Caribous insider wrote:I’ve been reading through some of the threads here and its actually funny to see some people hoping and almost praying to see the Caribous lose badly at the Allan Cup. Some are actually gloating and laughing about it. Its not that anybody involved with the Caribous, players or otherwise, could possibility care any less about what bloggers on NL Hockey talk think......but I feel sorry for these people who have completely missed the boat when it comes to the whole idea surrounding the Caribous representing NL and the Atlantic provinces at this tournament.
This province has not had a representative at the AC since 1986. For the past 25 years there has been ample opportunity for other teams from this province to attend the tournament but none have been willing to do what it takes to make it happen. After winning the Herder last season, the Caribous organization decided they would take the bull by the horns and try their luck. Since then, much time and effort along with many many hours of preparation and organization have been logged to prepare for the trip.
What these negative people and nay-sayers don’t realize is that the Caribous competing at the 2010 AC is not as much about winning as it is about competing and representing our province. It will be a gauge of our skill level for other teams from NL who may like to try their luck in the future and will also be a learning experience for the Caribous and CEC management who will host the 2015 Allan Cup here in Clarenville. When players like Darren Colbourne, Darren Langdon, Chris Peach, Mark and Rob Robinson, ......all considered to be very classy individuals..... were asked if they would like to join the Caribous team and represent NL at the AC, the first response from all of those guys was......”it would be an honour”. That’s what its all about, representing our province at what will be for most if not all players, a once in a lifetime chance.
There has been much talk about the Caribous choice for their affiliate. That decision was the Caribous to make and right or wrong, they will live with it. This decision was made by the same people who have in four short years guided the Caribous to three WCSHL finals, two WCSHL Championship Titles and two Herder Memorial Championship titles. I for one don’t think I’ll start second guessing their judgement at this time but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
The Caribous may lose every game by 10 goals, they may lose every game by one goal or may even win a game or two. Bottom line is it doesn’t matter. As long as they play as hard as they can and give 110% for every shift, then that’s all that can be expected of them. The Caribous success will not be measured only on the score board but by the work ethic they present and how they conduct themselves on and off the ice. They are ambassadors for this province at the AC for the first time in 25 years! Win or lose, everyone that makes the trip, players, coaches and other officials will return with a lifetime of memories and will have stories to tell for years to come about the time they played in the 2010 Allan Cup in Fort St. John BC.
Congratulations to all the people within the Caribous organization who have logged unmeasurable amounts of time and energy to organize this trip, all while in the middle of the WCSHL and Herder finals. The Caribous have a model organization run by committed individuals and the best volunteers in NFLD Sr. Hockey who continue to make the town of Clarenville and all its fans, very very proud!!
Go Caribous Go
EXELANT EXELANT EXELANT POST
win loose or draw the caribous will do us PROUD . all the nay sayers have to get with the program . this is now about not only N.L. but ALL OF ALANTIC CANADA . so lets all work together and support THE ALANTIC REP. who is N.L.s very own CLARENVILLE CARIBOUS .
