It's been a hell of a last four years, hasn't it? I've truly enjoyed being a blogger on here.
This blog, in case you are wondering, comes from the "real" me. For those who haven't figured it out, Richard Cloutier, Hockeybuzz Blogger was a persona. I very intentionally did what I could to appear to be arrogant, opinionated, at times clueless, at times ridiculous...to be a huge, entertaining personality...It was all in good fun. As I've said 1,000 times, I view myself as a hockey fan, writer and entertainer, and not as a sports journalist. For those of you who enjoyed my routine for what it was, thank you.
This is my goodbye from Hockeybuzz. I'd like to thank all of you for reading. When I started blogging here a little over four years ago, I was told to expect a readership somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000 hits per month. Things way, way, way surpassed that, and I have always been incredibly humbled at the amount of support I've received. For the most part, people have been absolutely amazing to me and I have felt equal parts thrilled and honored from it.
I would like to thank Eklund (his real name is Fred Johnson, by the way) and Eric for four years of support. I know I didn't make it easy on your folks...ever...but you stuck by me and treated me incredible well. It was amazing that you took a chance in giving me, some random hack, the opportunity to write here in the first place. I will always be in your debt.
People are going to ask why I am going, so I'll answer it. It's time to. There really isn't much more to it than that. There's no announcement coming as to the new site I'll write for next...not saying I won't end up somewhere; I just don't have other plans as of now. This certainly isn't a move designed to hurt Hockeybuzz, nor do I have anything bad to say about the site. I truly do appreciate the opportunities I've been given to be here. I have nothing but good things to say,
Yes, there have been differences of opinion on refs and such, but that isn't why I'm going. They have a job to do and I very frequently put them in a very difficult position. I wouldn't want to trade jobs with them. From what I understand they volunteer to do this, so in case I didn't say thank you to them before for their work, I'll do so now. Thank you.
This is the right time to go. The new season is about to begin, and what a season it will be. While some accuse me of outrageous amounts of bias for suggesting the Oilers are the most interesting team in hockey, they truly are. This season could be magical and full of surprises. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Oilers have two players in the Top 10 in scoring, and their first playoff birth in seven years.
While I'm on the topic of the Oilers, I want to clear a few things up before I go. The Shawn Horcoff thing...me ripping him constantly...was more of a gag than anything else. Contrary to popular belief, I don't hate Ladislav Smid, nor to I cheer against any of the members of the current roster. I get the feeling new Head Coach Dallas Eakins is going to bring out the best of everyone this season, and he'll do so in part by making the Oilers dressing room a far more serious place. Craig MacTavish has done a top notch job since taking over as GM.
I'll also recognize several members of the Edmonton area media - David Staples, Bob Stauffer, Jonathan Willis, Lowetide in particular - Who have been incredibly nice to me over the last year in particular. If you know of any job openings, my number is in the book.
For those wondering what's next, I'm continuing to work for a couple local newspapers, trying to learn how to be an actual reporter. My focus isn't sports, it's politics. And speaking of politics, I'm likely running in municipal elections that will happen in October. Mayor Cloutier, King of Boyle? You heard it here first.
Last person I will thank is my wife Susan, who has put up with way too much over the last four years. She's not a hockey fan, but she watched all 48 last season, and the playoffs. She has slept by my side during drafts and junior games. She's put up with me funneling so many dollars we don't have towards a game she doesn't care for. She willingly accepted losing me to the game and this website for two to four hours every single day for the last four years. That's love, ladies and gentlemen. Respect.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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