I know this is a fairly popular take, but…Thanksgiving is clearly the best holiday, right? There’s less of the frantic leadup that Christmas has, and it’s about getting together with loved ones and sharing a great feast. It’s also a helpful reminder that everyone should take a break once in awhile and take stock of what they have to be thankful. It’s all too easy to slip into doom and gloom mode these days, but let’s not lose sight of the good out there.
As is our tradition here, the staff of The Cannon have submitted what they’re thankful for this hockey season, and/or in their personal lives as well. Feel free to share yours in the comments!
Dalerrific
This year, I’m thankful for Dean Evason. His impact on the team so far is immeasurable. Sure, you can count wins and statistics, as well as the progression of youthful players like Kent Johnson. What you can’t quantify is the hope he’s brought to the fanbase. After a rough three seasons on and off the ice, it feels like the hope is back. The structure on the ice is welcomed, but the insightful pressers and fist-pumping bench celebrations he brings have been a delight. It feels like we are once again a serious hockey club.
As always, I’m thankful for all of you. This is truly a unique place, and I enjoy interacting with all of you.
NeilB
I’m Canadian. We don’t have to be thankful between mid-October and Christmas. Did I mention the giant pile of snow on my car that all fell in one night?
Seriously though, what am I thankful for?
You guys.
I have had a tough few years recently, between struggling mentally with Major Depressive Disorder and the physical problems with my neck (degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis). I don’t get around as much as I used to, and having this amazing, welcoming, wisecracking bunch of nutters & hockey heretics welcome me in from afar and make me feel at home with each and every one of you has been an amazing blessing. Knowing that I can turn on the machine and you lot are there to argue with about Elvis and whether or not we’ll regret trading away Jiricek is actually a calming part of my day, knowing that here is a place where I’m welcomed in like an old friend from away.
Thank you all, for you.
Pale Dragon
On the hockey side, I’m thankful that the Blue Jackets organization has been able to perservere as they cope with the loss of their friend and teammate, Johnny Gaudreau. Such a loss could have easily derailed this entire campaign before it even got started. Instead, the players seem to have bonded through their shared grief, and are using it as something to play for.
Credit as well to Don Waddell and Dean Evason for having to deal with that so soon after arriving here, but handling it with the utmost professionalism and compassion.
On the personal side, I’ve had several moments over the last year where I was reminded of the support system I have with my family and my friends. I often get stressed when I feel that I have too much going on and I can’t handle it alone…but it turns out I don’t have to.
As the others have said, I’m thankful for everyone here in The Cannon community. The staff has been killing it this season, and the conversation in the comments is as good as it ever has been. 18 months ago I wasn’t sure if we could survive the move to a new platform, but in that time not only did the community stay together, we’ve also welcomed in so many new commenters. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate the support.