The Scott Arniel Era Begins In Columbus
I recall a day some years ago, when I was a television news producer, when there was live coverage of the announcement of a new head coach. We watched the press conference in the newsroom as we worked, and our main sports anchor was sitting on the set for the pre- and post-conference analysis… you know, all that stuff that comes with such a big announcement.
“Man, someone give me a wall to crash through. If I was that age, I’d put on the pads right now and play for him.”
Once the news conference and all the analysis was done, my colleague was unhooking himself from all the wires and such, and as he loosened his tie, he said something that has stuck with me ever since: “Man, someone give me a wall to crash through. If I was that age, I’d put on the pads right now and play for him.”
That was the day the Ohio State University announced it had hired Jim Tressel. I’ll tell you, that conference was good stuff…
And this was before he told a basketball crowd that the football team “would make Buckeye fans proud in Ann Arbor in (whatever number it was) days.”
To be completely honest, I kinda felt the same way watching Tuesday’s news conference announcing Scott Arniel was leaving the Manitoba Moose to come to Columbus. The big difference, of course, is that I can’t skate worth a damn. If I could though… man, I’d do it.
"I'd play for Scott Arniel.... However… on ice, I have the grace of a greased-up moose."
However… on ice I have the grace of a greased-up moose. I once managed to hobble myself playing broomball on the practice rink during a holiday work party. So, I’ll just have to settle for, “Man, I really want to buy tickets.”
(And yes, I threw in the moose reference on purpose…)
Seriously, though, I would do it.
Of course, the rough part is that now I have to wait another four months until the Columbus Blue Jackets take the ice in Sweden to open up the 2010-11 season against San Jose. I’m already suffering hockey withdrawal, and I still have two more games to watch (yes, I do indeed believe it’s going to seven. The Flyers already ruined my Playoffs in the East semis, so I’m not making that mistake again).
"Forget about ol' what's-his-name. Columbus already has a guy named Gee. You know as well as I do, Buckeye fans wouldn’t stand for that crap."
Anyway, Tuesday’s news conference made me forget about that nonsense with ol’ whats-his-name. Columbus already has a guy named Gee. You know as well as I do, Buckeye fans wouldn’t stand for that crap anyway. In fact, OSU has probably already tried to trademark his name.
(Sorry, Buckeye fans, this Ohio, The State University alum couldn’t resist… you know I love you, though.)
He’s taking about a “fast-paced, puck-possession” style of game. The guy has worked with young players throughout his AHL coaching career, and has even coached against some of the guys he’s inheriting. Really… what’s not to like about Scott Arniel? Sure, there’s no NHL experience, but former AHL coaches have won Cups. Bob Hartley took the Hershey Bears to a Calder Cup, and then took the Avalanche to their second Stanley Cup in 2001. And Columbus has the personnel… not all the personnel yet, but I'm sticking by my assertion that the Jackets will win a Stanley Cup sometime during Rick Nash’s upcoming contract. It’s going to happen.
On another note, it’s hard to believe Tuesday’s conference was to announce the Jackets’ seventh head coach in what is about to be the team’s tenth season. I have to be completely honest. I had to count on my fingers. Yep, seventh.
I have a really good feeling, though, about this one. Waiting four months for confirmation… now, that’s the tough part.
Welcome to Columbus, coach. Make yourself comfortable. I think we’re going to have a good time.
Go Jackets!