A Fleury flashback; the sinking Boatmen and a legend's parting gift.
Theo's comeback in the cards
Theoren Fleury has always had a lot of little kid in him.
In a 1991 interview, yours truly asked Fleury to name the best thing about being an NHL'er.
"Having your own hockey card," he answered with a huge grin. "The first time a kid came up with one of my cards and asked me to sign it, I couldn't believe it was actually my picture on the front."
Eighteen years have passed since that conversation and a 41-year old Fleury is now attempting a comeback that has captured the imagination of hockey fans everywhere. Despite his surprising pre-season success with the Calgary Flames, many observers believe it would be in Fleury's best interests to start the season with the team's American Hockey League affiliate in Abbotsford, B.C.
"This isn't the Horse Lake Thunder or Steinbach North Stars," pointed out "Flames on Sportsnet" play-by-play man Peter Loubardias while referring to the senior teams Fleury skated for in recent years. "The NHL is the best league in the world and Theoren hasn't competed at this level for six years, so it would really benefit him if he went to Abbotsford and played a bunch of games."
As an expansion franchise, it certainly wouldn't hurt the Abbotsford Heat to boast a big name in their lineup and Fleury was asked if he'd be willing to launch his comeback in the minors.
"Why not?," he told reporters during a road trip to Vancouver this week. "I was in Steinbach, Manitoba last year and Abbotsford is probably a little nicer than Steinbach."
And all of those Theoren Fleury hockey cards still kicking around?
Something tells me the kids in Abbotsford would flock to get them signed by a grizzled veteran who still has a child-like passion for the game.
Mutiny on the Good Ship Argo?
If you think Blue Jays baseball in September has been a tough sell, try marketing this weekend's CFL tilt in Winnipeg featuring the Bombers and Argos. Tied in the cellar at 3-8, the head coaches of the two teams are obviously under the gun.
The only difference?
While Winnipeg bench boss Mike Kelly's outspoken nature makes him a lightning rod for controversy, Toronto's Bart Andrus keeps his colourful comments to a bare minimum.
Still, at least one CFL observer believes Andrus is in danger of losing the locker room. Adrion Smith spent 10 years with the Argos and has maintained a close relationship with some of the veterans on the club.
"I wouldn't say the players have packed it in on the season just yet," said Smith. "But it's getting close."
One of the biggest beefs Smith has with Andrus' coaching methods is his handling of Byron Parker. The veteran defensive back returned to the Argos last month after being cut by the Philadelphia Eagles but hasn't seen much playing time under Andrus.
"You've got a defensive player who has scored more career touchdowns (six) than all of your new receivers combined, and you can't find a spot for him on the field?," Smith said. "That's just ridiculous."
So, the critics are ready to pounce and the bad news for Bart is that if he doesn't get a win in Winnipeg, it's only going to get worse.
A farewell present from Harwell
Most baseball fans know that the longtime radio voice of the Detroit Tigers, Ernie Harwell, has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer.
The only upside is that the 91-year old broadcaster has lived a full life and as a deeply religious man, he's come to terms with his inevitable passing. Harwell spoke to Tigers fans for perhaps the final time during a ceremony at Comerica Park last week, telling them that he was glad his life's journey was coming to an end in Detroit.
"I deeply appreciate the people of Michigan," Harwell said. "I love their grit. I love the way they face life."
Tom Stanton is the author of "The Final Season", an award-winning book that documented the final year of baseball at Tiger Stadium in 1999. Like every baseball fan in the Motor City, Stanton grew up listening to Tigers games on the radio and he believes Harwell's farewell speech was a parting gift to his legion of followers.
"Ernie is by far the most beloved man in Michigan," Stanton said. "With the terrible economy and low unemployment in the state, it's definitely been an inspiration to witness the class and dignity that Ernie has shown while dealing with his own situation."
Like the talented Stanton, Harwell has written a few books himself, including the highly recommended "Ernie Harwell: Stories From My Life in Baseball."
And as Ernie himself would surely attest to, what a wonderful life its been.