Volume 3, Issue 10 - June, 2003
"From the Right Wing…"
ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS #21
Dan Bylsma’s Newsletter --- A Feature of West Michigan Hockey Camp, Inc.
(Printer Friendly Version)
TThis month's issue contains:
DAN'S TIP OF THE MONTH TRUST FUND AUCTION TIPS FROM HOCKEY CAMP DAN'S HONOR ROLL
COACH'S TIP THE SAYING OF THE MONTH DAN TRIP IN THE NHL DAN & JAY'S BOOKS A WAY TO SUBSCRIBE
DAN'S TIP OF THE MONTH FOR PLAYERS AND FANS is...
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This was as far was we got... |
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The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
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laying in the Stanley Cup Finals... in game seven no less... was the biggest thrill of my hockey career. It was bigger then being on a line with Wayne Gretzky, bigger than my first goal, bigger than my second contract... as big as I could have imagined. I just wish that Walt Disney were still alive so he could have written a happier ending for the Mighty Ducks. But it wasn't to be.I thought you might like to hear my analysis of the series. We dropped the first two in New Jersey because we stunk up the building. We were flat, we were sloppy, we stood around, we didn't play our game, we didn't get the puck behind their D-men, and we played too much in our end. But we felt good coming back to Anaheim. If we had played our best hockey and gotten beat, we would have been apprehensive. But we though if we could get our game going, get the first goal, and then play good D, we had a chance to even the series at home. And that's what happened.
At that point, we were feeling pretty good. Our top two lines hadn't gotten in gear yet and we felt if they got going, and played tight D, we were in the hunt.
I thought we played well in Game Five back in New Jersey.
Game Six in our house was ours from the get go. We played well. Got two quick ones in the first and didn't look back. Our top line was flying and we went back to New Jersey thinking if we focused, played our game, did the little things right and got a bounce here and there, we could be lifting the Cup. It was great to hear the announcer at the Pond say late in Game Six, "The Cup has left the building!!!"
In Game Seven we had a good first period. I had a good scoring chance - in fact my line had several. But the first bounce went to New Jersey and they scored on a deflection. Then another redirection and that's all she wrote.
Interestingly, it was the little things... the kind of things that I've been telling you to do to play the game better that in my opinion cost us the "W" in Game Seven. Remember "get it out and get it deep?" Well, all three NJ goals in Game Seven were scored because we didn't do the simple thing... get it out of our zone. We had the puck on our stick, but we didn't rim it around or we didn't make sure we got it out. Consequently, the puck stayed in our end too long and you can't let that happen and expect to win hockey games - at any level.
Also, often we didn't make the easy play. Coming out of our zone. a few times a player would have an easy play dumping it to an open winger or "getting it deep," instead he carries it - too long. They get a turnover and instead of being on offense, we're not only on defense but we're back on our heels.
It was so very disappointing to lose, but what a privilege and thrill it was to play the series and especially Game 7... what all you players and I dream about from the time we first strap them on - playing for the Stanley Cup. All the while, no one, not even the most astute sports analyst gave the Duckies a chance to make the playoffs at the beginning of the season. And then to go on and make the play offs, knock off Detroit in four games, beat the Stars in six, and defeat the Wild in four was an unbelievable accomplishment. And then we battled the Devils to seven games. It is the stuff of dreams and story-book fiction. So most of you (there are some of you to whom this is sent who have lifted the Cup) and I will go back to dreaming and planning and working hard to have the chance to try for it again... and drinking out of it someday, and then write a different story - drama, not fiction.
***
I received over 750 E-mails of congratulations and well wishes. I've answered as many of them as I've found the time. If I didn't answer yours, I may get to it yet but I thank all of you for your care, concern, and support. You've offered your homes to my family in New Jersey, made signs, high school friends and neighbors traveled great distances to attend games in their areas, and my family crisscrossed the country to be supportive. My teammates tease me when a "Dan Bylsma Rocks" sign appears in the stands in New Jersey or St. Louis. I tell, them, "You get the goals, I get the love." And it's not fair for them.
To all of you, from the bottom of my heart, "Thank you."
