Tommys Thoughts

……………..and so dear friends, we say farewell to our hero’s who darn the red and white winged wheel. Another season has passed on, another meaningless Presidents Trophy, another disappointing playoff season to try and forget. It’s sad to say the end of an era is upon us. They’ve given us many exciting years of great hockey. We will never forget the pride we all felt when we watched the Captain hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup three times. We’ve had the privilege to watch and cheer a team built with so many future Hall of Famers that through out the years seemed invincible. But alas, Father Time is not always so kind. Though the heart and spirit may still be strong, age has a way of catching us all. Age played a huge role as we sorrowfully watched our hero’s pass so soon. Old legs, fatigued and battered could not over come a, perhaps less talented, but young, hungrier opponent. Our winged wheeled champions have drank from the cup three times and have filled their bellies with the sweet taste of victory. But, just like after a wonderful meal, we many times feel like taking a nap. So is the case with our warriors of the cold floor, so full of honey, they forgot there are others more hungry that to whom even bitter may taste sweet. Yes an era has come to an end in Hockey Town. The time has come for a new crop of hero’s to emerge. Though a small core shall still remain it is time dear friends to say good bye. Farewell Brett Hull and Brendan Shanahan; take care in your journey Chris Chelios; great associates of the past can not always lead us to the future. So adieu Dave Lewis, Barry Smith and Joe Kocur; and though you would be missed, it’s time to let go as a player, Steve Yzerman, rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Who knows what the future holds for the grand game of hockey. Will there be a season next year? Who will guide the men in red and white through the turbulent times ahead. If the collective bargaining agreement and hard salary cap come to fruition the game of hockey may never be the same again. We will not forget the disappointments and failed Accomplishments of the past but never let us forget that for a decade the Detroit Red Wings have been the best team in hockey - bar none.