Sad Summer

Well, training camp is nearing for most NHL teams and it gives us a chance to reflect on the tragic summer that's leaving a wake. 

• Three former NHL enforcers passed for various reasons, all somewhat related to apparent suicides
• 43 killed in a Russian plane crash
• The NHL's best forward, Sidney Crosby, is still sidelined by a nagging concussion

I could go on about the tragedy of the 3 enforcers' deaths and how it could have been avoided but I think it's been written about enough.  However, there are two points that resonate with me.  The first is that I am shocked that I actually agree with Tie Domi on an issue: the fact that all three players were enforcers is irrelevant and mere coincidence.  I think that the real issue is lack of emotional and psychological support for the players after retirement.  That brings me to the second point: the death of Wade Belak.  I didn't personally know Wade but he had such charisma that he made us feel like we did.  I just feel that at some point we're going to find out that there's more to the story.  I just don't feel that all is revealed.  Nothing adds up to him killing himself.  Yes, he was depressed.  Yes, he was on medication.  I just don't see him taking it that far.

When the Russian plane crashed I received a text from TSN mobile and I couldn't believe what I was reading.  I can't even imagine how these guys felt when the plane was going down.  We have all been on a flight that there's turbulence and it runs through your head that it could go down, but deep inside you know you're safe.  The terror that would be felt if it actually went down is unimaginable.  These families will be thinking of that image for the rest of their lives.  So sad.

The Sidney Crosby ordeal is reminiscent of a young Eric Lindros ready to claim his spot as the best player in the NHL until a freight train called Scott Stevens changed all that. The shame of Crosby is that he is much more of an ambassador of the league than Lindros ever was and Sid is a class act.  That is taking nothing away from Lindros but it is saying much for what Sid means to the NHL at a time when we are seeing an emergence of a new generation of stars.  Sid should be front and center.

Hopefully, the worst is behind us and the best is yet to come.  Here's looking forward to a great season.