12/21/24
July 01, 2004
Classy: Very cool move by Calgayr Flames Goaltender Roman Turek. He want's a cup and likes playing in our hockey mad city. Check out how happy the fans are in Cowtown who were riding him REALLY hard this season in light of his payment vs. perfomance at calgarypuck.com/forum .
It seems he's resigned to being a back-up now. But that's a hell of a team move. Not a great union move, but he's so bad now anyway it's better than being hated and ridiculed.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:34 PM on July 01, 2004
I remember, when he first went to Calgary, how loud he was in proclaiming how much he really loved the city, how much it reminded him of his hometown, the folksiness and the feel of the place, right off the bat. And despite his decline from potential top-tier guy to second-stringer, I buy the humility thing from him. For the Flames, it may have been a renegotiation on merit, but for Turek, I believe his team-first ethic. The union may be pissed at him, but he has been consistent in his desires. And while they absolutely caught lightning in a bottle last year (at least until lightning caught them back, anyway), there's a still a solid nucleus there for a decent run next year. Now all we need is for there to be a next year.
posted by chicobangs at 02:28 PM on July 01, 2004
Classy. Also a nice argument sustaining the NHLPA's position.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 08:57 AM on July 02, 2004
solid nucleus - possibly minus Conroy though?
posted by gspm at 11:55 AM on July 02, 2004
Good move. He surely didn't make himself worth the contract he had in light of his performance and the quality of other keepers making less. So, when his performance took a decided slide right after he signed the contract does this mean his performance will take a decided upturn? Primeau re-signing for a pay cut? Turek restructuring his contract? What are these players doing? The don't seem to be taking what they can get from "the market".