In a day and time when celebrities and sports figures rarely accept their position of influence and act as good role models for the rest of us, it sure is nice when one comes along that we can embrace.
And boy did Dallas embrace this one.
The Dallas Stars played their final home game tonight ending a long, boring, non-playoff season on the ice. While most of the DFW area begs for Cowboys football, gears up for the Rangers and prepares for another Mavericks playoff run, in the background the Stars were slowly getting closer to another off season.
Yet this one game felt like those great games in the late 90s. The AAC was standing room only, the crowd was rowdy and loud and the game was amazing. Dallas beat Anaheim 3-2 in a shoot out...but that's not even important.
This was all about Mike Modano. Sadly, it was likely his last in Dallas and maybe his last home game ever.
In classic Modano fashion he thrilled the crowd with another assist and two goals; one the game tying and the other the game winner. Outside of Wayne Gretzky few players have impacted the sport more than he. And certainly, when people think of hockey in Dallas, they think of Mike.
The Cowboys had Roger.
The Mavs have Dirk.
The Rangers had Pudge.
The Stars had Modano.
I remember meeting Modano (briefly) at Texas Star in Euless back in 1998 along with Brett Hull and the band Pantera. I had no idea the next year they would win the Stanley Cup and win the hearts of the metroplex.
I just can't believe it has been that many years and that it is over.
As Modano stood on the ice tonight saluting the fans with tears in his eyes during one of his many long standing ovations, I too choked back some sports tears. As fans emotions are strongly tied to those that give us local civic pride. And above most others, Modano is one classic dude. He lives a quiet life. Loves his family and gives back to the DFW area more than most. He is a true role model for all of us. It's just a shame more aren't like him.
Life just goes too fast.
Dallas will miss Mike, and it was obvious tonight that Mike will miss Dallas.
And boy did Dallas embrace this one.
The Dallas Stars played their final home game tonight ending a long, boring, non-playoff season on the ice. While most of the DFW area begs for Cowboys football, gears up for the Rangers and prepares for another Mavericks playoff run, in the background the Stars were slowly getting closer to another off season.
Yet this one game felt like those great games in the late 90s. The AAC was standing room only, the crowd was rowdy and loud and the game was amazing. Dallas beat Anaheim 3-2 in a shoot out...but that's not even important.
This was all about Mike Modano. Sadly, it was likely his last in Dallas and maybe his last home game ever.
In classic Modano fashion he thrilled the crowd with another assist and two goals; one the game tying and the other the game winner. Outside of Wayne Gretzky few players have impacted the sport more than he. And certainly, when people think of hockey in Dallas, they think of Mike.
The Cowboys had Roger.
The Mavs have Dirk.
The Rangers had Pudge.
The Stars had Modano.
I remember meeting Modano (briefly) at Texas Star in Euless back in 1998 along with Brett Hull and the band Pantera. I had no idea the next year they would win the Stanley Cup and win the hearts of the metroplex.
I just can't believe it has been that many years and that it is over.
As Modano stood on the ice tonight saluting the fans with tears in his eyes during one of his many long standing ovations, I too choked back some sports tears. As fans emotions are strongly tied to those that give us local civic pride. And above most others, Modano is one classic dude. He lives a quiet life. Loves his family and gives back to the DFW area more than most. He is a true role model for all of us. It's just a shame more aren't like him.
Life just goes too fast.
Dallas will miss Mike, and it was obvious tonight that Mike will miss Dallas.
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1
© 2010, J. Brady
“I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."
