Caught the headline tonight about Sami Kapanen retiring from the NHL and finishing with the Finnish team he partially owns. He was definitely a steal from Carolina, especially when they got Brendl, a forward who never produced for anyone, in exchange. Sadly, his name isn’t on the Stanley Cup despite being one of the faster skaters around; a title he won at an All-Star Game. Sami came close in 2002 but Detroit was tougher. I still think the triple-overtime game was what determined the eventual winner. The only upside of his leaving is it frees up cap space on my Flyers. I am going to miss him because he was a solid member of the checking line with Primeau.
Meanwhile, I received a mass e-mail from the Icebats’ owner. Mr. Sanders stated that the team couldn’t find a new rink in time so the team is suspending its existence after 12 seasons. The search for a home will continue and it may entail leaving the area. Such a bummer because I hope the former players have good prospects to earn positions with the other CHL teams, leagues and better yet, a chance in the AHL. I guess I won’t be seeing any live, professional hockey this Fall unless gasoline prices plummet or I’m in San Antonio on someone else’s nickel.
Will the Icebats return? Probably not. As I’ve ranted on before, the Cedar Park Stars are a done deal. This town can’t support two hockey teams unless I lived in the Bizarro Universe.