Silver Nuggets: Dear Daniel
This is an open letter, a declaration of undying adoration and admiration for a player who has given everything to the Ottawa Senators. As I don't have the best way with words, I invite you to add your own in the comments to make it more complete.
Dear Daniel,
I hope you are recovering after last night's marathon game, I know I am and I didn't have to play in it. Anyways, I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how much you mean to this city and this team (as if you didn't already know).
When people around the league talk about the Ottawa Senators, invariably Erik Karlsson comes up. Probably the word pesky is mentioned, and I guess Jason Spezza is pretty well known too. In Ottawa, it is Daniel Alfredsson. You ARE the Ottawa Senators, and it feels as though you always have been.
People say that you could run for mayor, you are so loved in this city. You exemplify all the qualities that Senators fans value. You hate to lose. You are humble. You never quit, and you've never abandoned us. There have been some lean years recently, and instead of running for greener pastures in the twilight of your career, you have stuck it out, buoyed by the youth that has come to the team, and you've led. There is no finer leader in the league, no one more respected by their teammates and fans.
Anderson on Alfredsson's nomination for NHL leadership award 'when he speaks he moves mountains' #cbcott #hockeynight
— Dan Séguin (@SeguinSports) May 20, 2013
On the ice, you've still got it. You may be in the fourth fifth decade of your life, but when the Senators need a hero, how are we ever surprised when it is you? The "Alfie" chants are the product of Sens fans knowing who their hero is, and cheering him on with all their hearts.
Off the ice, you are just as much of a hero. Many people know of your willingness to take young Erik Karlsson into your home during his rookie year, but not NEARLY enough people know of your work with the Royal Ottawa Hospital. Having had the privilege of hearing you speak about your sister's battle with mental illness (a week and a half after sports hernia surgery no less), I know I was inspired to learn more and to help any way I can.
In closing, there are a million things I could write, but it boils down to this: I hope you never leave us Alfie. You are our Bobby. Our Gordie. Our Mario. One day you will stop being able to play for the Senators, but there will never be a day when you will stop being Ottawa's biggest, and best hero.
Thank you, for all that you do.
Sens Links
- Recaps galore! [SSS] [PD] [SE]
- The overtime goal, GIF style [RBM]
- Numbers and quotes from the game. Thank goodness for the extra day off, EK played almost 40 minutes! [Warren]
- Ups and downs with some serious Colin Greening love. [SSS]
- Do you believe in this team? Because they sure do. [Scanlan]
- Our beautiful leader has been nominated for the Mark Messier leadership award and it would be a crime if he doesn't win. [NHL]