Details from an emotional trip to the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena
Checking in from Buffalo as I wait to return to Atlanta. It took me exactly 30 minutes to check out of my hotel, return the rental car, check in for the flight, clear security and arrive at my gate – three hours before departure. Does that happen in Atlanta? So, plenty of time to post this blog, write a notebook of items leftover from the weekend and work on a Ron Hainsey story that will appear Wednesday/Thursday.
I had never met the Snyder family before this weekend. I took over as Pro Sports Editor shortly after the accident, so I was involved in a lot of the coverage and the Dany Heatley trial. When I arrived at the Woolwich Community Center in Elmira on Sunday I was quite early. Children were already lining up to get in, two hours before the doors opened. I was directed down a hallway between the two rinks and almost immediately met by a woman, with a walkie-talkie in hand, making sure every detail was under control before the Thrashers arrived. It was LuAnn Snyder, Dan’s mother. She couldn’t have been more gracious to me – and all those there for the event.
I got my first real look at what this event meant to the Snyders and the community when the team bus arrived an hour or so later. LuAnn greeted the bus and hugged every player and team official as the de-boarded. Dan’s father Graham was there, as well, with handshake. Ilya Kovalchuk got a special hug from LuAnn and a greeting of ‘There is my boy!” More on that later.
The Thrashers dressed and practiced at the Dan Snyder Memorial Arena at the community center in front of about 1,500 fans. I’m told they were to limit the attendance to the capacity of 1,450 but it seemed like more than that, from kids to adults.
After practice players tossed the practice pucks to children in the crowd. It was hours later, as I sat in the coaches office of the Elmira Sugar Kings, the Tier II junior team that plays at the center, writing my story, that I found out the team had given away most of the practice pucks. They had to scramble to come up pucks before the Sugar Kings game that night. Just a funny footnote.
The folks in the community went above and beyond to be welcoming and helpful. I took photos of the event for the paper but had no way to get them out of my camera. The GM of the Sugar Kings and a local photographer spent more than an hour helping me. I also wrote the story there as the coaches got ready for the game that night. That was hospitality.
A bit about the Thrashers involvement. They practiced longer than expected and after lunch signed autographs. There were to be two lines with half the Thrashers in each. The team was to stay until 3:45 p.m. when they had to leave to catch their flight to Montreal. But every person there was allowed to go through both lines and the team was still signing at 4:20 p.m. Little things like that mean a lot.
I waited to talk to LuAnn until the day was almost over. I wanted to stay out of her way, but also give her a chance to take everything in before speaking about it. She was again gracious. When I brought up the subject of Dan’s watch, broken in three pieces in the accident, she related the story of how she kept a piece, gave one to Bob Hartley and another to Kovalchuk. She started to cry, but made it through. To tell you the truth, I had tears in my eyes as well by the time she was done.
Why Kovalchuk, I asked?
Here is what she said. “I told Kovy that he was the future of the franchise. He was going to be the glue that holds the franchise together.”
And then she said this about the Thrashers captain: “He’s my boy. He’s a sweetheart. He’s an absolutely wonderful person. People that don’t get to know him on a personal level like we have, don’t realize what a wonderful, wonderful, genuine person he is. He’s a superstar hockey player, but he’s a father, a friend and he’s always, always been so good to us. He’s a wonderful kid, but he’s first and foremost a wonderful person and the fans have reason to love him.”
Those are some of the highlights that I wanted to pass on.
OK, let’s get back to a little hockey.
There is plenty reason so far to think the penalty kill is headed in the right direction. Marty Reasoner, Todd White, Pavel Kubina and Christoph Schubert have stood out to me. Schubert was excellent on the 5-on-3 kill in Buffalo on Saturday.
Having two separate power play units is also paying off. The transitions have been a benefit.
The shots-on-goal situation is troubling, I think. The Thrashers have been outshot in every game this year. Ondrej Pavelec and Johan Hedberg have stood tall and that’s one reason they are 4-1. At one point Saturday, the Thrashers held a 12-1 shots advantage and ended up being outshot be a considerable margin.
I’m doing a little more research and some interviewing, but the face-offs are something I will take a closer look at in the near future.
Not much to comment on here, but let me know what you think about the special teams or the team’s start. I asked both John Anderson and Don Waddell if they were surprised by the start, but they won’t admit anything more than they expect to win every time out.
