Wathier expressing his differences to Peoria's Arsene
The Stars are off to a great start this season. Expectations are certainly high after their surprising and amazing Calder Cup run. After last night’s shootout, they are 5-2-0-0; 10 points which is pretty impressive given their late start; most teams have almost 10 games completed by now.
Currently, the only bugbear has been the Peoria Rivermen (surrogate for the St. Louis Blues). Last season, they were pretty decent and they failed to make the playoffs but they weren’t eliminated weeks earlier like Houston or San Antonio (both of which were overhauled this Summer too, they’re formidable now). Thanks to the NBA teams getting dibs on the venues shared by AHL franchises, the Rivermen made all three of their visits in 10 days during their Texas Triangle Tour (similar to the NBA) and they stomped us twice. Last Tuesday, my Stars came out swinging, literally. There was a fight in the first 30 seconds followed by the one pictured above a couple minutes later.
Somara got this fantastic shot with her camera. She is definitely improving at using it as she captured the expression on Arsene’s face between blows.
People who don’t know hockey obviously open their mouths and say something stupid about fighting. Let me reiterate my stance about it. I do not go to see brawls. The UFC covers such barbarism. I have season tickets to watch the scoring, puck-handling and the thrill of seeing a team I can call my own, win. Losing is part of the deal too yet I don’t consider the product inferior when it happens. Fighting is an option used by the coaches and players to change the momentum when the others need inspiration. Sometimes grudges get settled this way; many of these guys probably know each other from juniors. I don’t condone it but I understand it’s this sport’s nature. When it gets out of control, then I part company with Don Cherry. Bad sportsmanship should be punished and as funny as the movie Slapshot is, Reggie Dunlop also regrets the bloodsport he instigated.
It’s still a brilliant picture and punch.