Sweden. Hockey. Life.

8:20pm: happy holidays everyone.  I hope you all had a good and safe(relatively)time.

The first Christmas in New York was quite the time of things.It snowed enough to be able to go out and play in it with the kids.  It was... strange this year but I guess if I keep dwelling I'm not moving on or something.  I'm not sure how much we walked through Central Park, but it was a lot.  The kids had fun so that was the important part.  New Years Eve I did the typical NY thing and spent it with thousands of others in Time Square.  No parties, nothing like that and it was pretty okay.

Not sure what I'm doing during the break but it's coming up so I should make some plans I suppose.  Maybe I'll go visit some friends or something, just to get out of the city.  Who knows.  I'm open to suggestions...

9:38am: Things are going better at least game wise. I seem to be on quite the roll and finally finding my groove here, and with the team. This is definitely much different than playing in Vancouver. Not just the team but the media and just the city in general. I'm finding new things like that all the time.

And for the record, no there isn't a secret Swedish society that I'm a member so no I have no idea what Mats is going to do. I can't tell you how many times I get that question in pre or post game interviews. It's getting to the point of hilarity.

10:15pm: Well the season is almost here.  The games in Europe were extremely fun and I for one can't wait for the season to really start.  Things are starting to really gell with the rest of the team and I'm trying to get settled in as much as possible.

There are things.... I try not to focus on them or let them bother me because they don't affect me directly but still, I can't help it.  And after all this time, I would just leave well enough alone at this point.  At least that's what I'm sticking too.

Last few days off, I think I might just chill for a few days, or something....

9:22pm: So a new place has been gotten in New York. It's pretty nice and close to well everything. I like it. And since there are only a few weeks left before camp, I'm heading to some warm sun and maybe some golfing. If anyone needs me I'll be in Phoenix.

And thanks to everyone, for before. It means a lot.

1:40am: I've been thinking about things more, how to figure it all out.   Some say change is good and perhaps it was time.  After eight years, almost a decade, a change, new scenery, change of pace, it needed to be done.  Or so is the prevailing thought.  So yeah just go with that.

Sometimes it's best to not drag things on and do what's best for all concerned.

Everyone I met in Vancouver, had the pleasure of playing and working with, thank you.  You have enriched my life and I will never forget everything we shared.

I am in Sweden for a few more days or so but I'm all for guests or traveling or you know whatever.



"you just assumed i'd fall apart
thought i would break down, when you said goodbye
you rejected my embrace, my embrace
but all i have to say to you... "

5:52pm: i know there are mixed feelings and they are understandable.  There are reasons, and for the family, people close, this was a good move.

The last twelve years have been the most incredible and rewarding of my life, with both the good and the bad.  And it has been an honour these last seven to be the captain of this team.  My teammates have been nothing short of amazing and I couldn't be prouder of a team than I have been to play with them.

I think for anyone who dreams of playing in the NHL, playing for one of the Original Six teams with the history and tradition, it's special.  New York is a great city with rich history.  It was very appealing to me and my family to live in New York and be part of what's going on there.

I'm very pleased that I'm a Ranger now.  I want to feel that I play on a level where I know I can play. I want to play better hockey than I have the past few years. That's why I'm looking at this as a challenge for me to prove that.

It has been truly a privilege to wear the Canucks sweater for the past dozen years and I only with the team and organization all the best.

Now, it's more good summer fun, and then.... we'll see what this new chapter brings to us all

 

7:49pm: SO yes, Hawaii is good.  And it's warm.

The beach is nice, the kids like it here so much and are having fun.  We've been going surfing which has been a lot of fun.  Some of us are doing better than others but I will not name names.  We're going to another luau, the kids seem to enjoy them very very much, and so do we.  There's just so much to see around the islands, but I don' want to have us rushing around just to do everything either.  But I have a feeling we'll make time.  I want to definitely do some more surfing that's for sure.

10:51pm: I haven't really known what to say.  The last game was amazing in ways that I don't think I could explain properly.  Trevor deserved that and more, and he is truly one of the finest players, one of the finest people I  have ever met.

I don't know what things will hold for me but I'm trying not to worry about it, not why there's playoffs and time to be spent elsewhere.

time as they say, will tell.

8:29pm: I wish I had something more to say.  I should.  I'm the captain.  I should be able to motivate the team, get them going, lead by example.  I still have amazing faith in this team and that will not change.

