Sunday, December 14, 2008

Ottawa's Silly Scribe

The age of the newspaper is slowly coming to an end and before it goes, the old grey ladies are doing anything and everything they can to maintain readership. That includes putting more and more pressure on columnists to write outrageous and controversial pieces that are sure to get eyes.

Where we in New York have Larry Brooks - who crafted another fun fantasy this week - the folks in Ottawa have Bruce Garrioch. Garrioch's column today is priceless and focuses mainly on our Blueshirts.
League sources say the Rangers are one of the frontrunners if Sundin's preference is to stay in the East. He wants the chance to win a Stanley Cup, respects president/GM Glen Sather and would relish the chance to star on Broadway.

Of course Sather is salavating over the possibility of selling a slew of new jerseys but do you really think Sundin looked at the Rangers yesterday and thought, 'Wow, what a team, these guys are headed for the Cup???' And even if he did, do you think he imagined what the team would be like with him instead of Scott Gomez ...
The Canucks actually have the cap space to give Sundin $20 million over two years -- the offer they made in July. If the lose out, GM Mike Gillis will go shopping. The most likely targets will be the Rangers' Scott Gomez and Habs' Robert Lang. Gomez, who is making an average of $7.3 million for the next four years, has a limited no-movement clause, but could be convinced to go to Vancouver.

While I am no fan of the Mexican't, I can't imagine Sather cutting ties with his biggest signing since the lockout - even for Sundin. And do you think he would be willing to take on Sean Avery after so willingly cutting ties with him over the summer?
While Avery needs time to deal with his anger management issues, there are whispers the Stars have held talks with the Rangers about shipping him back to New York for D Michal Roszival, who has struggled and is on the block. The belief is the Rangers would then assign Avery and his salary to their AHL affiliate in Hartford until he's ready to play in the NHL.

Those whispers came from Scott Burnside's column, and really hold no water. But it is a nice thought that the Rangers would be able to get rid of the defensively-suspect Rozsival and his silly salary. On the other side of that deal, Avery would be much better in the Ranger locker room than in Hartford's. Let's face it, he would be a negative influence for the Wolf Pack prospects while on Broadway he would shake things up. Who cares if there is a little discord? Compacency has killed this team so far and Avery would certainly rock the boat. It would also give Tom Renney something to do, rather than stand behind the bench and look clueless. And apparently I am not the only one noticing that:
There are whispers that if they don't start winning more consistently, Renney could be in trouble. If that's the case, Pat Quinn, Team Canada's coach at the world junior championship, might not be out of work long when the tournament ends Jan. 5.

Quinn is an interesting choice. A two team Jack Adams Award winner as top coach, he never was able to guide a NHL team to the Stanley Cup. He took two squads to the final, but they lost to both New York teams (1980 where the Flyers choked and 1994 where the Canucks were just barely outclassed). Quinn certainly can handle the pressure of Broadway, having coached Toronto (and Mats Sundin) for seven seasons, but can he cope with working under Glen Sather?? And can he adjust to coaching in the new NHL? He was fired after the first post-lockout season.

But you have to admit, it would make for some more interesting columns ...



 Ottawa's Silly Scribe: The Story of a Beloved Sports Columnist



In the world of sports journalism, there are writers who transcend the boundaries of mere reporting and become cherished figures in their own right. Ottawa's Silly Scribe, a sports columnist known for his wit, humor, and insightful commentary, is one such figure. This article explores the life and career of this beloved sports writer, shedding light on the impact he has had on sports journalism and the Ottawa community.

I. The Early Years

Ottawa's Silly Scribe, whose real name is Samuel "Sam" Johnson, was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. From a young age, Sam displayed a keen interest in sports and writing. He often wrote fictional stories about his favorite athletes and created his own sports-themed comic strips. Little did he know that these early pursuits would pave the way for a remarkable career in sports journalism.

II. The Path to Sports Journalism

After completing his education in journalism at a local college, Sam Johnson began his career as a sports reporter for a small Ottawa newspaper. His dedication and passion for sports writing soon caught the attention of larger publications, leading to an offer from a prominent sports magazine.

III. The Birth of "Ottawa's Silly Scribe"

It was during his time at the sports magazine that Sam Johnson adopted the pen name "Ottawa's Silly Scribe." The moniker was a nod to his childhood nickname, "Silly Sam," given to him by his friends for his playful sense of humor. The name not only reflected his writing style but also endeared him to readers who appreciated the lighthearted and often humorous approach he took to sports journalism.

IV. The Column That Stole Hearts

Ottawa's Silly Scribe gained widespread recognition through his regular sports column in a local newspaper. His column, which covered a wide range of sports, from hockey to soccer and everything in between, quickly became a must-read for sports enthusiasts in Ottawa. What set his writing apart was his ability to inject humor and satire into his commentary while still offering insightful analysis of the games and players.

V. A Unique Style

One of the key elements of the Silly Scribe's writing was his distinctive style. His columns often featured clever wordplay, puns, and humorous anecdotes. He had a knack for finding the lighter side of sports, even in the most intense rivalries or disappointing losses. This approach resonated with readers and brought a smile to their faces, even after tough defeats.

VI. A Beloved Figure

Over the years, Ottawa's Silly Scribe became more than just a sports columnist; he became a beloved figure in the Ottawa sports community. Fans eagerly awaited his columns, not only for sports analysis but also for the dose of humor and positivity he injected into their lives.

VII. The Impact on Sports Journalism

The Silly Scribe's unique approach to sports journalism had a significant impact on the industry. He showed that sports reporting could be both informative and entertaining, proving that there was room for humor in the often serious world of sports analysis. Many young journalists were inspired by his work and sought to emulate his style, further diversifying the landscape of sports journalism.

VIII. The Legacy Continues

Though Ottawa's Silly Scribe eventually retired from his regular column, his legacy lives on. He continues to write occasional guest columns, offer his insights on local radio shows, and make appearances at sporting events in Ottawa. His impact on sports journalism and the Ottawa community remains undiminished.



Ottawa's Silly Scribe, with his humor, wit, and unique approach to sports journalism, has left an indelible mark on both the industry and the hearts of sports enthusiasts in Ottawa. He has shown that sports reporting can be more than just statistics and scores; it can be a source of joy, laughter, and camaraderie. In the world of sports journalism, his legacy as a beloved figure and a talented writer will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.




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