Progress Is A Slow Process

Nobody is happy how the weekend ended on the scoreboard. The fans are undoubtedly disappointed with how the team is progressed thus far in the season. There are a group of people who are more disappointed and frustrated, however, and that group is the players, coaches, and staff of the Norfolk Admirals.

They are my team, and I know I will be behind them win, lose, or draw. Actually, since there are no more ties in hockey, just win or lose. And I must say, they are still some of the classiest guys you'll ever meet. Even after dropping two hard-fought games, these guys were out on the ice with the fans skating and having fun after the game. They were all more than accomodating to any fan who wanted a photo or an autograph.

While they were all gracious, I must comment on a couple. I purchased Bracken Kearns's jersey at the auction at the beginning of the year, but didn't get the opportunity to get the photo with him afterward. So, last night I asked for it, and he was more than accomodating. After the photo, he shook my hand, asked my name, and thanked me. He didn't have to thank me, after all, he was doing a favor for me. But that's just the kind of guy that most of the players are. Second, since Emily, my significant other, isn't that great of a skater, she was more than timid going out onto the ice. Since Matt Smaby is her favorite player, I asked him if he could escort her around the ice. Without hesitation, he skated to her, took her arm and led her around the ice. Again, that's something he didn't have to do, but he did. Three other guys I noticed were Pete Zingoni kicking the puck around with a few kids, Chris Lawrence participating in a snow throwing contest with a couple of young players, and Radek Smolenak pushing an elderly woman in a wheelchair across the ice.

They may not come out ahead on the scoreboard every night, but these guys are winners in my book. It's that reason why they'll have my unwaivering support.

GO ADMIRALS!!