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90 comments Add your comment
Daculafan
October 19th, 2009
9:34 am
The special teams have been totally stand out. The PK especially, which up this point, has been our achilles heal seems to be a shining part of our game now. I’m sure that coach Anderson and his staff have really been working on it and it seems to be coming together well.
With the start we’ve gotten so far this year is there a noticeable difference in the locker room atmosphere both pre and post game? Would like to get your impression
Alan R.
October 19th, 2009
9:34 am
Thanks for the post. I’m happy to hear about the event in Elmira, and I’m glad it went well.
My best to the Snyder family.
Our PK and PP units look fantastic so far. I’m pretty astonished at how well everything has come together, but I also have no false hopes about the present. Time will tell whether this trend continues with the Thrashers.
The SOG differential is quite troubling. I’m not sure if that’s a symptom of the system we’re running or what, but whatever the deal is, I don’t like it. Even if those shots are coming to our netminders from bad angles, every attempt should be made by our defense to block the shot or fill the lane so the shot can’t get through. It almost feels like our defense is relying a little too heavy on Pavs and Moose to make the stop. That will hurt us in the end.
Toby
October 19th, 2009
9:56 am
One of the best stories I’ve read in a long time…Thanks Chris
GaVaHokie
October 19th, 2009
9:57 am
Damn Chris… if only you had one more hour to proof-read.
Great article! Thanks for the info.
Toby
October 19th, 2009
9:58 am
Also…I’m sure you’ll be busy following this as well. After the Buffalo/meet with Grossman trip, all the outlets are writing up new Kovy stuff. Most of it seems positive…
Pretty much the same quotes from before the season started, but at least he hasn’t changed his opinion…
When asked about how the Thrashers were cautiously optimistic that he would soon sign a contract extension, the superstar winger answered: “Hopefully. I like it here. And I think they did a lot of good things during the offseason to sign some guys and I feel it’s the best team we’ve ever had. They took some good steps. So we’ll see. My agent is talking to them. I just want to focus on hockey.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4575551&name=lebrun_pierre
Custance also has one with Dub saying he is still optimistic…
Bode
October 19th, 2009
10:04 am
Thank you for taking the time and presenting the Dan Snyder article. It is nice to hear that the Thrasher organization continues to support the family and honor Dan’s memory. Unfortunately I only saw Dan play for the Thrashers a couple of times. It wasn’t until later that I learned of his great determination and work ethic which led him to making into the NHL. In today times when it seems that everyone has more important things to do the Thrasher organization each year takes the time to honor Dan. It is also rewarding to hear that all of the players, most of whom, had never played with Dan, took the time to stay to accomodate all of the spectors and honor his memory. They are truly an unselfish group of individuals.
It was also interesting to read about Mrs. Snyder’s appreciation and close friendship with Kovalchuk. Let’s hope that he will and is re-signed to a contract.
Again, thanks, for a touching article.
DWTOO
October 19th, 2009
10:16 am
Really good piece Chris. The Snyders are truly a remarkable family. Hope that everyone in the organization and Kovy take Mrs. Snyder’s comments about him to heart. I’m proud of the fact that I have a small part in this through donations to the Snyder foundation.
Reading this brought back memories of the night Dan was honored before the Columbus game. I can still hear/see the bagpiper (which is amazing for me because I usually think bagpipes sound like someone stepping on a cat) playing Amazing Grace while Snyder’s picture from the Wolve’s locker room after winning the Calder Cup was on the Jumbotron.
j nes
October 19th, 2009
10:18 am
I appreciate your coverage of the team this year, but your multiple errors in this piece have a negative effect on my opinion of you as a professional writer. An error here and there is expected, especially on a “blog article,” but your carelessness throughout this article is disappointing.
Chris Vivlamore
October 19th, 2009
10:23 am
Sorry folks for the typos. It was a little early in the morning and I don’t sleep well in hotels. Going back to fix the the small mistakes. Please excuse me as I was trying to get you something to read early before the plane departs.
Toby: I talked to Waddell about the Kovalchuk negotiations as well. It will be in my story posted later today. Didn’t figure to rush it online because everything remains the same. Talks continue and Waddell remains optimistic.
john10
October 19th, 2009
10:34 am
Nice job Chris! Thanks
Kaat
October 19th, 2009
10:35 am
Fantastic blog. I felt a little weepy reading it.
I love the human interest angles you are bringing to the table this season. To love the team, to sell the game (not your job I know), it helps would-be fans to feel they “know” players and peek behind the curtain. As well as know what kind of an organization they are putting their money into. For all the woes in the upper echelons of Atlanta Spirit going up there was a truly classy move.
