The Suit Is Complete…
In my attempts to find a story to write about, I found a bit of news to kick off this story about Emery’s new look. Four new contracts were handed out on Wednesday. Danny Syvret, defense man for the Phantoms last season, signed a one year deal. I wish I could get more info on his contract and as soon as I do I’ll post it. Syvret is loaded with skill and potential but his size, 5’11” 200 lbs, could be a bit of a damper on his success in the National Hockey League. With his tremendous season last year, I can only imagine once Randy Jones is traded it will be a battle between Syvret and Marc-Andre Bourdon for the 7th spot on the defense.
The one signing that completely baffled me was the 3-year entry level contract given to Zac Rinaldo. Zac Rinaldo? Really? Another tough guy? Because Arron Asham, Daniel Carcillo, Scott Hartnell, Riley Cote, Ian Lapperiere, Mike Richards, Chris Pronger, Darrol Powe, Ole-Kristian Tollefson, and for the sake of argument, Ray Emery aren’t enough fighters for one team? What are you thinking Paul Holmgren? Randy Jones is sitting in limbo with the rest of us waiting for you to stop dragging your feet and trade him away for a face off winning thrid line center and this is what you decide to do? One word… Unbelievable. That is all I’m going to say about this signing… Unbelievable.
A short note on David Sloane because the 4th contract is the one I’m interested in; This was the guy that the cap-strapped Flyers decided to sign to an Amateur Try out contract last season. This was a one year AHL contract so nothing important here.
Nicola Riopel, arguably the best goal tending prospect for the Flyers, signed a one year AHL contract also. Which means? You got it, Riopel will be playing for the Phantoms this year and with good enough play he could take Brian Boucher’s spot as Emery’s back-up. As soon as I heard he was drafted behind Morrison I was amazed he slipped through the cracks. Solid, fast, with a good glove. He will impress many. Now on to the real story, Ray Emery’s new look. But, just to build the anticipation of the new mask, let’s look at the pads first.
FINALLY!! Our new number one goaltender was caught with his new pads on. And I must say my first thoughts were of no surprise. “Wow, they must be the brightest, orangest pads ever to be strapped on by a Philadelphia Flyer.” So being myself, I searched back a good amount of years and because I couldn’t find any I’m hoping one of you could find me a fancy, loud pair of pads like Emery’s. Too bad he wasn’t wearing an orange practice jersey because I think the third jersey will look mighty good with those pads. Hopefully they are so bright that players are distracted enough to shoot right at them! Okay the suspense is probably killing you right now, I doubt it because of how late I am on the story, but here they are….
SURPRISE! More boxers grace the mask of Emery. On the left we have ‘The Executioner” Bernard Hopkins. Fitting for Emery’s mask not only because Ray shares Hopkins’ aggressive style, but because Hopkins is a native of Philadelphia. On the right side of his mask, Emery has the great Joe Frazier. Frazier, who is most noted for his incredible defeat of Muhammad Ali, is one of Emery’s biggest idols. But the icing on the mask of cake is on the back. Good old Rock Balboa draped with an American flag. The symbol of Philadelphia for many years is now on the back of our new goaltender’s mask. I really don’t have much to say about the mask because it pretty much speaks for itself but please tell me what you think! Hopefully this story is the start of a bit more in this slow time for hockey. Enjoy your day and LETS GO FLYERS!!