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Dan Bylsma |
Jiggy's stick went for $775 and a Ducks season ticket holder won it. Thanks to all of you who participated. Next Petr Sykora donated one of his Final Series game-use sticks. It's autographed, of course. The bidding will start now and the auction will close June 28 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
ll proceeds will go to my Trust Fund or to IT PAYS (your choice) - either are 501 (c)(3) charities for which you may claim a deduction on your US tax return for the amount over and above the value of a used goalie stick.
Kids, you must have permission from your parents to bid. Better yet, let your parents bid for you.
And please, no dealers.
To go to the auction click here.
DAN'S TIP OF THE MONTH TRUST FUND AUCTION TIPS FROM HOCKEY CAMP DAN'S HONOR ROLL
COACH'S TIP THE SAYING OF THE MONTH DAN TRIP IN THE NHL DAN & JAY'S BOOKS A WAY TO SUBSCRIBE
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Dan Bylsma |
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NAME |
AGE |
GPA |
SCHOOL |
TEAM |
STATE |
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Ross Hinkle |
11 |
3.67 |
Wayland Middle School |
G.R. Grizzlies PeeWee AA |
MI*‡ |
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Shannon Kelsey |
14 |
4.0 |
Estero High School |
Pinch a Penny Womens League |
FL‡ |
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Lucas Kelsey |
13 |
3.57 |
Three Oaks Middle School |
Jr. Everblades Bantam A |
FL |
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Cliff Jones |
13 |
3.86 |
Spring Lake Middle School |
Muskegon Chiefs Bantam B3 |
MI*‡ |
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Marshall Jones |
11 |
4.0 |
Spring Lake Intermediate |
Lakeshore House - Bonners |
MI*‡ |
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Brad Christiansen |
11 | 3.83 | White Pines Middle School | Norton Shores (Vers. Fab) PeeWee |
MI*‡ |
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Winston Jones |
9 |
3.9 |
Holmes Elementary School |
Shoreline Rec League Squirt |
MI*‡ |
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Brandan Ryfiak |
11 |
3.538 |
N. Rockford Middle School |
Rockford PeeWee |
MI*‡ |
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Marshall Jones |
11 |
4.0 |
Spring Lake Intermediate |
Lakeshore House - Bonners |
MI*‡ |
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Ryan Christiansen |
8 | TR | Peach Plains Elementary | G. H. Plastics Mite In-line |
MI‡ |
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Jeremy Hopersberger |
11 | 4.0 | Laingsberg Middle School | Lansing Capitals PeeWee A |
MI*‡ |
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Andrew Frank |
8 |
3.67 |
Eagle Lake Elementary |
Irish Rover Mite A |
MI |
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Paul Engman |
12 | 3.72 | E. Rockford Middle School | Rockford PeeWee |
MI*‡ |
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Aaron Alkema |
11 | 4.0 | Laingsberg Middle School | Lansing Capitals PeeWee A |
MI*‡ |
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Matt Rosenthal |
11 |
3.75 |
Chapparel Elementary |
Calababas Flyers PeeWee |
CA*‡ |
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Ryan Corgan |
14 | 4.0 | North Muskegon Middle | Muskegon Chiefs Bantam B1 |
MI*‡ |
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Josh Corgan |
10 | 4.0 | North Muskegon Elementary | Muskegon Chiefs Squirt AA |
MI*‡ |
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Caleb Weiler |
9 | 3.87 | Calvary Christian Academy | Hatfield Ice Dogs Squirt A |
PA |
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Harrison Huls |
9 |
3.87 |
Blaisdale Montessori School |
Ajax Knights A Minor Atoms |
ONT |
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Sammie Baker |
10 |
4.0 |
Fr. Marquette Middle School |
Marquette LitiGators Girls 11 Under |
MI* |
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Josh Weinstein |
10 | 4.0+ | A.P. Terhune Elementary | Ice House Avalanche Squirt AA |
NJ‡ |
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| Kris Johnson | 10 | 3.65 | St. Stevens Lutheran | Lakeland Squirt Spitfires | MI* | |
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Bennett Schneider |
13 |
3.78 |
Canterbury School |
Jr. Everblades Bantam AA |
FL |
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Madison Schneider |
