(yea yea, I know people will say Chicago is a way better town than Detroit- so here is my pre-emptive strike- I’m talking about hockey teams, not cities, so leave your nasty Detroit Rock City comments at the door)
Sheesh!!!!! I should be happy for the guy. I should be thrilled for him. So happy that he gets to go work with his son in rebuilding a program deader than a 1980’s wing.
(It’s a cheap shot I know- I’m so totally munching sour grapes right now, it was bound to happen. Could have been worse.)
I have no right to be surprised- This rumor has been around since January, and in June when it resurfaced with an air of authenticity, I wasn’t even this upset about it. We knew he would consider the right deal, if it came.
Maybe its because in June he so emphatically stated: No way- no how, not leaving Detroit. He probably meant it at the time. Seriously- given how caught up I was in my emotions over the Wings winning the Cup, I can only imagine how it feels to be part of the program… For as tough as Mr. Bowman is, its silly to think that he might not have been caught up in the emotions we all had after winning the Cup. And now in the dog days of summer, he probably has had a chance to remember what drives him and makes him the legend, champion and genius that he really is:
That continual quest for the challenge. Scott Bowman isn’t just a NINE time Stanley Cup Winning Dynasty Making NHL Legendary Coach, with the most wins in both the regular season and in the Stanley Cup Finals of any coach, ever. He isn’t just a brilliant hockey mastermind. I’ve said it before, William “Scotty” Bowman is responsible for changing the face of the game. Maybe he didn’t do it alone, but he spearheaded, flawlessly executed and propelled the evolution of the game by embracing Russian and European styles of play and melding them into the then existing league.
The current style of play that succeeds and wins in this league is the direct grand baby of Scotty Bowman’s vision and execution. He had a vision that was bigger than the league and the game itself.
And that is why it shouldn’t surprise me that he moved on. The need for a challenge, the need to build something where there is very little to work with- A Scotty characteristic. Look out for Chicago, because if the ownership gives him the reins, its gonna be spectacular.
God, I hate that he left. Thinking about all he gave to my team and my town all those years- I am so grateful. Mr. Bowman, your simply the best. I am incredibly grateful, I am touched and you made an indelible impact on all our lives. Nothing I write can fully express the gratitude we feel and owe.
Its so terribly hard to let go of someone you feel like you have come to know; someone who seems like the kind of person you could hang out with, have a beer with at Nemo’s; who feels like one of your own; an integral part of the Hockeytown “family”; someone whose name is synonymous with the Red Wings I have known and loved for the past 20-some years. Someone you worry is still needed in the “D”. Someone all of Hockeytown will miss terribly.
I remind myself that you have to let go. You just have to, when it is the best thing for the person. (Please don’t make me start quoting Sting here- that would just cheapen the whole thing…)
Sometimes for the good of the person, you just have to let go and hope they do well. That they will be happy and successful and will lead a wonderful life. That they get every good thing they deserve, and more. Much much more.
You know, except a Cup in Chicago.
Geez people- had you fooled didn’t I? I’m being sappy for sure, but you should know by now I am not that much of a “le mew”
So thank you Mr. Bowman, for all you gave us in Detroit. We were incredibly blessed to have had this brief time with you. Good luck with your family and in your life. You will be tremendously missed, not just by this fan, but by all Wings fans and the Hockeytown family.
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