What the Thrashers have done, and how they’ve supported the Snyder family is fantastic. I wonder what Heatley was doing yesterday (rude, I know).
In short, Chris, you moved me. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have been there. Could the AJC do an online gallery of photos?
ChippersLoveChild
October 19th, 2009
10:41 am
Thanks again for the constant updates Chris. Nice piece on the Snyder event, really classy move by the Thrash, glad they did that. Now lets get another win and bring home a 4-1 roadtrip! Some tough ones coming at home this weekend with the Sharks and Caps…… Chris could you get a story with Heatley on Saturday and ask him why he is such a douc^%?
Smoothie
October 19th, 2009
10:43 am
Chris, that was a wonderfully touching piece on the Snyder family and the event honoring Dan in Elmira yesterday. Bravo, well done! I’m sure it was difficult to keep from tearing up when talking to LuAnn. The Snyders are remarkable people and it is truly heart-warming to know that the Thrashers organization went out of their way (even requesting an early road date in Western NY) to deliver and share in a very memorable occasion for the folks in the Snyder’s home-town.
Perhaps LuAnn should take over for Waddell in negotiating Kovy’s new contract!
Those are some very kind and heartfelt words about our Captain coming from Mrs. Snyder.
Chris Vivlamore
October 19th, 2009
10:49 am
Thanks for the kind words folks. I do very much appreciate it. I trust you’ll find the typos fixed. Man, there were a few of them! Again sorry, I was just trying to get you something quick as I wrote from stream of conscious. Cut me a break j nes?
Kaat: I do have other photos. Perhaps I can do a digi-blog of them when I get back to Atlanta shortly. I have a couple of LuAnn Snyder hugging the players.
Bravos33
October 19th, 2009
11:33 am
I understand the shots of goal being potentially troubling. The 40 saves was staggering to me as well, but you also have to remember that, besides the Ottawa game, we have taken a multiple goal lead early in most of these games (NJD not until the 3rd). You could see a discernable style change from us in that we were taking fewer chances in the neutral zone and we were trying to just wait for our opponents to get over aggressive and make a mistake. Therefore, teams have somewhat piled up shots on us in the 2nd and 3rd. That being said, I do do not feel that many of these have been GREAT scoring chances. We have allowed shots, but not many with traffic in front of them and not many off of good passes deep in our zone. we have allowed our goaltenders to have good looks and we have cleaned up after the shots. I simply feel it is a product of the types of games we have played so far. But yes, we still need to lower that SOG total anyways! Any agreement there?
Bravos33
October 19th, 2009
11:41 am
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the pride felt by reading the comments about the event in Elmira. Excellent that you were able to be there, and I am very pleased that it appears our organization has handled the entire situation with class and respect. It seems as though this was a perfect time for such an event. The rebirth of #37’s spirit in the form of an arena memorializing him as well as the rebirth of our franchise into what I believe is a quality hockey team again. Hopefully the boys continue to play hockey that will honor the memory of Daniel Snyder.
Also, dont worry about the typos! You fixed them, and we knew what you meant anyways. Everyone deserves a break now and then!
Cranky
October 19th, 2009
12:27 pm
Those are some pretty agregious typos and grammatical errors. I hate to be that guy, but if I were a professional print journalist, or writer of any kind, I wouldn’t want my work being seen in such a state. BTW: There are still some in there. “immediately met by a women”? Really? “An handshake”? Yikes!
R. Stroz
October 19th, 2009
12:43 pm
C-Viv – Nice Piece. Maybe some of those errors were from tears blocking your view of the keyboard. You just can’t please everyone. Anyway, very well done.
d
October 19th, 2009
12:44 pm
Has Heatley done anything to support the Elmira Community Center – or does he simply pretend (publicly anyway) this tragic event in his past never happened? I’m not sure he ever completed his community service “punishment” in Atlanta before leaving town…
J.B.
October 19th, 2009
12:49 pm
i was actually just thinking that it would have been a huge gesture for heatley to attend as well.
j nes
October 19th, 2009
1:02 pm
Consider yourself out of the box Chris.
Get The Puck Out
October 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
I just read on ESPN rumors Kovy’s going to Boston???????
Alan R.
October 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
It has also been rumored that I won the lottery. Nevermind the fact that I’ve never been to Virginia in my life, but I am the newest Mega Millions lottery jackpot winner.
