One of the toughest things to watch during the Wednesday closeout day media availability was the discussion on Associate Coach Brent Peterson future with the team. The raw emotion exhibited by the staff during this discussion showed how serious the situation is. Predator’s GM David Poile’s normally stoic demeanor cracked when discussing the situation, to the point where his coach had to fill in for him to finish his comments. That’s what drove the situation home to this observer.
For those not aware, Brent Peterson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease quite a few years back. This blog has been a big supporter of his Peterson for Parkinson’s Foundation and their annual fund raising events. This one is personal for a lot of the Predators organization, Poile’s father suffered from it, I lost my father several years ago to this disease.
Brent handled things with his trademark sharp wit, cracking that he would be "getting Trotzy's coffee." Typical Peterson, trying to make everyone else feel good about what he is going through.
Parkinson’s had already taken a toll on Brent Peterson’s career before this announcement, it is probably a big reason why he did not get the opportunity to lead an NHL team as head coach. His name was mentioned for many different openings a few years back… that almost completely stopped after he bravely announced his condition.
Peterson’s 30+ year career in hockey is not over, it is simply transitioning to an off-ice role if he wants it. He is battling this condition with every fiber of his being and that battle has paid off. Parkinson’s progression has been slower in Peterson than is normal, but progression is inevitable. He knew this day would come, and did everything he could to delay it.
I know times are tough… but if you can spare a few bucks go to the foundation’s
website and make a donation. Their next couple of activities to raise money include…
Canada Golf Scramble – Sunday July 24th at Lindsay Golf and Country Club in Lindsay, Ontario.
Petey’s Preds Party – Thursday September 8th at Bridgestone Arena
Nashville Predators / Brent Peterson Celebrity Golf Classic – Friday September 9th at Vanderbilt Legends Club.
These events are a blast… so… if you’re in the Lindsay, Ontario area, go play golf for a good cause in July. Nashville area folks… sign up for the September events.
I hoep Coach Peterson remains with the Predators. He's been here since the beginning and has been a large part of this franchises development. His shoes would be very difficult to fill.
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Random Notes
- Full marks to the San Jose Sharks. After jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first, they held on to avoid blowing their 3-0 series lead.
- Patrick Marleau certainly shut up his critics last night, scoring the game winner. I wonder how much Jeremy Roenick’s comments drove that?
- The Sharks do get a day to try and rest before heading out to Vancouver. Their series with the Canucks starts on Sunday.
- Tampa Bay and Boston finally get to drop the puck for their series on Saturday. Rest shouldn’t be an issue… who deals better with the extended layoff will be.
- NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daily was quoted in yesterday’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution as not being able to “guarantee” that the Thrashers would be in Atlanta next year. Not good news for our fellow southeastern hockey fans. It is time for Thrasher fans to rise up and show that Atlanta is a hockey market… if the NHL won’t step in publically, then their hand needs to be forced. C’mon Thrasher fans… Get to it!
- One day after the US gets eliminated from the IIHF Worlds… Canada goes down to Russia… two straight years for Team Canada without a medal. Ugh…
- Today’s playoff schedule – Conference finals start tomorrow.
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