Sweet Tea, Barbecue, and Bodychecks post
July 3, 2006
by Acid Queen

Out of a team that I’ve held a deep-seated loathing for since age 10, he was the only one that I could never ever say anything bad about–because there just wasn’t anything bad that could be said about him. Even through the pain and heartache and anger of 2002, I still couldn’t say anything bad about the guy–because when you play the way he did on only one good leg, that’s valour right there (and you have to respect that).

That’s about the right word for it–valour. I can’t think of this man without that word coming to mind, not after 2002. It’s right up there alongside other words used in connection with him: class, dignity, and respect.

I raise a glass in salute to Steve Yzerman, one of the classiest and most valiant players in the last quarter-century. Hail to you, Stevie Y. Hail your three Cups, 2002 Olympic gold medal, and one Hel of a career.

Fair winds and following seas, Cap’n. May you be held up to future generations as a shining example of class, dignity, valour, and respect.