Brind'Amour Tribute Is the Real Deal

After Hockey Day in Canada and Hockey Day Minnesota last weekend, here comes Hockey Day in America and the Heritage Classic. And if that doesn't tug at your heart and purse strings, well then the folks who put on these affairs have not done the job.

Either that or you just want to manage your own nostalgia, and not the marketed memories that have been or will be on display during these special events. The outdoor games in Moorhead, Minn., last week were fun for a bit, but I cannot help think things would have been better had Hill-Murray and Moorhead met on a rink that could take the heat of competition and the day.

The slush they had to deal with just did not do them or the day justice. Too bad because Hockey Day Minnesota is my favorite event to watch. Hockey Day in Canada used to be fun, but the features have grown a bit stale, and this year's little dramedy with Ron MacLean playing a rouge in the Yukon and Don Cherry as a Mountie was just way too much corn (A new low begins 4 minutes 38 seconds into the video.)



(Pure nonsense. These two men were nowhere near as entertaining as Savoir Faire and Klondike Kat. Although MacLean and Cherry can be cartoonish at times, neither can top the original animated series, a glimpse of which you can see next.)



This week will have Hockey Day in America leading into the Heritage Classic in Calgary. Let me say right now, do not have a hangover going into this one. The Flames' special sweaters will not agree many of you in the best of health. You have been warned.

But I will allow a bit of nostalgia when I watch the ceremonies in Raleigh, where the Carolina Hurricanes will retire the number of Rod Brind'Amour for his fine years of service in the league. From a young lad with the Michigan State Spartans to the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers and Hurricanes, Brind'Amour and his work ethic reminded me of the professional rodeo cowboy.

Brind'Amour got his work done, and then hit the road to get ready for the next ride. Paul Davis' song brings that all back to me. The hard work, the tough life and what it must be like to leave a job done well for the final time.

Excuse me while I hit replay on "Ride Em Cowboy." Drinks, smiles and tears are on me.