Fun or business?
I've seen Darcy Regier in a lot of situations during the past six years. This was my first time seeing him at the NHL draft. It's a whole new experience.
Regier was in his element. He was smiling, he was talking at length with anyone who caught his attention (and beaming while doing it), he was walking into the stands and shaking hands with folks --- he was just having a grand ol' time. It was cool to see.
I think it's because there is little to no business during draft weekend. It's purely sports. You're looking at 18-year-old kids who play because they love it, and hearing their name called is a moment of pure joy. It was hockey people at a hockey event.
But, as I said, it's rare to see that -- from anyone, not just Regier. It's the unofficial start of unrestricted free agency (the official start is July 1), and it's back to business.
It's a shame. I don't think there's enough sports in sports anymore, and I'm not sure I even like the whole scene. It seems like there are three months of joy (the draft, training camp and the Stanley Cup playoffs) and nine months of garbage (whining over money, claims of small-market doom, talk show screaming matches and bitter message board "debates").
As I said, seeing Regier have so much fun made me wish sports was like that more often. I'm curious to hear any other thoughts. Vote in the poll and leave a comment explaining why you voted that way.
---John Vogl