No, I’m not sharing. Get off my lawn.
Toby
October 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
All you need to know is that the article is titled:
lya Kovalchuk may be off to the East Coast.
Rumor is now dead because it’s obvious they don’t know what they are talking about.
J.B.
October 19th, 2009
2:34 pm
does anyone ever remember when tsn had us at #5 in their power rankings? …Because they do today!
Smoothie
October 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
J.B. – we’re # 5!!? FIVE?? Wow, the Canadian media really IS that obtuse, impulsive and dunder-headed. I mean, c’mon…how do we go from 27th / 28th to 5 that quickly? Don’t get me wrong I love our team and think we have loads of potential, but realistically we are somewhere in the range of #18 – # 12 if you ask me. Still a lot of work ahead.
Someone tell Kovy we’re # 5…he will surely put his name on the dotted line right after practice in MTL today…wow.
IllegalCurve.com » Blog Archive » On the Beat: No truth to Nathan Horton rumors, why Vincent Lecavalier has been struggling and Brad Richards out tonight
October 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
[...] Vivlamore documents his time in Elmira, Ontario to honor Dan Snyder. Very good [...]
Chris Vivlamore
October 19th, 2009
3:14 pm
j nes: Thanks! I did my five for bad typing.
Cranky: Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays. Don’t worry you’ll get over it. We hope. Look no typos!
All: Chicago Wolves fired head coach and assistant coach. Off to a 1-5 start.
Elmira Native
October 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
Thank-you to the Thrasher organization for making the day in Elmira memorable for a lot of people.
The kids were still buzzing last night at the Junior game and I am sure it was a hot topic at school today.
Your article was great and yes the Synder’s are a great family.
Time passes quickly and I still can’t believe it has been six years since they lost Dan.
But he and I am sure he was smiling yesterday.
For those of you who are curious yes Dany Heatley’s name is on the Contribution list plaque.
Alan R.
October 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
For those of you who are curious yes Dany Heatley’s name is on the Contribution list plaque.
Thanks for that info. It’s too bad he couldn’t be there yesterday for whatever reason. Sure, Heatley and the Thrashers part ways a long time ago, but it would have been nice to see him stand in solidarity with the Thrashers.
The Earl of Bud
October 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
Holy Cow J.B. I just fell over. All other stuff I agree here, great show by Thrashers in Elmira, PK is great, SOG sucks, and so on. While Todd White was mentioned, I have liked seeing him with Kane on the PK.
Vivs, the Thrashers are 7th in the league in faceoffs right now. As expected, Marty Reasoner is in the top 15 winning 57.7% of his draws, a few points better than last year for him. Oh and that guy that had to replace Reasoner on the 3rd line, Rich Peverley, he is #1 in the league winning 71.7% of his faceoffs.
Chris Vivlamore
October 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
Breaking news: Thrashers working on contract extension for Rich Peverley. Expect it to be official in the next couple of days.
GaVaHokie
October 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
I just read on ESPN rumors Kovy’s going to Boston???????
Yeah, the “rumor” is apparently Blake Wheeler and Sobotka and some prospects… which is still about $7 million off of what Boston needs to free up to fit Kovy on their team.
… it’s all B.S.
The Earl of Bud
October 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
“but you also have to remember that, besides the Ottawa game, we have taken a multiple goal lead early in most of these games (NJD not until the 3rd).”
Bravos33 is right here, if we were playing from behind perhaps the SOG would look much different. I am more than happy to be giving up weak shots and coming back with odd-man rushes while playing with the lead. For crying out loud Thorburn scored shorthanded when we came up the ice on one of those rushes.
MB
October 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
Really terrific piece on the Elmira event and the Snyders, Chris. Felt myself puddle up a couple of times in admiration of the graciousness of the Snyder family, in appreciation of the class shown by the Thrashers organization with their ongoing support, and in pride reading LuAnn’s comments about the captain. Like many Thrasher fans, in the early days I suspected that Heatley would end up being the more complete player and a no-brainer choice for captaincy. I couldn’t be happier to be be so wrong and delight every time #17 exceeds expectations.
It would be interesting to mention the Elmira event to Heatley and ask what his relationship is with the Snyders these days.
GaVaHokie
October 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
Breaking news: Thrashers working on contract extension for Rich Peverley. Expect it to be official in the next couple of days.
Hell, F*ck Yeah… pardon my french… but you just made my day! That’s incredible news!!
The Earl of Bud
October 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
LOCK. PEVERLEY. UP.
