There's not much more that can be said here about Brian Kilrea marking his 2,000th game behind the bench of the Ottawa 67's tonight, other than to marvel at the man's staying power.Thirty seasons of bus rides, 30 seasons of being a father figure to sometimes immature young men, 30 seasons of getting over tough losses and 30 seasons of trying to keep everyone from getting lazy and complacent during the good times. Just think about that.
The only way I can put in perspective is to look at the other OHL towns in Eastern Ontario. Since Kilrea began coaching in 1974 (he left the 67's twice, once for the NHL and retired for one season to attend to his health), the Belleville and Kingston teams have changed coaches 23 times -- 16 of those belonging to the Canadians-Raiders-Frontenacs. The Bulls have made only seven coaching changes, but the franchise didn't even join the OHL until 1981.
Meantime, in Ottawa, save for three seasons out of the past 33, you could set your watch to seeing Kilrea appear behind the Barberpoles' bench.
Last night's NHL scoreboard
Today's better games: Blues-Red Wings, 7:30, Blue Jackets-Flames, 9.
HOMETOWN BREAKDOWN
You probably heard about this: Due to suspensions stemming from a string of fights last Saturday in Belleville, the Frontenacs are without their head coach Bruce Cassidy and four players -- Bobby Bolt, Kyle Bochek, Peter Stevens and Justin Wallingford -- for tonight's game vs. the Sound Attack and probably a few more contests.
That's all for now. Send your thoughts to neatesager@yahoo.ca.
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