Really refreshing to see Dee bringing some sorely needed class to the NY Islanders fanbase.

It needed to be said. It needed a quality, succinct, intelligent, non-condescending, write up.

All too often, we hear that professional sports are a "business." It's almost as if players and owners think about money. It's shameful, frankly. It is essential that, occasionally, we receive a subtle, mature, respectable reminder - that doesn't in the least come off as a mother scolding her insolent children - that professional hockey is not at all about money.

Deep down, we all know that the nonsensical machinations of owners, venues, and multimillion dollar decisions are unimportant. Skills, stats, scores, and standings aren't what sports are all about. It doesn't matter who wins, who is able to afford to ice a team, or how much players make. It's not a competition.

What matters is that hockey is a mirror raised to the face of humanity. This kind reminder penned by our intrepid blogger really helped drive that idea home. If Dee hadn't brought this up, we'd all be complicit in an assault on our very our humanity:

At first, they came for the hotdog vendors, but I did not speak up because I eat premio sausages.

Then they came for the sign guy, but I did not speak up because I am jealous of his seats.

Then they came for the capless soda bottle purveyors, but I did speak up because I drink $9.75 mini Coors Lights.

Then they came for the bathroom custodians, but I did not speak up because I enter through the exits, cut the line, pee with both hands on the wall, initiate chit-chat midstream, and never wash my hands.

Then they came for the game ops guys, but I did not speak up because I've never come close on a 50-50 and they replaced Chipotle giveaways with Moe's.

Then they came for the two-toothed guy selling unsalted pretzels on a burning shopping cart in the snow, but I did not speak up because they are cold on the inside and wet on the outside.

Then they came for the Hodor-looking giant selling $5 counterfeit hats in the parking lot, but I did not speak up because, quite frankly, he terrifies me.

Then they came for Chris Botta's credentials, but I did not speak up because you don't need credentials or, apparently, writing skills to write about the New York Islanders.

Then they came for me. And there was no one left to speak up for me...because this is a HOCKEY WEBSITE not a human interest blog.

- rufistphuckinme