Phyllis Gretzky died two nights after Wayne Gretzky returned home to be with her. She was suffering from lung cancer and passed away Monday night. It is not known if or when Gretzky will return to coach the Phoenix Coyotes or continue to direct Canada’s Olympic hockey squad. My prayers are with the Gretzky family.
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When the Detroit Red Wings headed to the Southeast division to face Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay, the players’ dads or mentors came with them. The coaching and support staff was also allowed to invite a father, male family member, or mentor. They were also able to attend Monday’s game against Pittsburgh before leaving on the southeast trip. Wings owner Mike Ilitch paid for this special trip.
Team players, coaches, and support staff had the opportunity to show what they do on a daily basis with those who helped them make it into the NHL whether it was on the ice or within an organization. These guests were allowed to go everywhere the players did, except out on the ice, whether it was going on a red-eye flight, attending a strategy meeting, getting to the rink early for a pregame skate, or checking into a hotel early in the morning.
On Tuesday, a “Hockey Night in Canada” crew came to talk with players and fathers while taping multiple interviews for its Hockey Day family themed telecast in January.
For head coach Mike Babcock, it was an opportunity to get to learn something about the player from a father or mentor that he wouldn’t have known otherwise.
“I had a talk with Steve Yzerman’s dad,” Babcock said. “He walked me through moving from Western Canada to Ottawa. He walked me through minor hockey for Steve, him going to Peterborough and him getting drafted by the Red Wings. And the first (Stanley) Cup. How do you get that? Steve ain’t going to tell me that. It was phenomenal for me to listen to that.”
Babcock has also enjoyed the time spent with his own father who was able to see what it’s like as a coach of an original six teem and what a typical week is like as head coach. While Babcock does spend his summers with his dad, he doesn’t have much time for one-on-one talks.
“I have a young family and there’s people humming around,” he said. “We’re at the lake in the summer. I’m driving the boat or racing somewhere with my kids. You might have a beer for five minutes, but you’re not spending time like this.”
His dad, Mike Sr., thoroughly enjoyed his experience saying that it was unbelievable. “Just being able to be around your son and watch him work, I think, is worth its weight in gold,” he said. Center Kris Draper’s father, Mike Draper, was warned about life as a professional hockey player.
“It’s a real strenuous schedule when you’re playing three games on the road,” said Mike Draper. “I was told by Kris before I came down, ‘This is the way it is.’ They have a job to do. They have timelines, they have to be on the ice at a certain time or at the airport after the game.”"I was told to come back with seven out of eight points,” Mike Draper said. “That’s not attainable right now, but a big win against a great Tampa Bay team would, I’m sure, make this trip a huge success.”
Sammy Schneider, Mathieu Schneider’s dad, was skeptical of the trip at first. “How’s this going to work, being in locker rooms and everything,” Sammy Schneider said he wondered. “I don’t know if I belong there. But it’s really worked out well. Of course, if you win some games, that’s frosting on the cake.”
Chris Chelios’ dad was unable to attend the game because of his diabetes. For that reason, Chelios had his son Jake come on the trip. Jake plays hockey on the same team as the Wings assistant general manager’s son, Trevor. Jake was able to participate in some pregame skates according to Fox Sports Net during an intermission in tonight’s game.
Rookie Jimmy Howard was excited before starting in goal when the Wings took on the Atlanta Thrashers. It was the first time his dad, Jim Howard, was able to watch Jimmy play in the NHL from the stands.
“This is a dream come true, to be with organization and travel with him for a week and see what he goes through,” Jim Howard said. “He’s worked hard all his life, been at the right place at the right time at times, and all the hard work has paid off.”Said Jimmy Howard of having his father in the arena: “It’s just something special. We’ll remember it. He’s excited, and I’m happy we could do this for him.”
Wayne Gretzky, Phoenix Coyotes head coach, has announced that he is relinquishing his head coaching duties indefinitely due to family reasons. He is heading to Ontario, Canada to be with his mother, Phyllis, who is currently battling lung cancer. Associate coach Rick Tocchet will step up as interim head coach until Gretzky returns.
“We respect and support Wayne’s decision,” said Coyotes General Manager Michael Barnett. “Family has always come first to the Gretzky’s, as it should. The thoughts and prayers of the Phoenix Coyotes organization, and most surely, those of the entire hockey world, are with Wayne and the Gretzky family at this most difficult time.”
