Reflections on 2004/2005 by Joe Legere

It was an honor for me to play for the Black Bears last season. I had no idea going into it that it would be such a humbling experience, or that I would develop such great camaraderie with the fellas on the team. Allow me to reflect on a few of the things that have stuck with me.

None of you guys probably ever remember being the last kid chosen on the playground at school during a kickball pick up game, probably because you weren't that last kid chosen. This year, I know I was that last kid chosen. But not once did I ever feel like it, because right from the start I always felt like a part of the team. I appreciated that.

I vaguely remember our first game against NH after Brett wristed one up behind my ear. That tick is improving everyday and the ringing in my ear, well, I'll just deal with it. That night, I realized I should keep my head up when I skate near the net during shooting practice.

I remember the day we practiced and found out that the "hand holding" part was over when I went to collect a puck in the corner, and Craig lowered his left shoulder into me and made me a part of the boards, and he wasn't even pissed at me, it was great! Now, every time he comes into Falmouth Physical Therapy to get that left shoulder treated, I love driving my elbow into that shoulder until my face turns red!

I loved watching you guys get chippy during games; Pete crushing # 16 from CT and getting away with it, Dittmer throwing bodies around in front of the net against NH and the ref warning Craig to back DD off. I got a kick out of watching Brett level Crystal, every time it happened (just kidding, I only saw two hits). Wasn't that great when Craig got chippy with that ridiculous referee and Tom all at the same time! That was priceless. Of course, Brett started the whole thing at the Whit, when he started laying bodies out in that game. He was coming off a rough night, jacked up on Red Bull or something like it, and he was listening to too much Slayer in the locker room before the game. Things were getting pretty serious out there! That was a blast.

I enjoyed watching Big Mike slash through guys and roof it over Luis' shoulder, multiple times, or whoever else was in the net, it didn't matter. I learned to not make direct eye contact with him when he was pissed off, it's safer that way. Big Mike impressed me the most on the team, the way he thumbed his nose at lymphoma and gutted it out on the ice. It didn't matter if he felt half dead and on the brink of puking, he just kept going. You are the man! Pete wins the "energy conservation award" because he liked to score from the blue line. How the hell are we supposed to execute and complete the break-out drill when you pull that crap?! That was great stuff Pete. Seeing the way you and Craig operate in the back was fun to watch. You two were always tuned in to each other's movements, and that's what defense is all about.

I was really glad to be a rookie with Labbs, "the saver of sausages". It didn't take him long to become the best goalie in New England, and I'm glad he's on our team. I think I was a little worried about him that first night in Dover when he told me he hated the Bruins, despite being in a meeting that was headed up by "Nifty" himself. I worked through that though, and now I'm OK. I always knew I could count on Jeff to help me stop when I had a break away on him during practice. We both usually ended up in the back of the net together, it was good bonding time.

I remember everybody I accidentally T-Boned, and there were a lot of you, multiple times. If I had a nickel for every collision I've had with DD, I could take Marie and him out to a nice supper. Thanks for being patient with me. I know that I turn like a cruise liner and I usually can't stop unless the boards are there. Next year will be different.

This is one of the most fun teams I've ever played on in any sport I've played. This game is taken seriously, and when we're all in the locker room before games, getting prepared, I always love that feeling of being part of a solid team that really cares about each other.

I can't wait for next year. We will stand alone at the top again. Thanks Brett, Craig, Dave, Jeff, Mike, Pete and Tim.

JoeyLeg

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