They didn’t poke the bear

I shut the TV off as soon as the clock ran out. I honestly wasn’t going to watch another team hoist the Stanley Cup on home ice. Just too bitter to swallow just yet. Nothing personal against the Chicago Blackhawks which proved to have the edge in the closely contested series. In that lies what happened the 2013 Bruins, they weren’t poked.

 

Bruin’s do their best when they have an emotional stake involved or some kind of villain to focus on. With Pittsburgh we wanted to see Sidney Crosby and his pout pummeled by Chara.

 

Even NY Rangers had the evil coach Tortorella with his brutal commentary and tactics at times. Course now he appears to be Vancouver’s problem now.

 

Of course I’m sure , though unconfirmed, the thoughts of Phil Kessel triumphing over Boston spurred the incredible game seven comeback for the ages.

 

Let’s look at 2011 Stanley Cup run too.

First we face the dreaded Montreal Canadiens which is perhaps the fiercest rivalry the Bruins have. Hating the Habs is part of the ritual of becoming a Bruins fan. Like Red Sox Vs. Yankees, Lakers vs. Celtics and Patriots vs. Jets. The hate is just naturally there. 

 

Next was the sweep of the Broad Street Bullies in 4 games for payback for the embarrassment of 2010 debacle. Which we took full advantage of their revolving goalie issue.

 

Who could forget Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher’s evil scar and mind game like news conferences.

 

When we finally got to the finals with Vancouver they were something of an unknown. but by the end of the series probably everyone including the Vancouver Zamboni drivers were hated. Between bitten fingers, staying in paint, inflating tire, Green Men and so on. Plenty of drama and most of all ….hate.

How the loss was taken by Vancouver fans. Still waiting for the riots in Boston. Must be still in planning stages or everyone's busy watching New England Patriot  Aaron Hernandez updates.

Chicago Blackhawks

I kept waiting for the hate to come for Chicago. Heck I actually like city though I’ve never been there. Always respected there teams The cities themselves are similar in their tough character. The hate never materialized really in the fan base or on the ice. Though I thought when Bruins were up 2-1 I thought we were in the drivers seat. Unfortunately the B’s let off the gas and let Chicago back in the driver seat.

How can you hate a city that has this?

Whether it was part of there strategy the Blackhawks never really poked the bear. I can’t even name a player I dislike on their team. They played tough solid respectable hockey. Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks on winning the Cup.

Boston Bruin’s

Unfortunately Patrice Bergeron’s gutsy playing while injured in game six wasn’t enough. He exemplifies the Bruin’s spirit and work ethic. Along with the play of Tuukka Rask, Gregory Campbell, Zdeno Chara but it wasn’t enough. No goals from Jagr (0 goals 10 assists)and the disappearance of Tyler Seguin(1 goal 7 assists) at times. Where was the “Little ball of Hate” Brad Marchand this series or the playoffs for that matter? He seemed a shadow of his pesky self compared to 2011.

Enough of the griping. Thanks to the Boston Bruins for a wonderful spirited run to help the city of Boston during a tough year with all the drama and tragedy of the Boston Marathon. The team still is a proud representation of of a tough and resilient city and region. The team is still young and will for sure still be very competitive in the near future. Looking forward to training camp in the fall already. Now I must suffer through intolerable Red Sox and Patriots sports coverage, oh well.  As always ,

Go Bruin’s!

Marshfield by Cynthia Hagar Krusell & John J. Galluzzo

 

I spent a sizable chunk of my childhood in Marshfield on the South Shore of Massachusetts so naturally this book interested me. For those that don’t know, Marshfield is a mid point between the big city of Boston and Cape Cod along the coast. It has it’s share of rolling hillside and balanced with sandy seashore. Summer was marked when my mother got her beach sticker and along with my brother and sister we’d spend many days down at Rexhame beach. When I got older I’d hop on my bike early mornings to Humarock(Ok it’s actually Scituate) watch the early morning sunrise over the ocean. The highlight of summer of course was the annual Marshfield Fair with the fireworks that we could hear from our house if we weren’t there. I missed it and friends I had grown up with when we moved away. I even went to school that was nick named “The Alamo” and If you saw it you’d understand.

The book gives a  pictorial account of the early history of the town. The different villages are described in vintage photos. Most of the photos concentrated around the pioneer days of photography, late 1800’s to 1900’s. I would love to see more during the later half of the 20th century when my mother grew up there and later I did. As I read the book it made me wish I had a road map too the town for refresh my aging memory. It’s a cool book for those that have known or lived (or still do)in Marshfield at one time or another. It makes a handy reference or something cure your fix for nostalgia.

Aloha To Those Who Served U.S. Navy 1941-1945

I came across this pamphlet amongst family old family photo’s. This must have belonged to my Grandfather who was a US Navy Seabee during World War 2. I do know he was stationed in Hawaii during that time. I just thought this would be interesting to history buffs,like myself, to share this.

 

Foxborough World War II Roll of Honor

I have driven by this memorial hundred’s of times in my life but given it no more than a passing glance. The World War 2 Roll of Honor is located on the south corner of Foxboro Common where South Street and Central street meet at the common. You may miss it coming from Central Street(Route 140) as it’s partial obscured. It faces the Memorial Hall across the way.

What peaked my interest in it recently in going through some old family photo’s and assorted papers I came across “A Program of Welcome and Appreciation for the Men and Women of Foxborough who served in World War 2 who are Honorably Discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America”. This program was held on January 10, 1945 at Foxboro High School(I believe now is the Igo Elementary School).

Featured prominently on the cover is the memorial itself.

I find my Grandfather William J. Ellis Jr. on the list to be honored.

 

My grandfather’s “Certificate of Appreciation” from the town of Foxborough.

My Grandfather William J. Ellis Jr.

Present day World War 2 Roll of Honor.

The Roll of Honor was originally proposed for in 1943 and I believe was dedicated Memorial Day 1945(I’d have further research this to confirm this.). Originally during the war the names were kept in a wooden and glass case and the bronze plaque was to be erected once the war ended.

Joseph D'Abrue August 1944

Update August 13, 2013: I would also like to add my Grandmother's brother Joseph D'Abrue who is also listed on the Roll of Honor. He served in the U.S. Army. 

Patrice Bergeron (5) Overtime Game Winner (2OT) Pittsburgh Penguins 1 Bo...

So good I had to see again. Couldn't believe when I got out work and they were still playing. Was thrilled when Bergeron scored the winner to make it a 3-0 series lead. Really sick of the whining by commentators about a non-call. Give me a break with this crap. Non-calls go on all the time for either side. Let's face it refs usually pocket the whistles during playoff overtime anyway which can benefit either team, no favorites. One more win and it's on to the Cup final! Way to go Bruins!

Go Bruins tonight!