St. Louis
01/17/07
In the three weeks gone by since the public last saw Fylers action, there’s been extensive coverage of the effect on the fans and the organization. While the fans grumble and the team’s weather man collects unemployment, what can be said of the players themselves? How will this lay off effect their morale, but more importantly their game?
Forward Cary Hess is optimistic, “I think the time off has put things in perspective for a lot of guys. You tend to take this game for granted when you’ve been in the league as long as I have. This shakes you out of it. I think we’ll come back focused and ready to play.”
While focus has never been a problem for the heart of the Fylers lineup John Brooks, even he admits the time off is unsettling. “I find myself sitting in my car ready to go to the rink and then it hits me…we’re not playing! I don’t know how much more I can take. I mean, what am I doing on Sunday if I’m not playing hockey?”
Other players are confronting this existential question head on like starting goalie David Bain who has taken it on himself to set the Fylers upcoming schedule himself. “We’re playing this Saturday, I don’t care how cold it is or how many people show up. I’m not gonna let this beat me. Any player who doesn’t show up Saturday is rolling over..also I can't be there Sunday.”
Inspiring words? We’ll see come
Saturday January 20th at 9am when the Fylers make their next attempt to resume league play. Bain will be there, let’s hope he’s not the only one.