Yeah, I know that the march toward Lord Stanley's Cup is the big hockey story right now. But I'm dying over here!
Sami Kapanen retired from the NHL today. He and the family are returning to Finland where he'll play for KalPa Kuopio (the team for which he his majority owner).
I can't say I'm overly surprised by the decision. I do wish I could have had another season watching him at the Wachovia Center. (But, I suspect that's the case for any fan when her favorite player hangs up the skates.)
It's the end of a thirteen season era for me. Now I'll have to figure who my next favorite Finn will be. Timonen, Niitty or Kukkie? Perhaps some one on another team or coming my way in the future?
In any case, best of luck to you, Sami, wherever this hockey life takes you! And thanks to your family for sharing you with us.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Me So Sad
Friday, January 11, 2008
My Favorite Flyer
Recently, my friend Ryan speculated that my favorite Flyer, Sami Kapanen, looked like trade bait if he didn't score soon. While anything is possible, I decided not to make my appeal in the once-traditional, back-and-forth message exchange. (That's so 1996!)
Instead, here are the top five reasons I gave Ryan as to why Sami Kapanen is my favorite and how he ended up on my sweater.
(Most of the linked items below are on YouTube. The two in # 3 and 4 are not. They'll all pop up as separate windows.)
5. Sami always looks so happy when he scores or helps someone else do it.
4. While he's not always the biggest talker, Sami means what he says and isn't afraid to just say it. (I love this 8/2/2007 interview on the Steve and Preston Show, but you need to have 10 minutes to listen to it.)
3. Sami, like Gator, seems to be a family guy who plays hockey for a living.
2. Three words: Darcy Tucker's hit.
1. Sami has always been known for his awesome physical conditioning, work ethic and speed.
