Here’s to you #14…
November 18th, 2009 | by Chris Hollis |No, not you Derek Meech. Even though you could probably use a drink.
No, today we raise our glasses to another Red Wing who rocked the #14. One who was gritty and feisty, able to throw a punch or bury a one-timer. One who scored a goal and made you do a little jig in your seat, whether it was at the Joe or in your living room.
Brendan Shanahan announced his retirement from hockey today and the world is a slightly sadder place because of it.
Say what you will about Shanny and his off-ice issues, but his effort, tenacity and spirit on the ice can never be questioned. He was always one of my favorites in Hockeytown, and I will never be able to think about the brawl against the Avalanche in ‘97 without recalling his flying clothesline on Patrick Roy. Most forget that he went toe-to-toe later in that same game with Adam Foote, but that’s just the kind of guy Shanahan was. He’d score one and then punch you out on the next faceoff. I loved it.
As for me, I’ll always remember Shanny in a different way: the celebration after he scored the empty netter to seal up the ‘02 Cup. I was natural, playful and full of authenticity. Just like Shanny.
Here’s to you Brendan Shanahan. We’ll see you at the HHOF induction.
Tags: Brendan Shanahan
