I've put off writing this blog post for as long as I could.
Sometimes, when a good thing ends you don't want to accept it, so you put it off for a while but eventually you must face the music.
In this case, I'm speaking of my time as the University of Central Oklahoma hockey broadcaster.
Looking back on my final season, and the two previous years prior to this one, I can't help but think of the fond memories I have of my time with the bronze and blue.
But as I faded out the mics for the final time, I was left with some thoughts on the future of the UCO program. I won't bore my readers with a long list of stories and memories, but here are a few final thoughts from the broadcast booth.
Prospects are Bright:
The UCO Bronchos are in good hands with their coaching staff and current roster. When I watched the Bronchos miss the playoffs for the first time in three years the one thing that stuck out to me was that the program was stocked with young talent. Sadly that young talent didn't come together in time for the playoffs, but it is there none-the-less.
Freshmen like Donald Geary, Derek Mussey, Peter Ekholm, Anthony Knuth and Nick Holmes all show signs of being future stars for the Bronchos. If UCO could add some solid talent in this recruiting class, they'd be off to a running start for a return to the postseason.
An ACHA National Tournament in OKC may be more than a pipe dream:
One thing that could put the American Collegiate Hockey Association on a bigger map in the area is hosting a national tournament in the metro. In talking with people around the league as well as the UCO staff, it is quite evident that not only has the idea been passed around, but that there has been some serious thought to it. With the Oklahoma Sooners right down the highway, a national tournament in OKC is not out of the question. It would take a lot of support and work, but could go a long way in growing the sport here.
Class Act:
Lastly, before I begin to ramble, I would like to thank the UCO organization for being such a wonderful career launcher for me. But even more than that, the players and coaches have been close friends and family to me. I treasure the past three years and will always remain a Broncho for the rest of my days. I wish them nothing but the best of luck moving forward and know it is only a matter of time before the bronze and blue win it all.
Chomp 'em up Chos!
Hockey Chart
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Barons' Defenseman Reaches Huge Milestone
Oklahoma City Barons' defenseman Bryan Helmer is a classy guy who just loves to play hockey.
I found that out when I first met him.
It must be odd for a 38-year-old professional hockey player to be pulled aside by a 21-year-old during his first game with a new team and forced to answer questions about a team he barely has had time to meet. Either that or it's just another day at the office.
But when I pulled Mr. Helmer aside that day to interview him after the first period of his first game here, I was rather pleased with the experience.
The defenseman has most likely seen it all, and if he hasn't seen it, he's probably heard of people that have seen it.
Helmer is in the latter end of an 18 year career that may be soon coming to a close. But not before he reaches a huge milestone.
Bryan will play in his 1,000th career American Hockey League game this Friday in Calgary.
1,000 games.
Now that is impressive.
“I’d love to get 1,000 games," Helmer told me after breaking the career point total for an AHL defenseman in January. "That’d be another great milestone, another personal goal that I’d love to reach. That was the two things that I wanted to come back for. The point record and to get 1,000 games. If I could do that, it’d be icing on the cake.”
Well he's got the point record, and he'll get his 1,000th game Friday night.
What else is in store for Helmer? After 18 long years, there may be not much left in the hockey chapter of his life.
“Well, I think this could be my last (season),” Helmer said. “My wife’s been great to let me do this for 18 years, and I’ve accomplished a lot of things and I’m really happy now with my career but you never know. Things do change sometimes and we’ll go from there.”
I would love to see Helmer come back to Oklahoma City if everything falls in place. He is a leader, a great interview and a real nice guy. I hope the rest of the season pans out for him and everything works in his favor for his future.
Here is a link to an article on Helmer I wrote in January on this very subject and below is the Helmer Tribute Video I edited for Bryan's record point puck presentation.
http://bit.ly/hJIIqj
I found that out when I first met him.
It must be odd for a 38-year-old professional hockey player to be pulled aside by a 21-year-old during his first game with a new team and forced to answer questions about a team he barely has had time to meet. Either that or it's just another day at the office.
But when I pulled Mr. Helmer aside that day to interview him after the first period of his first game here, I was rather pleased with the experience.
The defenseman has most likely seen it all, and if he hasn't seen it, he's probably heard of people that have seen it.
Helmer is in the latter end of an 18 year career that may be soon coming to a close. But not before he reaches a huge milestone.
