So to start off the special post, let's talk about a special player: Sean Avery. If I have given off the impression that I don't want him back, let me apologize because it is far, far from the reality. This summer I bought an Avery jersey because he left the Rangers with a fantastic legacy - he worked hard, he helped the team win, he cared about the fans and he hated our rivals almost as much as we do. If he can come back and do it again, then let's welcome him with open arms because the current crop of Blueshirts struggle with all of the above.
On another side note, with Alex Rodriguez taking the headlines for juicing, it really brings up an interesting contrast - baseball has steroids, hockey has sloppy seconds. According to Baseball Almanac:The first positive test will result in a suspension of up to ten days. The second positive test will result in a suspension of thirty days. The third positive test will result in a suspension of sixty days. The fourth positive test will result in a suspension of one full year. Finally, the fifth positive test will result in a penalty at the discretion of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
Avery's last game with Dallas was on November 30th (a game which he scored a goal). That means that as of right now, he has missed 29 games over two-and-a-half months. While his official suspension was just six game, in effect he was suspended longer then a baseball player who had been busted three times for performance-enhancing drugs.
Does that make sense to you?
Ok, enough on Aves and other other items:
*There is a fantastic, fantastic article about one writer's day as an assistant coach for the Rangers' ECHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. It is a fun read and many thanks to Kukla's Korner for the heads up.
*Carp saw new lines on offense at practice today. My question is why is Renney so willing to juggle his offense while he sticks with the defensive pairings? Redden and Rozsival are allowed to drag down Girardi and Staal and hinder their development game after game but Scott Gomez gets to try every possible winger to find some sort of chemistry. It just doesn't make sense.
*If you haven't checked lately, The Dark Ranger has really stepped up his game of late and his two 'political' cartoons atop his page are fantastic. I highly recommend heading his way and keeping up with with the darkness.
*There aren't many better ways to stick it to your former employer than the way Brendan Shanahan did last night. Tossed away as too old and too slow, all Shanny did was skate for 12:41 (with 1:16 on the power play and 3:42 shorthanded) and collect a beautiful assist on the game-winning goal. We miss you Shanny, as you can clearly tell. Thanks Glen.
*Ok, maybe I am not done with Avery yet. The incompetent columnist Mark Herrmann, who somehow survived the staff cuts at Newsday despite poorly writing about a sport he clearly has no clue about, made the pitch that the Rangers should go after Ottawa's Chris Neil instead of adding Avery. He incorrectly claims that Neil is on the trading block and Neil, frankly, is nowhere near as good as an agitator as Avery. A better fighter, yes, but he can't come close to getting under opponents' skin the way Avery does. *And there is no telling how long he will have to be in the AHL, where he will be faced with every AHL idiot looking to make a name for himself, but that hasn't stopped The Manic Ranger from putting the cart before the horse and figuring that we will see the last of Lauri Korpikoski once Avery gets picked off waivers. The sad/scary thing? He is probably right. There is no way that the completely useless Aaron Voros will join Pat Rissmiller in Hartford, because that would show that three of Sather's summer free agent signings were complete failures (even though all six were).
*I will throw a Peepin' Foes together for the Caps later tonight or tomorrow morning but as sad-sounding as it is likely to come out we at least can look forward to seeing Alexander Ovechkin, the most exciting player in the NHL. Even Renney's soulless system can't keep Ovie's star from shining. It should be fun.
Odds, Ends, and Avery: The Sean Avery Story
In the world of professional sports, few athletes have left as indelible a mark on their respective leagues as Sean Avery did during his NHL career. Loved and loathed in equal measure, Avery was a lightning rod for controversy, a master of the agitator's craft, and a player whose impact extended far beyond the ice. In this article, we'll delve into the unique and often polarizing journey of Sean Avery, exploring the highs, lows, and frequently asked questions surrounding his colorful career.
The Early Years
Sean Christopher Avery was born on April 10, 1980, in North York, Ontario, Canada. He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the first round (10th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. Avery's early years in the NHL were marked by his willingness to engage in physical play and his growing reputation as a player who wasn't afraid to speak his mind.
"Avery Rule" and Controversy
Avery became a household name, not just for his on-ice skills, but for his penchant for stirring the pot. His most notorious moment came in 2008 during a playoff series between his team at the time, the Dallas Stars, and the Calgary Flames. Avery made headlines by screening Flames' goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff while facing him and waving his hands and stick in front of Kiprusoff's mask. The incident led to the creation of the "Avery Rule," which forbids such actions.
Fashion and Entertainment
Off the ice, Avery was a trailblazer in the world of fashion and entertainment. He interned at Vogue magazine during his NHL career and was known for his impeccable sense of style. His interest in fashion eventually led him to a second career as a model and fashion industry consultant.
Avery's foray into the entertainment industry included appearances on reality TV shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Celebrity Apprentice." He was also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and became involved in various charitable endeavors.
Multiple Stints with the Rangers
Avery's relationship with the New York Rangers was particularly notable. He joined the team in 2007 and quickly became a fan favorite for his tenacity and ability to get under the skin of opponents. His "Averyesque" antics, both on and off the ice, added a layer of excitement to Rangers games.
During his time with the Rangers, Avery was a key contributor to the team's deep playoff runs in 2008 and 2009. His gritty play and ability to draw penalties made him an invaluable asset. However, his time with the Rangers was also marked by controversy, including a suspension for making inflammatory comments about an ex-girlfriend.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Despite the controversies and his reputation as a pest on the ice, Sean Avery had a respectable NHL career. He played for several teams, including the Red Wings, Kings, Stars, Rangers, and briefly with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. Avery retired from professional hockey in 2012.
Avery's legacy is a complex one. While some view him as a disruptor who pushed boundaries, others see him as a divisive figure whose antics sometimes overshadowed his skills. However, there's no denying that he left an indelible mark on the game and inspired a new generation of players who aren't afraid to express themselves both on and off the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Sean Avery's playing style?
Sean Avery was known for his agitating style of play. He excelled at getting under the skin of opponents, drawing penalties, and creating chaos on the ice.
2. How did the "Avery Rule" come about?
The "Avery Rule" was introduced after Avery's infamous screening incident during a playoff game. It forbids actions like waving hands or sticks in front of a goaltender's face while facing them.
3. What did Sean Avery do after retiring from hockey?
After retiring from hockey, Avery pursued a career in fashion, modeling, and entertainment. He also made appearances on reality TV shows and became an advocate for various causes.
4. What is Sean Avery's legacy in the NHL?
Sean Avery's legacy is a mix of on-ice tenacity, off-ice controversy, and his impact on the fashion and entertainment worlds. He remains a polarizing figure in the hockey community.
5. Did Sean Avery ever return to professional hockey after retiring?
No, Sean Avery did not return to professional hockey after retiring in 2012. He explored various other career paths, including fashion, entertainment, and advocacy.
Sean Avery's career was a rollercoaster ride of controversy, memorable moments, and unexpected twists. Whether you loved him or loathed him, there's no denying that he was one of the most intriguing and talked-about figures in the history of the NHL. While his playing days are over, his legacy lives on as a reminder that hockey, like life, is sometimes at its most captivating when it defies convention and embraces the unexpected.
No comments:
Post a Comment