9 |
4.0 |
Canterbury School |
Teco Squirt House |
FL |
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Colton Ritchie |
9 |
4.0 |
Schola Maxima |
Red Wings Squirt House |
AL |
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Dakota Abramowicz |
11 |
4.0 |
Jane Addams Middle School |
Royal Oak Eagles PeeWee A |
MI |
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Matt Weinstein |
12 | 4.0 | Schyler Middle School | Ice House Avalanche PeeWee AA |
NJ‡ |
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Ben Grace |
9 | 3.63 | Raisinville Ellmentary | Monroe Ice Hawks Squirt B |
MI* |
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Jonathan Koslop |
11 | 4.0 | Bonita Middle School | Sunrise Ice Sharks Black |
FL‡ |
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Andrew Lawrence |
11 | 3.9 | Quinton Township School | Delaware Jr. Blue Hens PeeWee A |
DE‡ |
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David Lawrence |
13 | 4.0 | Quinton Township School | Delaware Jr. Blue Hens Bantam AA |
DE‡ |
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Reid Munroe |
10 | 4.0 | North Muskegon Elementary | Muskegon Chiefs Squirt AA |
MI |
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Ben Bodman |
13 | 3.93 | Mason Middle School | Lansing Senator Bantam B |
MI* |
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Mark Hazel |
13 | 3.9 | Pinewood Middle School | W. Michigan Bantam A |
MI‡ |
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Tyler Spiering |
12 | 3.9 | Sylvan Christian School | EGRAHA Bantam B |
MI*‡! |
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Matt Slowinski |
11 | 3.79 | Tawas City Elementary | GSAHA TBF Graphic Blues PeeWee |
MI |
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Bobby Pease |
10 | 3.88 | Eugene Vining Elementary | Billerica Squirt A |
MA |
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Mitch Hughes |
10 | 3.9 | Stoneybrooke Christian | Anaheim Jr. Ducks Squirt A |
CA |
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Marty Jensen |
13 | 3.75 | Anderson Middle School | Omaha Bantam B3 - Reds |
NE |
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James Sheff |
10 | 4.0 | Island City Academy | Anaheim Jr. Ducks Squirt A |
MI*‡ |
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Alex Toppin |
9 | 3.85 | Miliam Upper Elementary | Tupelo T-Rex Squirts |
MS*‡ |
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Drew Toppin |
12 | 3.9 | Miliam Upper Elementary | Tupelo T-Rex PeeWee |
MS |
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Joe Adams |
11 | 4.0 | St. Paul's Lutheran | JR. Mighty Ducks PeeWee AA |
CA‡ |
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Vinny Valentine |
10 | 4.0 | Three Oaks Elementary | Jr. Everblades Squirt AA |
FL |
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Blake Ramos |
11 | 4.0 | Chippewa Middle School | Lansing Capitals PeeWee A |
MI |
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Sean Wilson |
10 | 3.8 | Pelican Marsh Elementary | Jr. Everblades Squirt AA |
FL |
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Andrew Steghuis |
11 | 3.5OGI | Grandville East Elementary | Grandville Ice Dawgs PeeWee |
MI*‡ |
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Donald Sund |
9 | TR | Immanuel St. James Luthn | GRAHA Squirt A |
MI* |
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Taylor Olson |
9 | 4.0 | Centre City Elementary | Philly Little Flyers Squirt Major A |
NJ |
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Ben Suchin |
11 | 3.7 | Running Springs Elementry | Hunting Beach SunDevils PeeWee A |
CA |
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Kris Johnson |
11 | 3.83 | St. Stephen Lutheran | Lakeland Spitfires Squirt |
MI* |
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Ross Hinkle |
12 | 3.71 | Wayland Middle School | G.R. Grizzles Bantam AA |
MI*‡ |
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Ian Lane |
9 | 4.0 | Evangelical Christian School | Jr. Everblades Squirt AA |
FL |
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Devin Steele Stankevitz |
9 | 4.0 | Glenview Elementary | Long Beach Jr. Ice Dogs Squirt BB |
CA |
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Jeremy Dunbar |
12 | 4.0 | Colerain Middle School | Cincinnati (GCYHL) PeeWee B |
OH |
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Ryan Reid |
10 | 4.0 | St. Regis School | Southfield Warriors Squirt AA |
MI |
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Alex Reid |
11 | 3.7 | St. Regis School | Birmingham BBLT PeeWee B |
MI |
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Clayton Reid |
8 | 4.0 | St. Regis School | Birmingham Bruins Mite B |
MI |
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Lauren Jones |
12 | 4.0 | Bloomington Junior High | Illinois U12 Girls #1 |
IL |
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Zachary Chase |
8 | TR | Peach Plains Elementary | Kelly Services Squirt Inline |
MI |
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Asa Pellegrom |
8 | TR | Peach Plains Elementary | Grand Haven Plastics Mite Inline |
MI |
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James Dykehouse |
8 | TR | Peach Plains Elementary | McKeough Land Co. Mite Inline |
MI |
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Zach Kooi |
8 | TR | Peach Plains Elementary | Kelly Services Squirt Inline |
MI |
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Alec Schroeder |
8 | TR | Peach Plains Elementary | McKeough Land Co. Mite Inline |
MI |
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Trevor Durflinger |
9 | TR | Murwood School | Berkley Bull Dogs |
CA |
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Adam Jones |
14 | 3.6 | Bloomington Junior High | Peoria J. Rivermen Bantam A |
IL |
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I can make lot's of room for you here |
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DAN'S TIP OF THE MONTH TRUST FUND AUCTION TIPS FROM HOCKEY CAMP DAN'S HONOR ROLL
COACH'S TIP THE SAYING OF THE MONTH DAN TRIP IN THE NHL DAN & JAY'S BOOKS A WAY TO SUBSCRIBE
COACHES AND PARENTS from Jay...
One of the most interesting things about being a parent of a professional athlete at this level is the quiet times when there's just us - either on the phone or together after the left- over post-game pizza is already cold and there's an empty can or two. The game gets dissected, players are evaluated, certain game situations are discussed, and, yes - coaching decisions are second guessed. Words spoke on the ice during face-offs or square-offs or on the bench are related. Much of this is the material that makes books, but we're not keeping notes. This is father/son stuff - but fascinating father/son stuff.
I want to relate two stories that put the series in perspective for me. There were 75 or perhaps more news folks in the locker room after Game Six and each one is looking for "The Story." The big guns (ABC, ESPN, SI, LA Times, Sporting New) hover around marquee players or the guy who got the goal. But there are others, from lesser outlets that are walking around with microphones or cameras or notepads looking for something around which to write a story. One reporter from a Southern California local daily figured out I was a player's father and stuck his microphone in my face.
"Isn't this exciting? Wouldn't it be a real tragedy if they came this far and lost?" he inquired.
I thought a moment about Dan's journey from the backyard ice rink and all his battles to play, to play over injuries, to overcome disappointments before I answered. "I was with Dan and his wife when they lost their baby in childbirth. That was a tragedy. Losing Game Seven will be a big disappointment, but it won't be a tragedy. Game Seven is still just a game."
The reporter went looking for someone else to quote.
The other story is about what happened when Dan and his family and his mother and I got home from New Jersey. For more than an hour, we played baseball in the alley behind his house. Dan and Bryan beat MaryBeth and I 6 to 5 in a close contest.
I tell you this because I think the alley game was, in it's own way, just as important as Game Seven and still, just a game.
***
I, too, have some thank you's to write. So many of you have written or called or stopped us on the street, or in church, or in restaurants to wish Dan well. Relatives, cousins, neighbors, old classmates - people who don't know how to spell "hocky" - became instant Duck fans, or perhaps Dan fans. But it was some outpouring and Dan's Mom and I thank you for all your well wishes.
Jay M. Bylsma
THIS MONTH'S SAYING TO PUT IN YOUR LOCKER...
ONE KID'S TRIP TO THE NHL - current installment...
The season is over and now I have the unpleasant task of recovering from the season. Typically, I look forward to a month of just relaxing and allowing my body to heal before I begin getting ready for camp in the fall. This time will be different. I've been able to play only with the benefit of some serious taping and bracing to keep the damage to my kneecap from affecting me and some heavy pain medication. Funny thing, though... it doesn't hurt when I'm on the ice. To top if off, I injured my meniscus in Game Six, so playing golf or any activity greater than walking to the dinner table is an issue.
I'm now weighing the kind of surgery to opt for. I'll either have small plugs taken out of my kneecap and transplanted to the spots where I have lesions, or they will take small plugs out of my healthy kneecap, put them in a Petri dish and grow more cartilage and then transplant the growth to the lesion on my left (injured) kneecap. Four weeks with no weight bearing on that leg, rehab, and then hopefully I can skate in November.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Everyone else has a story, too. Mike LeClerc's lesion is worse than mine and he's contemplating the same surgeries. Petey Sykora played the final series with a broken wrist, and Paul Kariya with a shoulder separation. Andy McDonald is still suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome, as is Kevin Sawyer. the treatment room after the game looks like a field hospital and most of us - both teams - are the walking wounded.
But we're not complaining - not one of us. We wouldn't want to get hurt any other way or opt for another life.
I'm telling you this for several reasons. There is a price to pay to play the game - or any other game - at this level. I'm making decisions about my knee that I hope will allow me to play the game I love, but also to walk without pain when I'm 40.
I also tell you this because perhaps your favorite player disappointed you because while he may have had 30 goals in the regular season, he didn't play up to your expectations in the Playoffs. Maybe it was because he was taped from here to Sunday or he played with a broken leg, or foot, or wrist. Just maybe.
****
I said I'd answer your questions about the Stanley Cup Finals. Okay, here are the answers to all your questions:
"Yes."
"No."
"I didn't."
"He couldn't."
"It was fair."
"He should have."
Just kidding. Here's a synthesis of your questions:
Q: Did you get nervous for the games?
A: I actually felt very calm. I was excited and anxious for the next game to start, but I wasn't nervous. This is what we all wanted to do and we were there to do our jobs and we tried to do that. I get butterflies when I have to give talks to you.
Q: When (not if) the Ducks win the Stanley Cup, what will you do with the Cup when it's your turn to spend a day with it?
A: I'm sure I would have taken it fishing with me on Lake Michigan accompanied with my brothers.
Q: Is it true that you had a purple goatee?
A: That's true. I had a purple stripe down the middle of my beard.
Q: Why do some guys wear a beard and some guys don't?
A: Some guys have very sparse or light facial hair so it doesn't stand out, others just don't like beards and feel it's an unnecessary distraction.
Q: Will you have the Stanley Cup at your hockey camp (from a camper)?
A: No, but if we had won, it might have been a possibility.
Q: How many Ducks have never won the Cup?
A: Most of us. The winners that come to mind are Ozolinsh, Olausson, Sykora.
Q: Why does Adam Oates use a wooden stick. Aren't the composite sticks better?
A: While you can shoot a bit harder with a composite, they don't have the feel and control that a wooden stick does. Adam Oates is one of the best passers in the game - not a shooter. He prefers the feel and control a wooden stick gives him for his game.
Q: How did you react or cope with being bulletin board material for the Devils?
A: A: Not troubled at all. I don't think to say that I hope we win the Cup was anything that everyone in both locker rooms was thinking and saying anyway. But it gives me a new appreciation for those professional athletes who refuse to talk to the media. Don't forget that news people are paid to write and report stories. What's your favorite story?
Q: What's it like to be famous?
A: Perhaps you've heard that everyone is famous for 15 minutes. Do you know why that is? Because 15 minutes is about all you can stand.
Q: Do you think Jiggy should have won the Conn Smythe?
A: Without question. It's awarded to the player who is the most valuable throughout the playoffs, not to the player who played better in the final game. He beat Detroit, Dallas, and allowed only one goal in a four game series against the Wild.
Q: What's your favorite memory of the series?
A: Seeing my son with purple hair at the glass during warm-ups. Second favorite: having Steve Thomas score the game winner in OT in Game 4.
Q: Was the hit on Kariya by Stevens legal. Was Paul out cold?
A: It was a legal hit. He was out cold.
Q: What did Finals tickets cost. Could players get as many as they wanted?
