It seems like only yesterday I was in Las Vegas at Frozen Fury, getting my first picture of the season with Bailey and preparing for the start of a new Kings season. And now it's over. This team started the year with no expectations of any success, but they played their hearts out, didn't listen to the critics, and made some impressive strides. I remember Nadine and I saying during the first game of the season that it would be interesting to see what happened. It was a roller coaster at times, but there was never a dull moment, and I'm glad I was there to see it all.
In their last game of the season, the Kings went out in the best way possible--with a 4-3 win over our in-state rival San Jose Sharks. Sure, the Sharks will win the President's Trophy as the team with the best record in the NHL. Sure, they're going to the playoffs. But we Kings fans got something even better - a team with the heart of a lion, a ton of young talent and determination not to quit. Because of that, I'm already looking forward to next season.
In addition to the the traditional "Jersey Off Their Backs" giveaway, team awards get announced at the last game. It was a big night for Drew - voted Best Defenseman and Best Newcomer. Personally, I think he should have been voted team MVP, but I'll admit I'm biased. Although anyone who saw more than 10 games this season knows the difference he made in this team. He's gonna be a true superstar one day, and it was an honor to be there for this first NHL season. In honor of Drew, here's some video of the team awards.
A big part of the reason I love coming to games, besides the hockey itself, is companionship from my hockey buddies. It wouldn't be nearly as fun riding the roller coaster without them, and they always manage to make even my worst days better just by saying hello.
First up, Brianna and Jen Wells, goddesses of crazy hockey game outfits and funny face pictures. This is a normal one, although I do have the funny version too. And they didn't have their tiaras on yet since this was taken during warm-ups. So Jen and Bri, if you're reading, you owe me a full costume picture next time.
Danny befriended Nadine the first season she started going to games, and he's been nice enough to chat with us ever since. He's been a Kings fan for a lot of years, and is always my favorite sounding board when I'm frustrated over a trade (like the Sully deal), how we're playing, or anything else. Very knowledgeable about hockey and a total sweetheart. Plus he has the best smile going.
And last but not least, Nadine and John. Nadine is responsible for my addiction to this game, and our weekday games without John are my favorite days of the year. Nothing better than being with a good friend, ogling cute opposing team players, cheering on our boys, being each others moral support to avoid the Popcornopolis Zebra Chocolate temptation, and catching up on everything going on in our lives. I'd be lost without her.
And John, of course, can always be counted on to rabbit-ear someone and stick his tongue out in every photo, so we keep him around for entertainment value. Although I also love him for recognizing true talent and putting Doughty on the back of his jersey.
And last but not least, I gotta say some individual player "Thank You's." True Kings fans reading will totally get these, and the rest of you will probably not. That just means you need to BECOME a Kings fan and get in on all the inside jokes. So here goes....
Terry Murray - you took on a daunting task coaching this team, and I'm impressed with everything you accomplished. You are more than welcome to come back next year. And any guy with a daughter named Meg is OK by me.
DL - OK, OK....looks like you know what you're doing. Although I still haven't forgiven you for the Sully trade...yet. And I'm already getting my questions ready for the GM breakfast, so look out.
OD - thanks for taking good care of my rookie. Even though you're a former Duck, you've earned my respect this season. Glad to have you back in a Kings uniform.
Kyle - you are a defensive STUD! Detroit's loss is our gain and then some. If you play this well with a bad back, I bet you're an animal healthy. Heal up! We need you.
Justin - I'm trying really hard to like you, I'm just not there yet. Maybe we can go have some Mexican food and you can convince me. Just know that I'm watching you, and there will be no mercy if you don't live up to your hype. Then the "Bring Back Sully" signs will come out...
Ziggy - hang in there dude! Gonna have a conversation with Terry in the off-season about getting you some more playing time. I still get excited every time I see you on the ice. No one skates as out-of-control crazy as you, and I think it scares the other teams, which is cool!
Quicker - my offer to bedazzle your jersey still stands. Have the equipment manager call my new iPhone and we'll hook it up. And I need the name of your yoga coach, or whoever got you to do a split like that. I'm trying to get back into my old cheerleading form.
Greener - there are so many things I want to say to you, but I think I need a beer or two first. And I know you love beer. The main thing I want to say is that no one sacrifices more body parts to stop pucks than you - your butt, your face...I could keep going. Good thing chicks dig scars, 'cause you're a roadmap of 'em. Your fiancee must be the coolest girl on earth. Hopefully your face heals up in time for your wedding pictures. And in between the wedding madness, try to find some more words to teach Drew...hopefully he has "verbose" down by now.
Brownie - you had a tough job this year, and handled it with grace and class. My hat is off to you. I'm glad you're our captain. And nice to see you and Nicole continuing your quest to build the genetically perfect hockey team...keep it up! I figure Jake should be on skates in a another year or so.
Jack - we missed you while you were out. No one forgot about you, so put it out of your mind. Glad you're back, and looking forward to you having a healthy season next year. Study hard this summer, and get your website updated, will ya? I'm still waiting on your favorite workout tips.
Simmer - I know Nadine and I nicknaming you "Shirley" must have been a blow to your ego. Just know it's out of love. Now get in the gym this summer and pack on some muscle...you're too skinny to be so good.
Drew - You were more than we ever could have hoped for. You're the future of this team, and we love you. My bet is that Doughty jerseys will soon appear in the stands in numbers rivaling Brown and Kopitar. And that you're gonna keep collecting phone numbers by the dozens. Just don't let it go to your head! Oh, and I've got a six pack of Diet Coke in the fridge if you're running low...stop in and say hi anytime. Aunt Denise has my number.
And finally to Adam, my ticket rep... renew my seats ASAP! Just don't send me the bill yet....
Only 5 months until Frozen Fury XII. See you in Vegas!
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