Thanks Chris, that’s the kind of stuff we love reading about.
Smitty
October 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
Chris,
Did you get a chance to stop at the Landmark for a beef on weck or some wings while you were at the airport in BUF?
GaVaHokie
October 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
All: Chicago Wolves fired head coach and assistant coach. Off to a 1-5 start.
No surprise there… how can you lose with that line-up? That team is stacked… No excuse!
You’re on fire today Chris!! Keep it coming!
The Earl of Bud
October 19th, 2009
3:54 pm
Smitty you’re killing me, thanks for making me crave some food that I won’t get to eat for another couple months.
I have to say something again about Peverley. If Waddell gets that done he will have officially turned the corner for this team. Obviously the Kovalchuk signing is going to make or break us, but all the other pieces are clearly being put into place. The only other thing is to possibly do something with Little which I am not in a hurry on.
Eileen
October 19th, 2009
4:04 pm
Chris, your article about the Snyders really touched me. Thanks for all the details. Losing someone long before their time is especially painful. I am so impressed how they have turned their grief into something so positive for themselves and their community.
Chris Vivlamore
October 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
Good news on Pevs. Thanks for the compliments. Some days I earn my pay!
Smitty:I didn’t have any decent food in Buffalo. My fault. It just turned out to be a busy trip. Not that anyone should feel sorry for me, but my two meals in the fine city – in two and a half days – was Denny’s (next door to the hotel) and McDonalds on the drive home from Elmira. I know, I suck.
Cranky
October 19th, 2009
4:25 pm
Careful, Chris. You know what Lawrence says about someone saying “…case of the Mondays.”
You’ll have to forgive me, I am a journalist myself, so I may hold you to a higher standard than others. You may be alright with publishing/posting with mistakes in order to rush the info out, but I can’t stomach the thought of someone thinking ill of my writing skills. My skills are nowhere near perfect, however I wouldn’t blame someone for questioning my credibility and dedication if I included similar errors in a publication…as a matter of fact, I’d most likely be in big trouble.
While I won’t apologize for being a harsh judge of your technical skills I will praise the substance of the Dan Snyder Memorial story. I won’t comment on your practices anymore. Just keep the Thrashers info coming. Thanks!
R. Stroz
October 19th, 2009
5:18 pm
If Waddell gets that done he will have officially turned the corner for this team.
Well, it’s about time. It only took him about ten years.
Smoothie
October 19th, 2009
5:20 pm
The Thrashers record without Peverley last year: 14-24-5
The Thrashers record since the Peever was plucked off waivers: 25-18-1
Richard “Ricky Pevs” Peverley has 42 points in 44 games as a Thrasher.
I would say that is some convincing evidence for a contract extension.
Congratulations to a great player and a fantastic lockeroom guy!!
Nate
October 19th, 2009
5:21 pm
Bob McKenzie gave a fair assessment of the Kovalchuk negotiations on NHL Live today after being asked by Hradek. He said it’s all about winning for Kovalchuk and that Ilya doesn’t really care about the money. He thinks as long as the Thrashers continue to win and move in the right direction he’ll re-sign during the season. He says Ilya just doesn’t want to get stuck in a situation where he’s already signed and the team starts to slide one or two months from now. I know it’s nothing earth shattering but he could’ve taken jabs at the Thrashers and really didn’t.
Cranky's Critic
October 19th, 2009
5:30 pm
A dependent clause should be followed by a comma.
While I won’t apologize for being a harsh judge of your technical skills is a dependent clause which should be followed by a comma prior to I will praise the substance of the Dan Snyder Memorial story..
LAC
October 19th, 2009
5:38 pm
Sounds like marian hossa all over AGAIN !!!!
Chris Vivlamore
October 19th, 2009
5:50 pm
Cranky: Please hold me to your high standard. I hope I didn’t come off as annoyed. I’m just having a little fun – at my own expense. Obviously as a former editor I feel proper grammar is a necessary practice. Sometimes I rush in this “new age” of journalism. It’s often hard to edit yourself. Please let me know. Oh, and thanks for getting my Office Space reference!
Todd
October 19th, 2009
5:55 pm
What is up with cranky’s critic? We don’t really care what you have to say!! We are blue collar hockey fans.. We don’t speak The Queen’s English, forget about it!!
