2013.  We must've visited for about 10 minutes -- he was fun to talk to, and definitely one of the more memorable conversations I've had with Sharks players/staff at the event.  He represented the Sharks in the best possible way.  I met John Tortora and his wife at this year's event, and they were very gracious and friendly.  His lovely wife even took my picture with Coach Todd McLellan, because I was there by myself.  I had my picture taken with them, Brodie Brazil & other wonderful Sharks fans that I walked around with at the event.  I have to say, though, that whichever "suit" decided this was a good move, to fire Remenda, you were WRONG.  I have defended the Sharks, including GM Doug Wilson, to the ends of the earth, but this move isn't defendable.  I am truly heartbroken, and whoever fills the role after Drew Remenda is walking into a very hot seat.  A couple of my friends who share my outrage about this called the San Jose Sharks offices the day after this was announced (one of them being a season ticket holder), and showing their toughness, let the calls go to voicemail where I'm guessing they were erased as soon as they knew what the caller was calling about.  Way to show courage, suits.  You expect toughness from your players, so you'd better be tough, too.  But, you're hiding behind the walls and from the fans.  Not cool. 

No, I'm not a relative or friend of Drew Remenda's, but I am a fan.  Wherever he lands, I wish him only the greatest success and joy you deserve.  But Drew, when the Sharks win the Stanley Cup, you should be there celebrating with us.  You deserve so much better than what you've gotten this last week, and I hope you find it.  I tweeted Drew's son, Davis, and told him I was heartbroken, and I am.  Even though I'm a Sharks fan until the end of time, I always thought they operated with class and integrity.  I'm not so sure about that now.  I wait to see what this organization does next, but rest assured, my confidence has taken a big hit.  Maybe they're not as wonderful as I thought they were.

Sampling With The Sharks, Part 2

Mr. Tortora spent a few minutes speaking with me about the passion of the Sharks fans, and wanted to know who my favorite player was.  I told him Joe Thornton, and he wanted to make sure that I had gotten the opportunity to meet Joe.  I assured him that I had, and as a matter of fact, he stopped on his way to go elsewhere to take a picture with me and Owen Nolan.  How nice was that?

Thanks so much to the Sharks for reaching out and doing events like this for their fans.  It's a wonderful opportunity, and the memories I have from the four events I've attended are treasured by me.  I can honestly say that no sport is better represented by its players, coaches and staff.  I apologize if my blogs about this are a little sappy, but it's rare when there are days that are nothing but nice and enjoyable, and you get to spend it with people who appreciate your passion and support.  Wouldn't it be nice if days like this happened more often for all of us?

Sampling With The Sharks Part 1

Last night was one of my favorite nights of the year -- attending "Sampling With The Sharks."  Each year, the Sharks Foundation holds this fundraiser where fans can attend and sample local wines and champagnes, as well as appetizers and other dishes.  This is the fourth consecutive year I've attended the fundraiser, and each year provides special memories that are captured in some way with the pictures taken by kind people who help me out, since I attend the event alone.  The last few years, I found a few ladies who also attend the event every year, and they generously help out and take pictures for me.  Hockey fans are as nice as the players, coaches, announcers and front office people are!  There were a few players and announcers unable to attend, and they were missed.  Drew Remenda and Jamie Baker weren't there, as well as the four Olympians, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Joe Pavelski, Antti Niemi and Patrick Marleau.  I'm guessing Tomas Hertl was unable to attend since he isn't 21! 

However, the Sharks who attended were so personable and great with the fans.  There were a few people I was able to meet for the first time last night -- Brodie Brazil from CSN-CA, Raffi Torres, Larry Robinson, Owen Nolan and John Tortora, Sharks COO.  All of these gentlemen were a pleasure to speak with.  I wish I had been able to get a picture with Raffi, but I didn't meet up with the other ladies until after I saw Raffi.  John Tortora and his wife, Debbie, couldn't have been nicer.  Debbie took the picture of me with Todd McLellan, Sharks head coach. 

Olympic Hockey

Tomorrow brings the game for the gold medal in hockey.  I will admit that my heart hasn't been invested in Olympic hockey.  And, although I didn't enjoy seeing the US hockey team get completely dominated by the Finnish hockey team, I am very happy for Teemu Selanne.  He's not a popular player with Sharks fans, because he chose to leave the team many years ago.  He left during the Dean Lombardi era, and the Sharks weren't a good team when he chose to leave.  I blame Lombardi far more for Selanne's departure than I do Teemu.  Everyone in hockey, though, has said that Selanne is not only one of the most talented hockey players, but one of the nicest.  I can't help but be happy for his success.  The fact that players like he and Jagr, who are both over 40, can compete and play so well is a testament to their dedication to the game, and talent.  So, congratulations on your bronze medal, Teemu, and thanks for entertaining so many fans over your long career. 

One of the reasons for my passion for the Sharks is that I've attended "Sampling With The Sharks" the previous 3 years.  I will attend my 4th on Monday, and I can't wait.  Having met so many players, coaches and announcers over the last 3 years, there isn't a nicer group of people anywhere.  For a $225 donation to the Sharks Foundation, you have 2 hours to meet and take pictures with the entire team, and sample wine and appetizers in the area.  The donation is a bargain for the memories this event has given me, with wonderful conversations with everyone from Greg Jamison, former owner, to Todd McLellan, the Sharks fantastic head coach.  I can actually look forward to a Monday for a change! 

Super Bowl Sunday

Today, football is king.  I, along with many others, will watch the Super Bowl.  I like football, always have, but it doesn't approach hockey in my heart.  However, since I'm a bitter San Francisco 49ers fan, I have a strong rooting interest for the Denver Broncos.  I've always liked Peyton Manning anyway, so I would love to see him win today's game.  (Anyone who saw him on SNL can appreciate that he has a great sense of humor and is a truly funny guy.) 

Enjoy the game, and tomorrow my heart is back to hockey and the Sharks!

First Hockey Blog

After briefly attempting an animal blog a few years ago, I'm going to re-enter the blog world, mostly posting about one of my greatest passions in life, hockey.  I was introduced to hockey by my husband in 1988, when Wayne Gretzky was traded to the LA Kings.  We made frequent trips to LA to visit family, and when Wayne arrived in LA, I was told I needed to see the Babe Ruth of hockey.  So, sitting in nosebleed seats at the LA Forum, I fell in love with the game.  When the San Jose Sharks became part of the NHL in 1991, they became my team.  I was fortunate enough to see Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux play in person, and I quickly understood why both were such amazing players.  The Sharks, though, are probably my greatest passion.  I love watching my team play, and when they win, it's a great game, and when they don't, it's not so good.  My favorite player is Joe Thornton, but I really have a lot of favorite players on the Sharks, including Joe Pavelski, Logan Couture and Brent Burns.  So, here I'll document my happiness and frustrations during the season, and general commentary.  Here's to bringing the Stanley Cup to San Jose in 2014! 

Oh, and my one frustration tonight -- why does Comcast Sportsnet put pretty faces on between periods of the hockey game, but they don't know the hockey players names?  Last month, one of the commentators flubbed a name, and tonight, the commentator called Claude Giroux "Claude Giraud."  I'd love to have a hockey job, and it would be nice if the people they employ would know the game and the players. 

That's blog #1.  I'm Jan and thanks for reading!