I finished my last final exam yesterday morning and I am officially on winter break, finally! So my updates will now resume as normal. I’m sorry for the pause in updates from me over the past two weeks. Now onto the rest of the entry…
The Detroit Red Wings players and coaches, minus Jiri Fischer and Kris Draper, visited Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. The Wings make this trip yearly to encourage and lift the spirits of young ones fighting illnesses like cancer and hydrocephalus, an increase of fluid on the brain causing one boy named Joey to have 66 surgeries.
Fischer could not attend for his obvious health condition and Draper came down with the flu and since some kids have low immune systems, he didn’t want to jeopardize their health. Both the players and patients missed Fischer because he is a team spokesman for the hospital’s Wish Club. “It was a little tough on all of us, knowing Fish wasn’t going to be part of it,” said Anne Marie Krappmann, community relations manager for the Wings.
The Wings players chatted with parents and the kids, signed jerseys and photos, and took photos with the kids. Captain Steve Yzerman is always a big hit with the kids and this year was no exception. “You know, we get caught up in our lives, things we think are important,” Yzerman said. “These people here, they don’t complain. They don’t feel sorry for themselves, they just do what they have to do.” As much as the Wings inspire the young patients, the players are very much inspired by the kids. “The kids feel pretty good about seeing us, so you can’t help but feel pretty good about coming down here. We feel good seeing them,” Yzerman said.
Source: The Detroit News
Yzerman signed a hat, sweater, and puck for Michael Columbia, a 13-year-old boy who was diagnosed with brain cancer in April. “Stevie’s my favorite player,” Michael said. “My father’s told me a lot about him. He said he hoped that my treatments are good and that I don’t get sick again.”Head coach Mike Babcock is active in multiple pediatric cancer charities and always admires the families of these ill children for their determination, love, and strength through it all. “You know, I lost my mom to cancer, but losing a mother doesn’t even compare to losing a child,” he said. “I have good friends who have lost children. … I can’t even imagine. I have three healthy children and thank God every day for that.”
Other players’ thoughts on the day’s event:
“If you can just make the kids feel good for a couple of hours, and not have them think about what’s going on for them, that’s good,” Tomas Holmstrom said.”It gets to be really hard, 24 hours a day,” Mathieu Schneider said. “It’s really miraculous what these kids and families go through. The amazing thing with these kids, though, is they’re so resilient. When you see their faces, it gives you a special feeling.”
Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman phoned Wayne Gretzky last night asking that he withdraw his name from the roster for the 2006 Olympics. The upcoming Winter Olympics will take place at Torino, Italy. “I talked to Wayne the other night and told him I didn’t feel I was playing well enough to hold one of 13 spots,” Yzerman told Sportsnet, referring to Team Canada general manager Wayne Gretzky. “I’m very grateful for past opportunities representing my country, but there’s too many good players playing too well for me to hold a spot on the roster.”
Wings spokesman, John Hahn, confirmed this report that Yzerman will not be playing for Team Canada. Yzerman helped Canada win a gold medal in 2002 when the Winter Olympics took place in Salt Lake City and became only one of three to win the Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medal in the same season (teammate Brendan Shanahan was another).
I was very pleased with Yzerman’s decision and not surprised whatsoever. I kept reading about people griping about how Yzerman will take a spot of one of the up and coming players, who would have a bigger impact on the team, and that he is being selfish about the whole ordeal. Give Yzerman credit. He is the classiest athlete I know, well have read about, and I’m just happy people around the country (well US and Canada) will finally see that and accept that. Yzerman has always done the best for his team, not himself. And this is just one of many examples backing that statement up. I had expected Yzerman to turn down the offer to play in the 2006 Olympics because he realized that he couldn’t play the same and while his leadership is invaluable, he couldn’t impact the team in ways other younger players could.
So please, everyone, lighten up on The Captain. He’s not going to retire during this season, unless something crazy happens. He’s missing a couple of games here and there to give his knee and body a breather not because the coach is benching him. You can’t expect a 40 year old player to put up the numbers and time he did when he was 21. Enjoy the rest of the season that we have here with one of the best hockey players of all time.
My second team report installment is up at FantasyHockey.com.
In other news: The Wings defeated the LA Kings last night, 5-2, with Jimmy Howard in net for his first NHL game. As much as I wanted to stay up and watch the whole game (it started at 10:30), I fell asleep after two periods. It was only 3-1 when I went to sleep, but the Wings looked better than they have in some recent games.
The first meeting of the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings of the season was abruptly cancelled after Wings defenseman, Jiri Fischer, collapsed on the bench during the first period.
