Missed this update last night, but there you have it – The Ducks are the Stanley Cup champions of the ‘06-’07 season. Although I know it was a special night for all the players, I was super happy that both Teemu Selanne and Rob Niedermayer were part of the team and were able to hoist that cup.
First off, Teemu. I could never imagine that a nicer pro-sports figure might exist. I’ve never actually met the man, but you watch him in interviews and during games, and he just seems like one of the coolest guys. Always happy, always a fantastic attitude, always playing for the team. For a guy who’s been around the NHL for…how many years? Drafted in ‘88, broke in with Winnipeg in ‘92, so 15 years…for a guy who’s been around that long, it’s plenty of time to become a jaded ass. For him to stay true to himself, through years of hard work, disappointment and injury, is a testament to his strength of character, focus and determination. And now he’s finally been rewarded. I was really happy to have seen that.
And Rob Niedermayer. Again, never met the guy, but I can remember back to the ‘03 playoffs when he and Scott were playing against each other for the cup. I was at game 6 where Kariya took that MONSTER check mid-ice from Scott Stevens, left the ice, came back and scored, but one of the more lasting memories is the post-series handshake, and seeing Rob and Scott meeting mid-ice. Heartbreaking doesn’t describe it when you realize that Scott would be taking the cup home for a day, and Rob wouldn’t be able to touch it. So with that in mind this year, it was awesome to watch Scott be able to hand the Cup off to Rob after they won. Truly a special moment for their family.
With that, I’ll just say, congratulations Teemu! Congratulations Rob and Scott! And a big congratulations to the Samuelis, Mr. Burke, Mr. Carlyle, and all the Ducks.
Meanwhile, I’ll continue working on my shot:
