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SIN BIN BLOG: THANK YOU

I can't put it off anymore. I have to stop pretending like it didn't happen. I have to come to terms with the fact that this season is over. I think the biggest reason that I've put it off is that the CHL Finals did not start until Tuesday, so I've had a full week to grieve.

It was a great run. It really was. For me, this was the most memorable season, largely because of the birth of The Sin Bin. I've been following this team since its inception, both professionally and personally, but this year was different. This season, I was there (mostly) every night to witness the ups and downs of this team on a different level. If you asked most of the players on the roster who the face was behind The Sin Bin, I bet most of them couldn't tell you, and that's the way that I wanted it to be. I wasn't there to hound them for quotes or become best buds with them. I was there to learn the inner workings of the team and organization, and then try to put those many intricacies into words, and maybe have a little fun with it along the way. I can only hope that I succeeded in that aspect.

I've had the privilege to witness many great things during this season, so many that it is nearly impossible to list them all. The thing that meant the most to me this season was witnessing many members of The Orange Army become even closer (if that's possible) through the connections that were created through this blog. Fellow fans became friends, friends became even closer, and even fans from other teams have reached out through The Sin Bin to make connections with many Mavs' fans. As objective and business-like as I've tried to stay, it's impossible to not develop close relationships with The Orange Army. There are so many terrific people who bleed orange that have reached out to me during this "trial run" of The Sin Bin, and for that, I am forever grateful. The hockey has been great this season, but the fans are what will stick with me forever. For that, I say thank you. With that sentiment in mind, I have a few more thank you's to dish out:

Thank you to Sebastian Thinel for putting together one of the most awe-inspiring seasons that I have ever seen. You truly are "Captain Amazing."

Thank you to Colt King for confirming my life-long fear that the Boogeyman does indeed exist. You are a terrifying individual, and I'm glad that I was on the same side as you this season.

Thank you to Ryan Jardine for being the consummate professional every day. As graceful as you are on the ice, you are even more so off the ice.

Thank you to Brandon Smith, for being the player that every team needs to succeed. Your never-ending motor and terrific work ethic is truly an inspiration, and I can only hope to watch you continue to develop into a great player.

Thank you to Mike Clemente and Mathieu Corbeil for not only providing some of the best performances by a Mavs' netminder in team history, but also for continuing to push each other to be great.

Thank you to Riley "Tree" Emmerson for being a good sport about the nickname, not to mention the constant ribbing that I gave you for a better part of the season. You are a true team-player, and any locker room would be lucky to have you.

Thank you to Kenton Miller and Kellan Tochkin for making me feel old. Though you two may look like a couple of young bucks, you play well beyond your years and have great futures in front of you. I hope that when one (or both) of you win a Stanley Cup, you can swing it by Casa de Sin Bin for a good photo op. In all seriousness, we are all excited to see you both continue to grow and do great things.

Thank you to Dave "Chezy" Pszenyczny for being the most dependable player, night in and night out. You are the perfect mix of grit and smarts, with the ideal amount on nastiness sprinkled in. You've been fun to watch.

Thank you to Andrew Courtney for giving us, quite possible, the most impressive 30 minutes of playoff hockey by netting 5 goals during that stretch.  I'm still shaking my head in disbelief.

Thank you to David Simoes. One day, someone will ask me who is the toughest player that I've ever see play the game. The answer will be you without question. 

Thank you to GM Brent Thiessen, Mavs' coaches Scott Hillman and Simon Watson, Todd Mackin, Mike Fisher, Sam Watson, Steve Garrett, Bob Rennison, Mac, and the rest of the Mavericks staff for being an outstanding group to work with all season. You all definitely made my job that much easier.

A special thank you to Mavs VP of Communications Patrick Armstrong for dreaming up the idea of The Sin Bin, and for believing in me from day one.

Thank you to my dear friend Josh Redel, for taking a genuine interest in my endeavors, and also for designing the logo for The Sin Bin. You have set the bar high my friend.

Thank you to my wife, Mrs. Sin Bin, and my beautiful daughter Lil' Sin Bin. I know that you both hated the fact that I was gone all the time, but you both also knew how much I love doing what I do. Your support means more than you know.

Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to The Orange Army. You guys and gals truly are the best fans in the Central Hockey League. I hope that you realize that you don't need a banner hanging in the rafters at The IEC to prove that.

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