NHL.com is now reporting that Fischer suffered a seizure. He was given CPR at the bench and a defibrillator was used before he was removed on a stretcher to be taken to the Detroit Receiving Hospital. Captain Steve Yzerman and forward Brendan Shanahan helped his fiancee, Avery, across the ice to the bench area.
Team spokesman, John Hahn, said that he is in stable condition, responsive, talking, and breathing on his own. They do not know what caused the seizure at this point. Yzerman and Shanahan addressed the media once they received word that Fischer’s condition was stable. “We’re not really sure what is going on,” Yzerman said.
Fischer apparently has some friends on the Nashville Predators teams and both squads were too concerned over their friend and fellow hockey player to continue the game. “I don’t think any of the players felt it right to continue playing the game, even though we received word that Fischer was stable…I think it was Brett Lebda who alerted the rest of the team that something was wrong…Jiri was his usual self before the game,” Shanahan said.
In September 2002, he was diagnosed with a heart abnormality (his heart is apparently a little thicker than normal) after it was found on an electrocardiogram, which was part of Wings’ preseason physicals. He was then given a stress test, which he passed. “There is a little abnormality, but nothing that will stop me from playing,” Fischer said at the time. “It’s nothing that will bother me emotionally. I wasn’t scared about the abnormality. But I was scared about not playing hockey again. That was a shock for me.”
Paul at Kuklas Korner also has comments on the incident and what transpired. Stephen Bolen at Back in Blue also blogged live as the events unfolded.
No decision about rescheduling the game has been made at this time. The Wings will be playing this Wednesday when they face the Colorado Avalanche.
Update (Matt):
Normally, I’d have a game summary and be praising or criticizing the Wings based on their performance in the night’s game. Well, not tonight. While I may have a few comments on the first period at another time, there are far more important things to talk about after what happened at the Joe this evening.
The Predators scored to take a 1-0 lead at 11:28 with Jiri Fischer, Johan Franzen, Mathieu Schneider, Brendan Shanahan, and Robert Lang on the ice. Those five went to the bench after the goal, all seemingly fine. Less than a minute later, however, Fischer collapsed on the bench. It took a few seconds for anyone to really notice, since at first he was just bent over sitting down. Soon, though, Mike Babcock began yelling frantically and waving for medical help.
It didn’t take long for Jiri to be swarmed by medical personnel and one of the images we were shown was of someone administering CPR. We learned later that they also used a defibrillator at this point.
Jiri’s heart was stopped, folks.
Because all of this was taking place behind the boards and on the floor of the tunnel leading to the Wings’ lockerroom, we could not see it was Jiri. One camera angle showed it from a high angle and we were given a glimpse of a bit of red jersey on which the #2 was visble. I knew then that it was Jiri but Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond would not say it until they had confirmation.
Before they heard about the seizure, Mickey and Ken speculated that a stick to the throat may have been the cause of Jiri’s problem. They noted that a Wings player had taken a Predator into the boards in front of the bench, with their stick at neck level. This obviously proved not to be the case but it was a scary possibility, to be sure.
Jiri’s fiance, Avery, was brought out on the ice and helped to the bench by Shanahan and Lang.She was then taken with the gurney around through the other side and I can only assume they came at Jiri from that direction. The ambulance had been at the zamboni entrance but was taken around to the other side as well and Jiri was then taken to the Detroit Receiving Hospital. FSN had someone tell them he was breathing on his own at that point but that he was still unconscious. We were told after a while that he was stable and responsive
They resurfaced the ice in the event that the game would continue. I suppose the plan was to tack the remaining 7:30 on to the start of the second but they did not get a chance to try it. After a conference between the teams and with the League, the game was called. Apparently, the Nashville players were already taking off their equipment and getting ready to go at that point.
Jiri’s parents were planning on coming to the States in December. I’m sure they’ll move that trip up in light of this.
Our prayers are most definitely with you, Jiri.
Brian of 360 VRWC has another breakdown and some screen caps of the events here.
Update (Christy): The Detroit Red Wings held a conference today (11/22/05) at Joe Louis Arena at 1pm to shed more light on how Jiri Fischer is doing. I typed these “quotes” as they talked on TV so I can’t guarantee that they are all word for word what was said, but as close as I could remember. Here are some things they had to say:
GM Ken Holland: Obviously, it’s been a tough 12 hours for our organization. When I was in his room, he was in good spirits and a couple of jolts were cracked. Very thankful that we have tremendous medical people in our organization…We’re going to go see Jiri this afternoon.Dr. Tony Colucci: He’s cracking some jokes. All his tests are coming back within normal limits. When I assessed the situation, Fischer was having a convulsion in my professional opinion. Trying to maintain an airway and establish a pulse. We initiated chest compressions. We shocked him [with the use of an AED].
