SPEAKING OF MONDAYS Ā
Thatās coming together, no?
As Mondayās blog was delayed for developing news, this will probably be the last entry before training camp that includes even as much of a milligramās dosage of non-hockey material (hey, the days get slow by August), but at least the sights of training camp are right around the corner.
We can see a light!
- ONE OF MY FAVORITES: As the Silvertips and WHL made the news official, heās now gone but never forgotten. And now, a distinguished member of the Silvertips Alumni (@TipsAlumni) worldwide chapter. He was charisma, compassion, and professionalism rolled into one. And heās wished well.
As the benefits of playing in the WHL go, Tristen Pfeifer already has a future secured even though competitive hockey will be in the rear view mirror. His scholarship fund will go to a double major in finance and economics at Grand Canyon (Ariz.) University, and an MBA or masters in finance after finishing his undergrad degree in two years.
So, well done, Tristen Pfeifer ā youāre a gem.
- NOT MANY OF THESE DAYS LEFT: Itās August, so weāre on the cusp of training camp for the 14th season in Silvertip Country. As a result, approximately 3 weekends are left to: take the family to Seattle or any garden variety scenic Snohomish County park, play golf, take in food at a favorite āhole in the wallā establishment. But hey, itās hockey season coming at us full speed ahead, and every training camp is like a fresh, sunny, dew-kissed morning for the season. It feels majestic and energizes the soul.
- KELLY GOES VEGAS: For the first time since 1988, and before TSN Insider Darren Dreger served as their teamās voice, the Brandon Wheat Kings will not be employing Kelly McCrimmon at all. The longtime owner, GM, and head coach had a door crack open to the NHL. He responded by busting it wide open. Heāll be going to Las Vegas as the clubās new assistant general manager.
- HART, JUULSEN ON THE GO: The road to the World Junior Championships starts now, and Carter Hart (still yet 18 and already a Flyers pick and reigning CHL Goalie of the Year) and Noah Juulsen are front and center of the budding Silvertips national representation.
- RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS MONTH: Famed author Mark Twain was attributed to a quote, ākindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.ā When it comes to everyday dialogue, Iām a firm believer in sweet sayings over salty sarcasm, and smiles over sneers. Itās difficult to avoid this all the time (hey, itās why āchirpingā is associated with a psychological advantage on the ice). But while Iām a broadcaster at work, Iām a viewer at home. On Monday morning, the TV happened to be on Q13 Fox, and Liz Dueweke (@LizDueweke) shared this pretty incredible thing (relayed on Twitter):
So, for #OneKindThing ā make it a good one. Even if itās offering to help a stranger behind you in line at the post office with boxes as high as a skyscraper, the smile you get from the end is worth it. Or, sharing your Silvertips tickets with a neighbor? Or their kids, who need a good time out? You feel pretty good inside.
Award winningĀ broadcasterĀ Mike Benton will beĀ entering his second season as radio play-by-play voice of the Everett Silvertips.Ā Tweet at him here.Ā