Mo, Damn I  am sorry.  Let us know if you need anything okay?




Does it make me wrong that I see and/or read thing that make be complete green, and I don't mean sick either.  The kind of green that involves pummeling of one thing, and handcuffs and punishment to another.  Seriously, I don't know where that come from.  It's not like I have any concerns or reasons to worry......

10:02pm: Superskills was fun as always; everyone has such a great time.  And it's for an great cause too.

the holidays were good as usual.  But then again, spending time with Todd and the family is never a bad thing.  Ever.  I hope we can do more of that come the All Star break.  We don't generally like playing the Ducks, and I admit its selfish, but I rather like it.

As long as we win :)

8:00pm: It's been a rough start to the season but we're gelling and there are good things happening. At least I'm starting to score some goals. I can't help it though that I've been a bit distracted with worrying about Todd. I know I have a job to do and I am doing it but there are sometimes where there are more important things to you know?

We had the pumpkin carving at Canuck Place and that is always fun. The kids always enjoy it and so do we too.

So many new faces coming and going so far this season but I've tried to make them feel welcome as do the rest of the teams and they've been doing a great job. And now if we can get healthy and ramp up the offense, I think we'll be fine.

And I'll be fine as soon as I get a chance to talk to Todd *grin*

9:14am: This is what happens when you take a brood on vacation. No time to write. So now with a lot of them taking naps or resting, I am taking a moment or two to do just that.

There's nothing too exciting to report. Not my own news that is. But Todd going to Anaheim is a damn bit of good news. After the last couple of years, having him on the same coast as us, I am no complaints guy over here.

*grin* It's been so great this summer so far. We are.... catching up, making up for lost time too. I liked going with him during the playoffs, but he was focussed on the game as it should be whereas now, it's all about us and relaxing. Or as much relaxing as you can do with both families all together. We were in Vancouver for a bit and then moved on to Ontario and now Europe. The plan is to see the other countries and then come back to Sweden for the rest of the summer.

9:15pm: I wish I knew something more to say than I already have.  I gave my speech such that it was and what was done was done.   And I couldn't be more proud of you, all of you guys.  There were so many good things, and good points to focus on.  You guys have a good summer, and don't dwell on it.  Come next season, we'll take it by storm.

Not that it's a huge surprise, but I am in Detroit.  Okay tonight we're in Anaheim but you know what I mean.  Perhaps I can give Bert something else to talk about other than food.  I did suggest Swedish meatballs; I think he might like it *chuckles*

10:26pm: Sometimes, the days blend together and before you know it, so much time as gone by.  And at this time of the year, it gets even worse I think.  I'm just so focused on everything, wanting to be a good leader and lead the team all the way through the playoffs.  My own game has started to really pick up which I really needed.  I don't know what is at the root of the slump or funk as I've heard some say.  Well if I out and out said what would help me, I would get weird looks from some.  Hey yeah what I want, what would help, it's right over there in Detroit.  This should not be a surprise to anyone at all though.

It's been a pretty good playoffs so far.  We just need to focus this round and I think if we just keep determined, we will cone out the winner.  Kev should be back for the next game if not the next one.   Hopefully Cookie will be back soon too.  We can't let them bully us; we just need to play out game and do this because we know we can.

And I'm just going to say this once.  We are all adults and have our own lives, but private lives need to stay away from the game.  I'm not speaking to any one person or few people but right now it should be the game and this team.  The outside world needs to be just that, the outside.  That being said,  I hope you all know that anytime you need or want to talk, I'm always here for you guys, always.


( OOC )

2:13pm: Things are so up and down, sometimes I forget where up is. I keep telling myself I should stop reading the paper, watching the news, etc. I'm just not having a good year, they don't have to keep reading into why.

On to better things.
The Dice and Ice as always was a lot of fun. Everyone looked good and had a great time. There are a few, okay three, who shall remain nameless who made the night "extra special".

It is weird to think of Peter in Nashville. Hell it was weird to have him in Philly. But best of luck my friend.

I have one phone call to make before the game so I should do that now. They tend to get rather long *g*

10:28am: Well we're in Toronto. It's actually colder at home than it is here. Or at least it feels that way. The flight was pretty good. The flight crew are always great.

I hope the turn I've started making stays. It's not like me to be in such a slump. I know there's a lot of talk of what's wrong but really it isn't any one thing. I feel like I'm letting the team down in some way, and I hope that changes.