Upon his arrival [at Detroit Receiving Hospital], he was very stable. He was very thankful for everybody. There’s no way to figure what triggered it. Believe it was cardiac in origin.
He couldn’t really recall too much last night. Today, he recalls his first shift, being in the ambulance, and being in the ER. He didn’t remember being on the bench.
An AED monitor should be in every public place. Any laid person is able to use the machine. It should be in any arena, period. The ABCs [airway, breathing, circulation] are most crucial.
Fischer’s agent, who lives in Florida, is flying in today and should be in Detroit this afternoon. The Wings have offered to fly his parents from the Czech Republic to Detroit. The Wings may call someone up from Grand Rapids, but will look at all the options to make the team as strong as possible.
One of my five college classes I’m taking right now is a required CPR/First Aid class. We had just recently covered how to use an AED, CPR, etc. An AED is extremely easy to use. You have two patches to place on the chest and they are clearly labeled with where they are supposed to go. The AED talks to you and will direct you through it whether it’s telling you to stay clear, shock, etc. As the doctor mentioned, ABCs are what you first look for when something goes wrong. You check the airway first, breathing second, and circulation third. AEDs cost around $3000 according to the doctor.
Update (Matt): I didn’t want to say it last night but I definitely thought it: Jiri’s career may be over. Of course it depends on the cause of the seizure and what the doctors say but it may be too dangerous for the Wings and the NHL to allow him to continue.
I guess other people are thinking the same thing.
You can view the latest Carnival of the NHL at my other blog, Behind the Jersey.
The St. Louis Blues have won their first two straight games this season by beating the Detroit Red Wings, 3-2. The Red Wings continued their winless streak in four games with tonight’s loss being their first to a Central Division opponent. They face the Nashville Predators on Monday at Joe Louis Arena. Tonight’s game marked the fourth time the two teams have met this season, each previous game had resulted in a Wings’ win while outscoring the Blues, 13-5.
First Period
Not a whole lot happened in the first period. There were no goals and three penalties (2 on St. Louis and 1 on Detroit). Detroit outshot St. Louis in the first period, 10-6.
Second Period
Jamal Mayers scored the first goal of the game 7:32 into the second period with even strength to put the Blues on the board first. With a little under five minutes left in the second period, Mikael Samuelsson beat Blues goaltender, Curtis Sanford, by tipping in a pass from Jiri Fischer. In the second period, the Wings were able to successfully kill three penalties including a near minute long 5-on-3 opportunity for the Blues. Both teams had 11 shots on their opponent’s net in the second period.
Third Period
Seven minutes into the third, Mike Sillinger scored the Blues’ second goal of the night. A minute and forty-six seconds later, Doug Weight beat Manny Legace on the power play. The Blues had two penalties in this period and the Wings were not able to convert on the power play.
With 52 seconds left in the game, Brendan Shanahan scored on a pass from Henrik Zetterberg to put the Wings within one goal. He then received a penalty (for charging) diminishing any chance the Wings had to tie the game up. Both the Wings and Blues had 13 shots apiece in the third period.
Overall
The Wings outshot the Blues, 34-30, but were unable to convert on six power play opportunities. Blues goalie Sanford made 32 saves to lead the team to a victory over the Wings.
Mike Babcock: “We got ourselves behind the eight ball and couldn’t scramble back…Everybody has a tough schedule, there’s no point in making excuses for having no energy. We needed to win this game…We weren’t sharp…Manny gave us an opportunity on the 5-on-3, but we failed [him]. We got to find some energy [before the game versus Nashville].”
Personal Thoughts
While I was bummed that the Wings lost to the likes of Vancouver and Calgary, I am completely frustrated with the Wings’ performances against the Oilers and Blues. After being up 3-1 over Edmonton at the end of the second period, the game ended in a Wings OT loss. I figured that the Wings would want to redeem themselves and defeat an opponent that we have handily beat thus far the season. However, this was not the case. I’m not going to panic, but we really needed to win tonight and we couldn’t even beat the Blues.
Links
Recap Boxscore Play by Play