Bryan will play in his 1,000th career American Hockey League game this Friday in Calgary.
1,000 games.
Now that is impressive.
“I’d love to get 1,000 games," Helmer told me after breaking the career point total for an AHL defenseman in January. "That’d be another great milestone, another personal goal that I’d love to reach. That was the two things that I wanted to come back for. The point record and to get 1,000 games. If I could do that, it’d be icing on the cake.”
Well he's got the point record, and he'll get his 1,000th game Friday night.
What else is in store for Helmer? After 18 long years, there may be not much left in the hockey chapter of his life.
“Well, I think this could be my last (season),” Helmer said. “My wife’s been great to let me do this for 18 years, and I’ve accomplished a lot of things and I’m really happy now with my career but you never know. Things do change sometimes and we’ll go from there.”
I would love to see Helmer come back to Oklahoma City if everything falls in place. He is a leader, a great interview and a real nice guy. I hope the rest of the season pans out for him and everything works in his favor for his future.
Here is a link to an article on Helmer I wrote in January on this very subject and below is the Helmer Tribute Video I edited for Bryan's record point puck presentation.
http://bit.ly/hJIIqj
Yvette Walker's Presentation
I had the pleasure to sit in on a presentation by UCO's newest Ethics professor, Yvette Walker.
Walker has worked in communications for a long time, spending time with major newspapers, including The Oklahoman.
Walker explained how blogging can cause egos to run wild. I tend to agree.
When you blog, you're more-or-less emphasizing your personality and character and smothering your posts with it.
This can often times become overbearing for the "traditional journalist" who may not be completely comfortable with adding opinion and personality to their work.
It was an interesting presentation and Walker really gave some insight into the world of journalistic blogging, what is a blog, how to get into blogging, who reads blogs, which bloggers are most successful etc.
I was very impressed with her experience and knowledge of the topic.
Walker has worked in communications for a long time, spending time with major newspapers, including The Oklahoman.
Walker explained how blogging can cause egos to run wild. I tend to agree.
When you blog, you're more-or-less emphasizing your personality and character and smothering your posts with it.
This can often times become overbearing for the "traditional journalist" who may not be completely comfortable with adding opinion and personality to their work.
It was an interesting presentation and Walker really gave some insight into the world of journalistic blogging, what is a blog, how to get into blogging, who reads blogs, which bloggers are most successful etc.
I was very impressed with her experience and knowledge of the topic.
Blog I've Chosen to Follow
As a requirement for my Blogging for Journalists class at the University of Central Oklahoma, I have to choose a professional blog to "follow" throughout the semester and post on.
I have chosen the AFC East Blog at ESPN.com written by Tim Graham.
Growing up in the Buffalo sports area and market I was instantly born into Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fandom. And while I head into a stage in my life where I need to maintain a level of professionalism, meaning that I have made the choice to put my fan nature aside and begin a career, I still have a soft spot in my heart for Buffalo sports.
Tim Graham is a former beat writer of the Sabres and currently covers the Bills for ESPN.
Here is Tim's latest blog post: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/26057/breaking-down-buffalos-kyle-williams
In it Graham breaks down Buffalo defensive tackle Kyle Williams.
I find it interesting that Graham posted: "Williams is the NFL’s most underrated defensive player. In fact, he should have been a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate."
I thought it is a legitimate argument.
Graham also states his opinion that Williams should be moved around more next season as to utilize his strengths. I couldn't agree more. This is something that I believe should have happened last season.
I have chosen the AFC East Blog at ESPN.com written by Tim Graham.
Growing up in the Buffalo sports area and market I was instantly born into Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fandom. And while I head into a stage in my life where I need to maintain a level of professionalism, meaning that I have made the choice to put my fan nature aside and begin a career, I still have a soft spot in my heart for Buffalo sports.
Tim Graham is a former beat writer of the Sabres and currently covers the Bills for ESPN.
Here is Tim's latest blog post: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/26057/breaking-down-buffalos-kyle-williams
In it Graham breaks down Buffalo defensive tackle Kyle Williams.
I find it interesting that Graham posted: "Williams is the NFL’s most underrated defensive player. In fact, he should have been a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate."
I thought it is a legitimate argument.
Graham also states his opinion that Williams should be moved around more next season as to utilize his strengths. I couldn't agree more. This is something that I believe should have happened last season.
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