Because hockey people are good people

Back in September, the wife and I had arguably the worst week of our lives. Nothing turns your life upside down like an unexpected tragedy. As the late great Phil Hartman would say during his SNL Frankenstein , "FIRE BAAAAD!!!".

Well as I returned from hiatus, I titled a post "I might have to buy a new jersey after all". My Roddy Brind'amour "A" jersey that I'd had since 2003 and worn (without washing) all through the 2005-2006 Cup run year was in the same condition as all of my other clothes: covered in a nasty yellow soot stain.

I had been tinkering around on the Canes Country Forum and made some e-friends, but had yet to meet any of them. We had been discussing joining up for a tailgate party before a Canes game.

It ended up being one of the 40 games we had against the Florida Panthers last season.

So there we were, having a grand 'ol time enjoying the pre-game festivities. My new friends and I were getting along like we had all known each other for years.

With about an hour or so before the 7:00 puck drop, people starting telling everyone to gather around me. Someone went to their truck to get something. He came out with a white bag from "The Eye" (the Hurricanes merch shop). Sure enough, they had bought me a shiny white new Rod Brind'amour jersey.

I was speechless. I still am. How could these people do something so nice for someone that they had never even met? With a poo-eating grin on my face, I happily accepted it and immediately threw it over my body. Fit like a glove.

So Thank you to Bob, Janey, Brian & East for what you did for me. I won't forget it.

Oh, and Craig? Buhbye Now

It wasn't working out with Craig Adams anymore as he became the first of several moves promised to happen. The Chicago Blackhawks traded with the Canes today for "future considerations". So, what number would you like to wear, Future? Go and tell the seamstress how to spell that 2nd word correctly and you're in the lineup tonight.

Being the 3rd longest tenured Hurricane, you can't help but look back on the good things he did with the team.

The highlight for moi?

December 6, 2005

Kevyn Adams scores a natty hat trick, which at the time was shocking enough. Craig gets the primary helper on all three goals in a 6-2 rout of the Anaheim Ducks. When "The Adams Family" line can do that kind of damage - a team is hitting on all cylinders.

His energy will be missed, but reuniting the Adams family in Chicago might be great for the both of their respective careers. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye.

That Southeast Is Sooo Hot Right Now

So damn hot - the birds have to use potholders when pulling worms from the ground. This picture was snapped at 5:15 PM on my way home Thursday:



Scientists are buzzing about global warming and the influence it may have - but we all really know what is causing the freakish weather: