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.
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