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Wisdom, all the way from Xiamen.
Gary Carter passed away yesterday.
A Montreal icon in the 70s and 80s, he was unusual in that he was adored for talents that were not displayed on the ice, but on the field. With apologies to Rusty Staub, it is safe to say he was the most beloved Expo of them all.
In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say he was among the most adored athletes in Montreal during his time there, which was quite a feat considering he never participated in the then-annual Stanley Cup parades.
Carter was gregarious and outgoing and could rub his teammates the wrong way but it's hard to see how this wasn't jealousy at his popularity and apparently thorough Goodness.
He just did everything right: always played hard, always had time for the fans and media and, throughout his career, always came through in the clutch.
He never let us down. How many people can you can say that about?
Rest in peace, Kid.
It is comical how often Maple Leafs President and GM Brian Burke refers to Toronto as the "centre of the hockey universe" because no one ever calls him on it. I mean, what is his criteria for making such a declaration? (beyond the obvious pathetic pandering to local saps fans)
Seriously, for someone to express such an opinion, he must surely have some facts on which to base his assertion? Certainly, Toronto has been an important hockey market and a source of some excellent players over the years. (PK Subban, for example)
Otherwise, what? In what way has Toronto ever been the centre of the hockey universe?
Let's see, hmm... I know!
Burke must be basing his comment on most championships won, longevity of franchise, most Hall of Famers, most games won, most goals scored, most individual honours anything?
No.
None of these could possibly be the reason behind his boast because the Maple Leafs are leaders in none of these categories.
Perhaps, it has nothing to do with the team.
Perhaps, Burke refers to the fans when he says Toronto is the centre of the hockey universe, implying that Toronto saps fans are the most ardent, most passionate supporters of their team.
Well, let's consider that notion.
While everyone knows the Leafs' Stanley Cup drought is approaching its 5th decade in fine form, you may not realize that Toronto has missed the playoffs every year since 2004. This team, this hotbed of excellence, has not even made the dance in almost 8 years.
Children not born the last time the Leafs made the playoffs are half-way to their driver's licences while their parents, born since 1967, are 5 years away from qualifying for a Senior's discount at Shoppers Drug Mart. I'm sure the discounts will come in handy. Maybe they can get a deal on some tissues. And some device to make them comfortable because there is no indication this drought is going to end anytime soon.
In any case, as you may or may not know, this season has not been one on which Habs fans will look back with undiluted pleasure. Rather, it has been one long nightmare and it appears likely that our heroes will miss the playoffs for the first time in a long time. This is a shame but how do Montrealers react to this sad state of affairs?
Simple.
It is seen as a societal emergency. It is not merely an unfortunate but acceptable reality of life. Fans are outraged. There is talk of civil unrest.
In fact, the Catholic Church, that other religious bastion in the province of Quebec, has thrown its support behind the one true Faith in an ad that appeared in Montreal newspapers today.
The church has sent out a call to alms. Asking for fans to band together and pray for 8th place so that the team may squeak into the playoffs.
I've lived in Toronto since 1994 and I love my adopted city but no one here so much as raises an eyebrow when the Leafs stink up the joint. And this is why. Because Leaf fans just don't care enough.
Centre of the hockey universe? I think not, Mr. Burke, I think not.
Go Habs.
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