Zach
October 19th, 2009
6:45 pm
Chris,
What is up with Zach? (a person I gladly share names with) I will give the kid a break because he’s still not 82 games into his career, and the fact that he’s younger than me. However, he’s played terrible the last few games taking bad penalties, making bad passes and just general badness. I have been very high on him so far because I think he is very skilled, but this needs to stop.
John
October 19th, 2009
7:21 pm
SOG can kind of be overrated statistic. While you don’t want it to be lopsided, you have to consider that they killed 4 out of 5 penalties and one of those was, I think, a full 2 minute 5 on 3. Plus, the type of shots are important, too…are they slapshots from the blueline at the end of a shift or are they breakaways after every possession?
One think that I took away from the game Saturday was the fact that the Thrashers controlled the game. We haven’t seen that in a long, long time. They didn’t play their run and gun, turnover prone offense when they didn’t have to, they hunkered down and kept an extra guy down low to make sure Hedberg didn’t have to make any extra saves.
Zach: I agree with you about Bogosian but he’ll come around. He’s only into his second year and is just in a little rut right now.
And let me add to the praise for the Elmira/Snyder story. It’s hard to believe that only 2 guys are still on the team that actually played with Snyder. It was a tearjerker…thanks, Chris.
RS
October 19th, 2009
7:55 pm
When you consider what LuAnn Snyder said about Ilya you also have to remember that she felt that way about him when he was 20 years old and barely spoke English. It’s like he became the person that she thought he was going to be.
The Earl of Bud
October 19th, 2009
7:56 pm
Christus Vivlamī,
Thy deliberation of thine article is that of appreciation. Ergo, thou shalt not be burdened from further nōncomplementary posts. I thank thee.
Earlus Budmī
Zach
October 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
Chris, I forgot to ask about the goal situation. What’s going to happen when Kari is healthy?
Brendan
October 19th, 2009
11:44 pm
Wonderful article, Chris. Graham and LuAnn Snyder have always impressed me. As people. As parents. And representative of the Mennonite faith. I’m proud of their whole community.
So, switching gears … Waddell is now willing to CHANGE his policy of “no negotiating contracts during the season?” Excellent, if true. The policy, itself, is flawed and should be abandoned.
The Earl of Bud
October 20th, 2009
12:07 am
“What’s going to happen when Kari is healthy?”
Zacharius,
Lehtonenis stinketh. Doth not know that? Ondrejus goalie bestest. Lehtonenis heathne? Thy thinkest not.
Earlus Budmī
Rob Preiditsch
October 20th, 2009
12:24 am
I just returned from a trip to Ontario and was in town during the Thrashers practice. I woke up this morning and picked up the Kitchener Waterloo Record–the main paper covering Elmira–then on tv and radio later in the day. On the front page was a photo of the practice illustrating the impact of an NHL team in a local community hockey rink. The equivalent of the Braves showing up in a po-dunk town, hitting BP and staying late for autographs and bbq, but given the legacy of Dan Snyder–the impact was times ten.
I’ve been a fan of the Thrashers since day one and can honestly say I’ve never been more proud of my hockey team. This type of gesture in a small town won’t sell more season tickets. It was about integrity and buying into the message of community Graham & LuAnn Snyder hold so dear in their hearts. The impact on the community was immense. Yes, only 1400 some people attended the event. With media coverage, a million or so more were impacted by the visit of a hockey team to celebrate a life lost and a legacy that will continue to breathe life into a hockey rich community.
I would like to give some due where it belongs to Don Waddell and his support staff. Many have commented how only two Thrashers remain who played with Dan Snyder, but let’s be clear–the players don’t plan these events. There is a huge amount of planning and scheduling that goes on to orchestrate this type of event within a busy NHL game schedule. Kudos to you Don.
Be proud of the Thrashers organization this week. I sure am.
dj nowhere
October 20th, 2009
1:14 am
Great article Chris. The Part about Mrs. Snyder and Kovy is really moving. I would say the biggest reason why the PK is doing so much better is because the players are attacking the puck carrier and are not just sitting back, letting them pass around, and waiting for the shot. By challenging the puck carrier, the Thrashers are forcing the other team to make a mistake and lose the puck.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
8:44 am
Looking for help, if anyone has the time… trying to track down the Colby Armstrong interview this summer after he signed his one-year contract… it was on Radio, just can’t remember if it was XM, or NHL Network, etc… I can’t seem to track it down. Hoping someone here can remember and maybe has the link.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
9:03 am
Nevermind… found the Armstrong interview… it was on Toronto 640am on July 17th
http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Audio.aspx
Bob
October 20th, 2009
10:05 am
Chris, great article. It makes my heart feel warm and restores my faith in humanity to know that there are classy folks like the Snyders, what wonderful people who set a beautiful example for all of us.