Admittedly yes there are times when my thoughts don't leave Florida but for games, for this team, I'm here, 100%. Lot things that I need a break and maybe she's right. She smart like that.

8:43am: It has been a good start so far. Still things we need to work on but that is always the case. It's been nice playing on the line with the twins. It's different to get used to again but it's not like we are totally unfamiliar with doing that either.

I miss Todd. Like that is a big surprise. I love seeing highlights and hearing how well he's doing. I'm looking and trying to figure out when we can get together. I hate having to plan our life like that but we will make this work

3:38pm: Sweden was great as always. We got to spend a lot of time in town and with my parents, because Mama insists. I swears sometimes I think she loves him more than me :) But as the time passed we knew we had to come home. First we went to Miami, and all the kids were there with us. It was chaos but I wouldn't change that for anything. Besides, it really was great and a lot of fun. Bert's new place is really nice too. Close to the beach, close to the arena. It's really good.

We came back here and it really hit me that when he leaves this time, I'm not going with him. That I think is the hardest thing, not the distance but that. At least we were able to have a good time celebrating Mo's birthday. It was good to just be with the guys and enjoy ourselves.

So many changes in just a few short months. But I love you Todd. Some things, never change.

3:42pm: Sweden is nice this time of year *laughs* I always say it but it's true. I don't want to think about things in the future. Right here, right now, that's what counts.

Peter. Mike. I'm truly sorry. I don't know what else to say other than I am friend to you both and if you want/need to talk, you only need ask. I hope you will both be okay and take care, both of you.

I would say more but I have a date with a big tall man, and a boat *smiles*

8:42pm: Jag tänkte aldrig att denna dag skade händer, inte i min mest wildest drömmar. Hur dig låt delen av din hjärta går, och stilla gå på?

I do not know what I feel. I'm not srue I want to feel anything right now. I just... don't know...

Jag älskar dig så mycket Todd. Glöm aldrig det.

12:13am: There are not many things better than sitting on the back deck watching Todd and his putter. *grin* Definitely one of the best things about the house.

We'll be leaving soon, heading to Sweden for a while. Lots of good time by the lake if all goes as planned. I think it's what we need plus anytime with him at the cabin well....

9:39pm: In my mind I always have something profound and helpful to say at the end of a season but this year I just kept it short and sweet.

Despite the outcome, I do not think the whole season was terrible. Alex had a phenomenal year; Anson and the twins all played great and led this team/ Todd hasd one of the best years of his career... hell everyone did well. We just couldn't make it work well together in the end.

It was very god to have Jovo back even if it was only for a handful of games. The rookies and call-ups all came in and were great additions to the team too. And Sami, Dany I hope you both heal quickly and get better soon. I know I speak for everyone when I say we hope for a speedy recovery.

Todd and I are in Ottawa visiting Peter and Brian. It's been great being here, kind of insane, but good. *laughs* I wasn't sure how it would be; just a bit... nervous or something I guess it would be but everything is good. Can't argue with that at all. Especially when Peter makes brownies...

5:02pm: After all this time we have our own place. Maybe it should have been done before or not, but now, it just feels right and perfect. I can't believe I've been here for 10 years now. Part of it seems like forever, part of it seems like it went by so quickly. But I can't think of anywhere else I would want to call home.

The seasons not over yet and am no giving up on anything at all. We're going to fight and do our best.

Oh and Schaef? Yes we got the package. Thank you. Though for just a moment I thought he wasn't going to share *laughs*

10:56pm: Congratulations Tre Konor!
Congratulations to the whole team but especially to Peter, Henrik and Daniel, and Mattias. I can't put into words how it was to see that flag raised in the middle and all of you with the gold medals.

And Sami and Jarkko, Finland played so well the whole time. You should be proud of your silver medals.

I would be lying if I said I wish I would have been part of it, but in the long run, not playing and resting is what was best for me.

5:38pm: Words can not express how much I don't like sitting out games. I took it fairly easy last night but who knows if I'll be able to play in the next or if I should sit out. Yes I know I need to get better, or could hurt it worse but there's nothing more terrible than sitting in a box or at home and have to watch your guys need you. Cookie, Eddie, Richard, hell even Clouts, you guys can all relate to this. I wan to play and I can't play like I usually do and it pisses me off.

*sigh*

Eddie my friend, please take care of yourself. You are and will be missed by your friends. We'll call you as much as we can.

AND...
Someone's birthday is tomorrow. ;)