I wanted to take the time today to let you know about some things going on with me and the future of this space. I've given it some serious thought and I've come to the conclusion that I can no longer dedicate the amount of time required for this column that I have in the past. What this means is that during this Nashville Predators season I will be taking a step back with my writing.
Going into the 2010-2011 season I am going to approach this space as a bi-weekly thing for me. With the amount of time that is currently required for my current job, I just can't foresee being able to run this blog the way I see fit. As all of you who read me regularly know, I try to give you the best information I can each time out. I don't ever want to cut corners, be generic, or have an article that doesn't bring some new information to light. Being a unique source of info is what all of this was about for me.
If you'll indulge me for a second, I would really like to explain what I tried to with this great opportunity at Hockeybuzz. With my Radio/TV schooling background, I wanted to see if there was a way to mix in aspects of those elements into a written space. To simply it, I just wanted to make a written version of a post-game show that you might see or hear after any given hockey game. I wanted the facts (Other Notes section) that were the highlights and storyline of a game. Within in those I gave how I would describe things if given the honor of being involved in a hockey broadcast team. I wanted to detail some of the finer points of what the game included and things that were successful or not (Felder's Fantastic/Frustrated Five). I wanted to give the appropriate amount of blame or props to the most visible player on the ice (Goalie Grade) and also included how I voted on the 3 Stars since I'm apart of that selection.
Maybe most important to me throughout all this was bringing you unique quotes. I always got tired of reading or hearing generic answers from players and wanted to bring out their perspective a little more prominently since they know the game better than any of us sitting on press row discussing and dissecting it. I truly felt that if nothing else, it was my mission to bring the best quotes to the table game after game. I feel I accomplished that but I leave that up to the readers to judge for themselves since they read the quotes in other various Pred publications as well. Lastly I ended my own "broadcast" with my final thoughts and letting you know what was next for the team. That in a nutshell was my goal for this entire opportunity. Make my column the one place Pred fans HAD to go for a complete post-game experience. I feel like I did a pretty good job of that.
I was very fortunate to meet and know the right people along the way. I can't thank the Nashville Predators media relations department enough for trusting me early on. Guys like Ken Anderson, Tim Darling, Gerry Helper, and Kevin Wilson allowed me to do my thing and trusted that I would not just be a "fan blogger" but rather that I would treat this professionally. I was the first ever "blogger" to earn a spot on writer's row in the Predators media section and I'm proud of that not only for myself, but also for the Predators who were progressive enough early on to see the benefits of allowing new media into the games. I hope I set the proper tone and in a way paved the way for future bloggers to gain access to this great sport as well. There's also the players themselves that I should thank. I've actually forged some friendships with a few players, and also have a great working relationship with others. It's never fun to have to call out players that you like personally, but it's a part of the business and I'm glad these guys know that. There are guys that always allow me to get some quotes from them if need be and I have always appreciated their time. The interactions after games and even before is something I will miss the most.
I have to thank guys like Pete Weber, Terry Crisp, John Glennon, and Mark McGee for treating me like an equal despite my new media approach. From Day 1 I never felt like they had a bias against me since I was a blogger. I'm also reminded of a guy like Eric Yutzy who gave me a chance to gain more exposure by being on News Channel 5+ with him. I'm so appreciative of people who give others a chance because if there was one thing I found out these past two summers it's that being given a chance can be so tantalizingly close, yet feel like it's unattainable.
Then there is the Hockeybuzz family itself. Eklund and I met back at the Save the Team rally in that fateful sumer. I didn't have what you would call a lot of previous hockey writing experience, but he trusted me regardless and gave me a chance. That meant the world to me and still does today because it really takes a certain amount of guts to give someone a chance that lacks experience. Paul McCann immediately made me feel welcome and helped me feel like I belonged. On top of that, we started what I considered the best hockey hour radio show that Nashville had seen in a long time, if ever. So, like many of you do each and every game, I say "Thanks Paul". There are also others here at the site like Julie, Scoop, EO, and many of the great writers that I've been able to work with at various points. They deserve thanks as well for being great "teammates".
All those thank you's said, but where would this space even be without you, the readers who appreciate my efforts and make my writing apart of your day to day hockey experience. The many who comment on the blogs and bring all sorts of opinions to it. Maybe the coolest part of this was that I've always tried to be approachable. I'm always willing to talk hockey and some of you have made hanging out with me apart of your intermission routines. That is what has been so rewarding to me. Gaining new friends through this role has been such fun. I really never expected my work to make even the little impact that it did. To have people randomly stop me and tell me, "Thanks for your work, I really enjoy it" has meant so much. There are times that this job is a grind. Yes, I'm lucky to be given the access and platform I have, but it is a job on top of the other jobs I've had throughout my time here. I can think of a few times where someone stopped and thanked me at just the right time because I was feeling pretty low on gas, and their words helped me get that energy and drive back. Maybe even more unbelievable is the very rare time someone will know who I am outside of the rink and say hello. That always boggles my mind a bit but also helped show the scope and size of what can be accomplished if you really work hard. So I say all that to say that I truly and deeply thank every one of you who read my work time after time. I sincerely hope you'll continue to do so.
It's starting to sound like I'm completely leaving but that's not the case. I'm taking a step back and plan on being in a less involved role. I'm not sure how exactly things will work with this but I know that I plan on being a little more vocal about my opinions. I'm going to keep a unique voice on things as always but I won't be at the home games covering them from press row each and every game. I don't want to put forth a half-effort because you don't deserve that. So, it's easier for me to just stop going to games regularly and evaluate the team on a every other week basis. Does this mean I'll never be back to the rink? No. I plan to take in a couple games (including the pre-season game on Thursday night) whether it be via a media credential or just in the stands.
Well, that's where I'm at right now. It has been a very tough decision for me, but it is what I truly feel is best for Jen and I at this time. I'm in an increased role at my current job that requires a lot of my attention and will soon require relocation. I'll got married in June. That combination of factors weighs pretty heavily in all of this. It has truly been a privilege, honor, and joy to be able to bring you the coverage that I have. 6 years ago I would have never imagined the experiences I've been apart of. At that time, to think that at age 24 I would be a veteran at covering a professional sports team for 4+ years would be purely dreaming, yet that's where I've been blessed to be. So while I'm not going away entirely, it is tough to transition to this new role that I feel is needed. I'm going to miss covering the games my way, but I'm sure you all understand. Oh, and it's not like I won't chime in on the comments from time to time as well….
Thanks for being understanding, supportive, and actually reading through all of this. Till the next time, take care friends.
Questions, comments, and criticisms can be sent to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.
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