A year ago the Ottawa Senators were fighting with Buffalo to see who would represent the East in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Sens eventually lost that fight, but during that time a second, if not more poignant battle was being lost.

Elgin Fraser passed away last year on May 19th, succumbing to a rare cancer. Today his memorial is in the Ottawa Citizen:

A little boy who fulfilled his life’s

purpose in only three short years.

He inspired countless people

with his courage and strength

while he lived with Neuroblastoma,

a rare childhood cancer.

His love and passion for the game

of hockey brought communities

together and left an imprint on

people around the world.

Despite fighting for his life, he taught

people to love the life you are given and

to make the best of each day.

“Game On!”
Elgin-Alexander Fraser, Age 3

There is still a movement to get Elgin’s jersey hung at Scotiabank Place.

Oh yeah, the Sidney Crosbies beat the tar out of Philly and ‘the kid’ refused to touch the Eastern Conference trohpy. (Bastard…)

I watched the highlights¹ from the Ottawa Senators home game against the visiting Phillies. I watched in awe at Daniel Alfredsson’s (I loves this guy!) pick pocketing of the opposition at their blue line and running in for a shorty in the first period.

Then I saw the problem of late/illegal hitting in today’s skill based NHL rear it’s ugly head again. In what will probably become known as the first instance of the new “match penalty equals instant suspension pending review” rule change, Steve Downie ran Dean McAmmond from the far end of the ice, and he jumped as he made contact to finish the deal. It doesn’t matter that Deaner’s head was down. Downie ran him hard from the opposite end of the ice with intent to injure. What is more disturbing here is Downie’s attitude about it in the post game interview. “I’m just trying to make a team…” C’mon, you intend to injure another player just to make a team?

This type of behavior has to stop. This isn’t rivalry. (Speaking of which, look at what happened in NYC the other night…) This is animosity brought on by dirty play which breeds resentment and more dirty play as payback. McGratton certainly wanted some and hinted as much to watch for during these teams next meeting.

Thankfully, outside of the concussion it looks like Dean will be okay. Despite everyone fighting on top of him… Absolutely amazing he didn’t get hurt in that.

In other news, Ray Emery played and it seems he’s still got some brain games going on, letting two goals on nine shots isn’t very good. Thank goodness Gerber is playing as a goalie this year.

That’s 5-0 so far during the pre-season, jsut my luck, we’ll lose the first game of the year while I’m in attendance…

TSN.ca↩