View from the Gondola

Great to See You Again

In addition to broadcasting games, visiting with the fans and experiencing the electric atmosphere at the IEC, one thing I look forward to as the hockey season begins is catching up with returning players and meeting the new guys.

John-Scott Dickson, Dave Pszenyczny, David Simoes, Brandon Smith, Matt McCready, Sebastien Thinel, B.J. O’Brien and Ryan Jardine all return from last season.

I visited with Simoes, O’Brien and Pszenyczny during the summer.  Simoes, as he does on a regular basis, was giving of himself to help others.  O’Brien told me of his new business and Pszenyczny mentioned a political discussion, he wanted no part of, was forced upon him.

Jordan Foreman returns after a two-year absence and Blake Forsyth is back after one season away.

At Fan Fest I met Brian Bicek…..33 goals and 27 assists last season for Evansville.  The Icemen felt his loss in the playoffs last season as they were swept by Missouri four-games-to-none in the CHL playoffs. 

Bicek is one of the few players I’ve seen stand out in a seven-goal loss.  He had two goals and two assists in a Mavericks’ 11-4 win over the Icemen in 2010-2011.

I’ll have to purchase a step ladder for my interviews with 6’8” Riley Emmerson.  Fans may have to stand to see the game from their seats behind the penalty box as Emmerson racks up the PIMs.

Last season Thinel had some milestone moments.  Missouri fans may get the chance to cheer for more as four-year CHL veteran Colt King is 18 goals shy of his 100^th career lamplighter.

In my broadcasting career the 2012-2013 Missouri Mavericks training camp roster is one of the most amazing I’ve ever seen.

I expect the Mavs newcomers to be equally amazed when they see the number of fans cheering them on at the IEC when they hit the ice for training camp Monday morning.