Page 7 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 26

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Daniel Alfredsson says see you soon

Ottawa, both on and off the ice, he attendance of between 16,000 and and for everyone you hear, there are
By Terry Tinkess got to “come home” to say goodbye. 17,000 ended up as a sell-out, and probably another fi ve, or a hundred
On the morning of December 4, as word of Alfredsson’s retirement that, to many, are just as memorable.
t’s a day that everyone knew would Alfredsson signed a one-day contract spread, tickets to the game became Seventeen seasons. 1,246 regular
Isomeday come to pass, but when with Ottawa so that he could retire the hottest ticket in town. Every one, season games, 444 goals. 1,157 total
Daniel Alfredsson left the Ottawa as a Senator. At a media conference it seemed, had an Alfi e story, and points and as many memories as any
Senators to become a member of held to showcase the event, he said wanted to be there when the man player in any sport could ever be
the Detroit Red Wings, most felt he was overwhelmed. who was the Ottawa Senators told expected to provide.
his career would not end the way it “I’m extremely thankful to get everyone it was really over.

should. He had ruffled a few feathers this opportunity to come back and Through his career, Alfredsson had Now, his playing days are over, and
in his departure, and the word was retire as an Ottawa Senator,” said been a polarizing player. At different many can’t help but wonder if he might
that under the current ownership, Alfredsson with his family, friends times he was loved, then vilifi ed and make a return to the team in a different
“Alfie” would never again be a part and current members of the Ottawa fi nally appreciated by the people who capacity. Most knowledgeable

of the team that on so many nights, Senators watching in a conference fi ll the seats, buy the jerseys or wave hockey prognosticators agree that
he carried on his shoulders. room at the Canadian Tire Centre. As the fl ags. He is remembered as the the departure of Alfredsson cost Erik
Karlsson, his protégé, more than a
Fortunately, time apparently to the future, it is too early to say. rookie of the year in 1996, but also year in terms of development, and
does heal all wounds and when it “It’s still so early on in this as the young captain who, when his Karlsson, more than anything, needs
became apparent that nagging back process,” he said. “I’ve spent the leadership was questioned, offered to someone he is willing to trust and
problems would not allow him to be last few months trying to make it so give up the “C” if that was what was listen to.
a productive teammate, Alfredsson I could play another season. I don’t best for the team.
made the only decision he could and know what’s going to happen next He was the forward playing And he is still among the most
prepared to enter into the next phase of week. I’m going to try and step back defense in 2006 who allowed Jason recognizable Senators, and he has
his life, that of a retired NHL’er. The and evaluate what the next chapter Pominville to get around him to score roots, and family in Ottawa. His
Senators, including owner Eugene is and I don’t have a good answer the goal that eliminated the Senators parting words would seem to leave
Melnyk, welcomed him back. (about the future) right now.” from the playoffs. He was the player the door open.

Fortunately for Alfredsson, the The December 4th game against the who pasted Darcy Tucker into the Let’s not say goodbye,” said
Senators and every person to whom New York Islanders, which probably boards, stole the puck and scored the Alfredsson, “It’s merci, à bientôt.”

he meant so much during his time in would have had an announced game winning goal in game five of (Thank you, see you soon.)
the 2002 playoffs against the Leafs. What ever happens, however, it

He was one of the scapegoats when was fitting that he got to skate around
the Senators could not defeat the the ice one last time, a reminder that
Maple Leafs in various Stanley Cup players, some of them at least, are
playoff matchups, but he was the more than just a part of the sum.
player who scored against Buffalo in
the player in 2013, who, when asked Happy
overtime in 2007 to send the Senators

to their first and only appearance in
the Stanley Cup Finals. He was also

if he thought his team could come
back from the hole they had dug
themselves to win a playoff series New Year
against the Pittsburgh Penguins stated
a matter-of-factly, “probably not.”

He was one of many players who
routinely drove a snowmobile to
practice on snowy winter days,
an action that seemed to infuriate
the Toronto media even more than
feigning to throw a broken stick into
the stands, mocking the actions of his
good friend Mats Sundin, who did so
absentmindedly and ended up with a
suspension for his efforts.
am” campaign created by the Royal From Everyone
He was also the player who became
the face of the “You know who I
to the stigma associated with mental at
Ottawa Hospital to draw attention

Cornwall hockey fans were treated to some exciting, if a bit sloppy health issues.
hockey during the 2012-2013 lockout year when a selection of NHL
players, including Daniel Alfredsson, played an exhibition game at the The stories could go on, and on
Civic Complex. Photo by Terry Tinkess