Also, big thumbs up to Waddell for having the class to do the right thing and bring the boys up there. Many issues I’ve had with the man’s management ability, but Waddell is a class act and has been all along in everything he’s done in the terrible tragedy. Including honoring Heatley’s impetuous demands. Kudos to Waddell.
Great move signing Peverly now, how many years have we called for Waddell to make moves like that and re-sign guys early?! I wonder how much Dudley is helping out with some good advice in situations like this.
What the heck, we are turning into a legitimate hockey club here. I only saw the Friday game but they looked solid again.
kracker
October 20th, 2009
10:11 am
Very nice story, Chris. Top to bottom throughout the organization, hockey players are truly among the most unselfish of atheletes. They certainly want to get paid but for the most part, it’s not about the money for them. There’s one town in Canada pulling for the Thrash!
Mrs. Snyder’s comments about the team and what a wonderful person Ilya is were so nice to hear. Especially about her knowing years ago that Kovy would be the glue that holds the organization together.
Roman Gal
October 20th, 2009
11:12 am
I will be in Montreal with some friends for tonights game, as we make the Canada trip once a season. So far we have done very poorly playing at the Bell Center over the years, and Montreal papers are predicting a rout tonight. Hope we stay in the game.
Chris
October 20th, 2009
11:14 am
Altanta is being bashed as a hockey franchise all over the Montreal papers today, saying we are a dying franchise that should have never gotten a second chance, wouldnt a win tonight, as well as a playoff spot prove them wrong.
Smoothie
October 20th, 2009
11:18 am
On Colby Armstrong, I think he genuinely likes Atlanta and probably would have considered a longer term deal, but didn’t he say they just ran up against time constraints when trying to hammer out more than just a 1 year contract? It’s unfortunate if we only tendered him a 1 year contract, but my hunch is that they tendered him a 2 year deal, but it wasn’t on par with what his agent was telling him he was worth. Hence the 1 yr deal worth $2.4 M. I think Colby will be next after Kovy’s deal is done in late December (my prediction). Merry Christmas.
Toby
October 20th, 2009
11:28 am
FYI… Kovy will be on NHL Live (NHL.com) between Noon and 2:00 today…
Chris Vivlamore
October 20th, 2009
11:32 am
Just wanted to check in as I wait for new tires on an off day. Plenty of errands to run before tonight’s game in Montreal. I’m spent some time this morning trying to get the photos from the Snyder event on the blog, but the files are too big. I’m working on trying to compress them. I will post a new blog again from practice tomorrow. Thanks again for the kind words on the Snyder stories, but really it’s the material not the writer. Thanks again.
kracker
October 20th, 2009
11:33 am
Those that are spelling & grammar obssessed, please go live here.
http://www.grammarblog.co.uk/
Thank you.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
11:37 am
Those that are spelling & grammar obssessed, please go live here.
http://www.grammarblog.co.uk/
Funny… I was just talking with a Buffalo fan yesterday about wither “pretty much guaranteed” is an acceptable statement.
Just sounds like “definitely maybe” to me.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
11:43 am
… and by wither, I mean whether.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
11:51 am
It’s official… Peverley has signed for 2 years… $2.6 million contract.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=295472
Seems very “safe” to me… probably could have gotten a hell of a lot more this summer, but great pro-active move by management.
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 20th, 2009
12:01 pm
That’s an interestingly short length, it seems to me Waddell has a high opinion of the system if he’s not locking many people up past 2011. Funny, it’s precisely what Bettman recommends in “today’s” NHL…short and manageable contracts.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
12:17 pm
FYI… Kovalchuk is scheduled to be on NHL Live at 1pm.
http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=616#&intcmpid=nhl-hp-vidchn-livewire
d
October 20th, 2009
12:21 pm
Does the 2 yrs for Pev begin next season or the current year?
Russian
October 20th, 2009
12:24 pm
Pever got a contract. Very well done! 2 years and he can play for any lines. Be center on first or second, Good Deal.
GaVaHokie
October 20th, 2009
12:36 pm
d… starting next year… so we have him for 3 seasons, counting this year.
World Be Free
October 20th, 2009
12:40 pm
Great piece Chris.
Smitty-landmark of Beef on Weck in Buffalo?
Are you referring to Charlie The Butcher?