A: $150 for the lower bowl. No, each visiting player was allotted 4.
Q: Was it hard to watch the players from the Devils skate around with the Cup?
A: I didn't watch.
Q: What did your father say to you after the loss in Game Seven?
A: He hugged me and whispered in my ear, "I love you and I'm proud of you. Very, very proud."
***
See you next season? Don't forget to write if you change your Email address!
Dan Bylsma |
DAN'S TIP OF THE MONTH TRUST FUND AUCTION TIPS FROM HOCKEY CAMP DAN'S HONOR ROLL
COACH'S TIP THE SAYING OF THE MONTH DAN TRIP IN THE NHL DAN & JAY'S BOOKS A WAY TO SUBSCRIBE
So Your Son Wants to Play In The NHL Published in 1998 by Sleeping Bear Press in the US and McClelland & Stewart in Canada. HC $24.95. The story of Dan’s journey from the ice rink in our back yard to the NHL. “This is the best hockey advice since ‘Don’t rile Gordie Howe’”. "This is more than a hockey book. It's a book about life and how to use simple lessons and values for success. …a refreshing straight-ahead approach that makes you feel that you've learned something." LA Times. Autographed and personalized copies available at www.DanBylsma.com.
So You Want to Play In The NHL Published in November, 2000, by NTC/ Contemporary/McGraw-Hill. Trade paperback—$14.95. Thirty-five questions that aspiring young athletes have and Dan’s and Jay’s alternating answers. Forward by Luc Robitaille. This book won’t help you play the game better, but we think it will help you live the game better. “I am making this book required reading for my team because it confirms everything I have ever said in the locker room and to parents.” Coach John M. You can read a chapter by clicking here. Autographed and personalized copies available at www.DanBylsma.com.
Pitcher’s Hands is OUT! Is finally out! (released) and you can get it at on line on the web site or at Barnes & Noble. Published in February by River Road Publications. HC $15.95. A historical novel about what it was like to be a kid living in the Great Depression. It’s a great baseball tale. “…a wonderful story – rich in historical detail, full of excitement, warmth, and humor – a story that readers of all ages will not want to end.” "These father-son authors... made a literary double play." Grand Rapids Press. You can read a chapter by clicking here. You can get autographed, personalized copies at www.DanBylsma.com.
Slam Dunks Not Allowed! - another historical novel is here! This one about basketball and World War II. Many of the same characters you will read about in Pitcher Hands is OUT! – Scooter, Woody, Doolie and Dutchie - are now on the High School basketball team. "The Bylsma writing team takes a page from the history of basketball and sets it against the backdrop of WWII to create a dramatic, touching and often funny novel." Published by River Road Publications. HC $15.95. You can read part of a chapter from the original manuscript by clicking here. You can get autographed, personalized copies at www.DanBylsma.com.
DAN’S ON THE WEB
If you know of another player or his family who might enjoy Dan’s Newsletter “From the Right Wing…”, feel free to forward the newsletter along. Coaches are welcome to send the names and Email addresses of their entire team - we're happy to sign them all up.
If you are reading the Newsletter because someone passed it along and would like to receive the Newsletter for yourself, Email your first and last name to newsletter@DanBylsma.com.
You are also welcome to reprint articles of the newsletter in your hockey newsletter. See Q&A # 51 on the website for the proper way to do that.
If you have a question you would like to ask Dan or Jay, Email your question to questions@DanBylsma.com. You can see the questions asked and answered on the Q&A page on Dan’s web site unless you ask that the response be confidential.
DAN’S ORGANIZATION
West Michigan Hockey Camp, Inc.
P.O. Box 917
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Fax: 616-846-0710
Email: Number21@DanBylsma.com
“Remember… it takes three things to succeed:
talent, hard work and perseverance.
And the greatest of these is not talent.”
J.M.B.
TOP DAN'S TIP OF THE MONTH TRUST FUND AUCTION TIPS FROM HOCKEY CAMP
DAN'S HONOR ROLL COACH'S TIP THE SAYING OF THE MONTH DAN TRIP IN THE NHL DAN & JAY'S BOOKS A WAY TO SUBSCRIBE