Latest Sport News:Emery Excited About NHL Return

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The Philadelphia Flyers have decided to take a risk with goaltender Ray Emery and it’s great to see him showing some gratitude.  Thankfully, he seems to be smartening up.  Following a morning skate with his new team, Emery said: ”I went through a point there where I didn’t appreciate the game and I had it taken away from me.  I realize that the game is a big part of my life and I want to embrace that part of my life. I’ve learned from what I went through and it’s a growing process.”

image: TSN

Emery was a real rising star when he seemed to just lose his mind.  He helped the Ottawa Senators make it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals and then it all went to hell.  He was late for practices, had violent outbursts on the ice and was apparently no better out on the road.  I wasn’t surprised at all when the Sens gave him the boot and no one else seemed to want to touch him.  It’s sad when Sean Avery can get picked up quicker and he’s a complete a-hole.

When talking about his past with the Senators, Emery said:  ”Little distractions take away from the team and there were definitely little distractions around.  I realize that now, so hopefully that’s in the past. I (just) have to make sure I’m a good teammate and keep my nose clean and stay out of trouble.  I didn’t realize how much I liked the game.  It’s not that exciting not being at the highest level I can play at.”

Ummm?  “I didn’t realize how much I liked the game”????  Seriously?  Okay, first of all, why the heck did he start playing if he didn’t know how much he liked hockey and second of all, why isn’t he saying that he LOVES the game?  I don’t want to hear “I like hockey” out of an NHL player’s mouth.  I want to hear that they breathe, bleed and sweat hockey. I want to find out that their kids, or their future kids, all have jerseys and are born with a hockey stick in their hands and that the basement of their home is painted in their team’s colors.  I don’t want to hear “I didn’t realize how much I liked the game.”

Okay, maybe I’m overanalyzing his comment.  I just want to see a completely different attitude on the ice because, seriously, the Flyers aren’t the Senators.  There are some Philly players who won’t hesitate to kick his ass in the locker room if he gets out of line and I’m happy about that.  I’m also glad to hear that Emery hasn’t lost his passion.  He said:  ”I’m a fiery guy. ‘That’s not going to change and I don’t want it to.”

Let’s hope he can direct that energy into something positive this time.

Tags: Goalies, News, NHL, Philadelphia Flyers, ray emery, ray emery flyers, ray emery team