The folks at Schwables will argue with you on that one.
I go to anchor Bar for their Beef on Weck!
ranallo10 (in AT)
October 20th, 2009
12:42 pm
d — All contract extensions begin at the conclusion of the current contract, so for Peverley it would begin next season (as Hokie said).
Smoothie
October 20th, 2009
1:23 pm
Kovalchuk says he likes best the fact that Atlanta is a “quiet” town and he prefers not having the crush of media you get when you play for a Canadian team. I guess the Canadian teams’ fans can forget about Kovy coming your way in FA. He wants a full arena and loves having the support at Blueland, but could care less to be on the front page every day like in Hoserland or Frog Country.
Chris Vivlamore
October 20th, 2009
1:51 pm
Peverley deal is done. Two years, $1.3 million a year.
Zoomo
October 20th, 2009
3:18 pm
C-Viv – just want to say thanks for all the Thrasher coverage in the paper, on the blog, via Tweets, etc. A marked improvement after last year’s huge fall off in coverage post-Custance. You’re doin’ great. Keep it up!
The Earl of Bud
October 20th, 2009
4:18 pm
Kracker – thanks, I was worried we were all going to have to switch full time to classical Latin or Victorian English to post on this blog.
Rob Preiditsch – Ha, what’s happening? I’m the guy who bet you 10 years ago that the Sabres would beat Sundin & the Leafs in the Eastern Conference finals to go to the Cup finals. Still going back to Ontario? I still remember where we were 10 years ago…
WBF – I think the Landmark is near the airport where you can stop on your way out of town. Not Charlie the Butcher.
Happy to sees Peverley locked up but as others noted, interesting that a 27 year old guy who has been about a pt/g player since he first suited up for us only gets a 2 year deal. Is this the way that the Spirit will allow Waddell to work or is this the Bettman strategy as someone mentioned? Either way, we got him.
d – it is an extension, so it starts next fall or technically July 1, 2010. We just have the advantage of being able to negotiate that 2010 contract (when free agency begins) before anyone else since he is our player. If it is only a 1 year deal you can’t negotiate another contract until Jan 1.
kracker
October 20th, 2009
4:19 pm
Looks like Pevs went for the bird-in-the-hand. Compared to minor league pay scales, he will earn very good money this season and better money for the following two years. If he puts up .5 to .7 points per game, he’s a steal for the Thrashers and will probably earn a nice raise in a couple of years. If he approaches a point/game in JA’s systems, that’s even more fantastic!
But if his production declines for the remainder of this season, or if he gets seriously injured, he already has his money coming in. I think most of us are hoping/expecting Rich to be the good player he has been since he came to the Thrashers.
The Earl of Bud
October 20th, 2009
4:25 pm
Kracker I have even more faith in him now after seeing him keep up his pace on the 3rd (what should be the 2nd) line. I thought for sure if they moved him away from Kovalchuk he would drop off, but he hasn’t.
Smitty
October 20th, 2009
5:07 pm
EOB and WBF
The Landmark is in the airport next to the the Airtran gates. You have to walk by it when you fly Delta or Airtran. The Anchor Bar has a place in the airport now.
Maybe Peverly took a little less money this time around to free up some $$ for Kovy and the other potential free agents
Nate
October 20th, 2009
5:38 pm
The Chukster interview was great. I think that’s the most English I’ve ever heard him speak. Very candid with the guys and appreciative of the fans. He again mentioned the buzz around the team/city when they made the playoffs so he knows the fans are out there. I’m gonna miss more than just his goal scoring if he doesn’t get re-signed. He IS Atlanta Thrashers hockey for me.
The Earl of Bud
October 20th, 2009
7:54 pm
Smitty, I knew it was somewhere near the airport, but I think I know exactly what you are talking about. Next time I fly home I am going to walk by it and think of these blogs now.
As Vivs mentioned the Buffalo airport is the easiest around to get in and out of, but the fact that I am a Delta frequent flyer member and Delta’s gates are the very last ones of the terminal annoys me.
d
October 20th, 2009
11:28 pm
Congrats to Pev. A year ago he was close to looking for a job painting bridges in Nashville. Now he is making a Buck Three annually for a couple of years. Not bad for a 27-year old with a young family living in ATL. I’m guessing he eventually gets an “A” once Slava retires…
Darkhorse
October 22nd, 2009
2:58 pm
Just got back in town Chris-wonderful story. The NHL network should do a special on this event next year.