As far as links go, this one won't be hard to find some info on. NHL.com, post-gazette.com, pittsburghlive.com, pittsburghpenguins.com, etc.
Just was wondering if anyone here had any thoughts? I know he's retired before, but, having bought NHL Center Ice and watched this whole Penguins season, I can tell you, this time it's for good.
I would like to share my thoughts if I may.
In 83-84 the Penguins were the absolute worst team in the league, the laughing stock of the entire NHL. They managed to post an abhorent record and the stands were about as full as the CT. People just didn't care about the Penguins or take them seriously. And why should they?
Enter Lemieux.
Selected 1st overall in the 1984 entry draft and hailed as the 2nd Coming of Gretzky, the newspapers rang out: "AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM".
Boston Garden, opening game of the 1984-85 season. Lemieux's 1st game, 1st shift, - he steals it! - in all alone - 1st shot! 1st GOAL!
I was about nine months old at the time, and could barely get through an hour without spitting up, much less watch a hockey game. There are few things I regret more
The child grew to a man, and continued to do great things. In one season he managed 199 points in 76 games. He brought the Stanley Cup to those once woeful Pens not once, but twice, back to back, in the early 90's. He was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, battled through it and returned to hockey. Had horrendous back problems and battled again.
In 94-95 the NHL had a half season. Lemieux took it off to recharge and contemplate if he'd be able to play again at the level he was used to.
In 95-96, return he did. And the buzz was on him. Not the league's full schedule.
Enter me.
I was in 6th grade at the time and had been a hockey fan for all of maybe 8 months, but, of course, I had already heard of Lemieux. I followed him in the newspapers to see how he'd do. Game #1, 4 assists against Toronto. The man was incredible. I begged my dad to get tickets to the Whalers v. Penguins games, and he did one better.
My old man and I traveled all across the northeast to watch Mario play. From Hartford, to Boston, to Long Island, New Jersey, NYC, and even to the 4th to last game at the old Montreal Forum. I followed him around quite abit that season, and saw some amazing things. I went to a playoff game to Madison Square Garden and saw the Penguins rip the Rangers to shreds, (and the fans nearly rip my father to shreds). From that year on, I was hooked for life on hockey. That's all I did that year. Watch, or play hockey. I went from not knowing how to skate to playing on a nationally competitive roller hockey team in 16 months or so thanks to the inspiration I got from that fellow Lemieux. It was a kind of drive I haven't had since, and can't really put into good enough words.
On opening game of the following season, I got what would prove to be my only chance to see Lemieux play at home, and the man did not dissappoint. My father took me on a pilgramage to Pittsburgh, and with less than half a minute to play, the Penguins were down by a goal.
Then came the familiar sight - that hulking 6'4 Center, 66, into the slot. The puck winds up on his stick, and with a flick of the wrist, it's in the back of the net.
The place erupts. Complete pandemonium. "Simply the Best" is blasting with a video highlight reel of his whole career on the scoreboard. People are jumping up and down, strangers bearhugging strangers.
It's a great memory I'll retain for the rest of my life. And thanks to Mario Lemieux, and my father, I have many, many more.
I'd just like to say thanks, good health and long life. It may never be the same again. Though that Kid Named Sid sure will help.
