The previous match versus Los Angeles was much different than Mekkar
anticipated beforehand. The Selects also didn’t expect to encounter a rough and
tumble style strategy game by the Kings and their fans especially in regard to
exhibition matchups. Mekkar was caught unaware also because his pre-tour
research indicated a different performance and alternative match. One that
would be focused on skill and scoring prowess similar to the earlier game on
this jaunt against the Houston Aeros. The attitude that was put out there was
contrary however with an aire of welcome to the National Hockey League brand of
hockey. Not only that, it seemed to Mekkar that the Kings wanted to send a
message to the Selects squad and teach them a lesson at the same time. The vibe
given off by the established franchised was we have the very best hockey
players in the world here and we will display it to you. The smugness and
arrogance continued throughout that match.
Mekkar was perceptive enough to see through the smokescreen.
He knew that other locations and hockey circuits around the globe also had top
notch athletes. This was evidenced by the results of the well known 1972 Summit
Series between Canada and
the USSR .
Not to forget the matchups between the Canadian representatives and other
European national squads during that period. Added to the fact the increase and
incorporation of non-Canadian draft selections in the past few years. One who
could see the effects and dotting of team rosters with players from many
nations currently in professional leagues of North America .
Since Mekkar and the Selects were wrong about the first game
in this leg of the journey they were not sure what to expect now. Yet, Mekkar
was now prepared and ready for almost anything to occur. His demeanor was if
you to mix it up then let’s tango knucklehead or a more slick match if it were
to manifest itself. He didn’t avoid the rough stuff but actually embraced the
violence as just part of the game.
He even stated to a couple of his teammates on the bus to
the arena for this portion of the journey, “If they want to goon it up, I will
be rearing to go.” Mekkar was not concerned about further damage to his already
injured body parts.
The Arctic Native saw it as a tale of the biggest bear in
the forest. You should let that bear hibernate and not provoke or disturb him. But,
if you want to intentionally make the mistake and wake the bear to tick him
off, then you get to experience the consequences of your actions. Mekkar
thought of himself as the big bear. Of course, it would be a joke if he was
referring to only to his physically statue. However, Mekkar also includes other
factors of his being in the equation such as his drive, determination, and
heart. In some aspects he was nuts on ice, but he believed this state of mind
helped to protect him. Mekkar is of the presumption that he is like no one else
and one of a kind. Plus, he is always willing to hammer home that point to
somebody’s dome if necessary, if only to get their attention.
As per his custom when Mekkar’s team entered the arena he
went straight away to survey it. He had read previous stories about this place.
Remember, Mekkar was still a curious youngster like many kids. He searched
around for the location of where the famous arena organ was. Mekkar eventually
found it and met the organist there in this area. They conversed about subjects
about the history of the building and how the Chicago Stadium organ was built
into the facility. {Wikipedia]
Mekkar asked the guy there if he could teach the teenager
any easy songs to play on the organ. The maestro did oblige and let Mekkar try
to play them back on his own. Was startled when he held one of the bass keys
down longer than normal. It seemed that the whole building shook. “Wow, what a
feeling!” Mekkar exclaimed later. He learned two short ditties during that
brief time, even though he was unfamiliar with piano or organ keys. Now Mekkar
can play a version of Charge and another short hockey tune to get the crowd
going and finishes with a deep bass sound at the end.
Sirga’s oldest offspring stated back to the organist there,
“What a home advantage you have. Especially when the opposing team has to carry
and control the puck during the game.” The virtuoso only responded with a sly
grin, but no words. With that Mekkar had to rejoin his team in the visitor’s
lockerroom.
Later on, he pondered about having to stickhandle and corral
the rubber disc when skating up ice with it. He asked himself if the monster
organ would be going full tilt or not. Potential issues were raised by Mekkar
in his consciousness. He recognized that he might have to look down to make
sure the frozen biscuit stayed on his stick due to the vibrational effects.
Mekkar found out in the pre-game warm-ups for real that he was indeed correct
in his analysis.
All hockey players are taught ever since they are young and
just starting out in the sport to always keep your head up. This is especially
the case while skating through the neutral zone. Otherwise, you could risk
getting walloped hard and also knocked out. Even pro players make this grave
error occasionally and pay dearly for it. Being on the receiving end of open
ice hits have resulted in quite a few career ending injuries.
This match against the Chicago Blackhawks was a pretty clean
affair unlike the last one. It was surprising because the home side didn’t feel
they needed to take advantage of the smaller than the normal ice size standard
for the North American continent. {Wikipedia] Unfortunately for Mekkar and the
Selects the result was the same, a defeat by a 5-2 margin.
The one thing that stood out for Mekkar was being the ice
and playing at the same time as the great Bobby Orr. Although, it wasn’t the
same Orr as Mekkar remembered from watching the films and tapes back home. Due
to the many knee injuries and other maladies Orr was almost at the completion
of his hockey career. Mekkar noticed that Bobby’s skating ability was clearly
not the same as before and that Orr’s playing days would soon be coming to an
end. This, in fact, transpired. However, a fifty percent Bobby Orr is still
better than eighty percent of the players that have ever suited up, even if not up to
his own lofty standards. [Wikipedia; The Hockey News; and various other media
sources]
No comments:
Post a Comment