My
friends and fellow canines. I realize that one of my previous diatribes
may have been perceived as “anti hockey”, but nothing could be further
from the truth. Thanx to the amazing Mr. Bob Gainey (#23), my soul is
filled once again with respect for the Holy Puck.
I
had the good fortune and excellent pleasure to befriend Bob at a GBS
gig in The Troubador in LA some years ago. I was out in the porch
selling merch (glenn had to work his real job) when this softspoken
giant approached and asked to meet the band. I admit, I didn’t
recognize him at first but it was LA and u never know whose gonna show
up so i asked for some kind of credentials. He offered up a
bonecrushing right hand and very softly said “I’m Bob Gainey” and when
i counted the stanley cup rings i almost peed right there on the floor
(a very big no no when u r a beagle merch peddlar in a club). I was
starstruck.
I
bought him out front to the bus where the lads were watching the hockey
game (can't remember who now exactly but it did go into triple
overtime). Bob was actually between games in his own playoff series.
His Dallas Stars were embroiled in a fight to the death of their own
with San Jose and he really wanted to see the east coast game. Happy to
oblige, the lads took to the stage leaving Gainey on the bus. He never
heard a note but he was still sitting there when the lads came back
after the show.....and the game was still on! So we all had a beer and
watched the rest of the game in our tourbus.....with Bob
Gainey......how fraken cool r we!
Flash
forward 5 years. Feb 23 2008 in montreal where the Habs are set to
retire the number (23) of said Mr. Gainey. The lads have been enlisted
to sing the anthems. All hands nervous but they manage to pull it off
with some aplomb. And then something quite amazing happens.....
Captain
Gainey takes the ice in full battle armour and makes a victory
lap. Stick held high in victory, the beloved gladiator is showered in
the love of his people. Fucken Roman. Now I have been to a lot of
shows.....maybe too many.....and I'll admit to being more than just a
little jaded, but that heroic action really moved me.
My little black beagle heart became a bark less bitter that day.
.......thank Bob.......
Tosh