AS REFRESHING AS A GLASS OF WATER

We all agree that this team is well balanced, and has no gaping holes in the line-up. This is a direct result of Bob Gainey’s understanding of the game and foresight given new “post-lockout” rules and limitations for the NHL. Wednesday night’s home opener was a pleasant reminder that this culture is also present behind the bench and around the locker room. As the staff members were being introduced prior to the skaters She who must be obeyed , being the new found hockey fan she is, was asking me who they were and if they were any good. As I went through the list of names I knew, and others I pretended to know, the words “he’s good”, “he’s great” and “he’s one of the best in the league” kept repeating them selves.

At this point I realized just how extensively Bob Gainey worked over the past year to ensure not only a well balanced line-up, but a well balanced staff to back them up. Most people will immediately and almost exclusively think of the head and assistant coach when we talk about staff members. However having solid core of associates with specialties in goal tending, special teams and defense is just as important (we excelled and/or were the best in many of these aspects last year). And so is having competent medical staff and strength training directors. These guys are key in helping minimizing injuries (something else we were great at last year). The scouting staff of course ensures continuity and I don’t have to mention too much about Trevor Timmins and his team (obviously they have done a stupendous job over the past few years, and continue to do so). Finally what about the guys whop are pegged at the bottom of the locker room staff member totem pole? Equipment managers are pivotal to a team and many of us tend to forget this. Let me repeat that…equipment managers are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to a team’s performance, especially on the road. Those of you who have competed professionally and traveled will agree that at home keeping your gear organised is fairly less complicated. Having all your gear present on the road in the same manor as your own locker room is a nightmare. Hockey players, like many other athletes, are extremely superstitious when it comes to getting ready for a game. Almost everyone has a routine, some more stringent than others, and NOTHING throws off a player like breaking the pre-game routine. With that in mind I have always believed that this team’s repetitive success on the road had more than some to do with Pierre Gervais and his team. They must be doing a great job in ensuring the players feel at home in any locker room they sit in.

So the next time we speak of a balanced team, let’s not forget all the staff members behind the bench, in the infirmary and around the locker room. They are the pit crew that fuels the team, recharges it, and ensures it’s running on the best gear and at its fullest potential. They deserve as much as the credit as any other team member on the ice and we should always remember that and be thankful we have such a competent team back there.