The Rock's drought may end
Versus told us last night that if (when) Detroit wins the Cup this year, Dan Cleary will be the first Newfoundlander to ever have his name etched on it. Can this be true?Sad but true.
As a US citizen who car-camped his way through the Maritimes in 2000, I have a special place for the Rock in my heart.Thanks,
Peter
Newfoundland and Labrador haven't exactly been hockey hotbeds, producing 25 NHLers, seven of whom played at least one game in the NHL this season. The province's all-time games played leader is Keith Brown at 876, followed by Cleary (540), Darren Langdon (521), Brad Brown (330), Dave Pichette (322) and Mike Ryder (314).
No other Newfoundlanders have played in 300 NHL games.
John Niyo from The Detroit News had a great piece on Cleary's Cup chase on Monday:
"I have thought about it, yeah," he said. "I honestly don't know what to expect, but it's certainly something that I burn for, you know? I want it so bad. Not only for that reason, obviously. But it would be so cool to be the first Newfoundlander to have their name on the Cup, and to be able to bring it home and share it with everybody."No kidding.
"And, you know, I just think were due," he added with a smile. "We're due."
And The Globe and Mail had a look at the Cleary-related celebration taking place, which includes a "uniquely Newfoundland tradition":
... known as the shed party - where fans retreat to sheds decked out with television sets and barbecues, drink beer, eat moose and caribou and watch the game.
I imagine the party in Cleary's hometown of Harbour Grace will be legendary.
UPDATE Mitch Albom also had a really nice piece today on Cleary's life on The Rock.
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Labels: Red Wings
by James Mirtle @ 2:02 PM
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My Newfie former roommate would want me to point out that, pace Peter, Newfoundland is not part of "The Maritimes". Atlantic provinces, yes (duh). Maritimes, no.
Anyway, good for Cleary, and if we're really lucky, this will provide a bit of inspiration/kick-in-the-ass for Daniel Ryder.
I was about to point out the same thing matt.
As was I...
NB, NS and PEI = The Maritimes. Newfoundland = Atlantic Canada (it's also acceptable to refer to the Maritime provinces as Atlantic Canada).
...a former Fredericton resident...
Geez, so picky guys: (a) this is an American who knows where Newfoundland is, and (b) he car-camped his way through there.
I'd say he's ahead of 99.9% of his countrymen in Canadiana knowledge, no?
WHEN Detroit wins the cup? Last i checked, it was a 7 game series.
Google is spelling Cleary's hometown wrong
it's 'Arbour Grace.
ask anyone from down 'ome.
At least we know why Cleary arrives at the rink a half hour early.
I, too, have a special spot in me old foggy heart for the rock and it's labrador land. Was there semi hitching and plain old side of the road camping and proudly wear my 'free nfld' t-shirt with pride.
I hate detroit, but if that mug kisses a cod out of the cup...well, hard to say it won't be worth it in my eyes. (Still wish it was langdon though.)
It is Harbour Grace....Arbour would be just slang.
That last comment was brought to you by Joe Buck.
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