NHL Notes: Welcome Back to the Machine

Dear Full Press Hockey Readers:

Hey, is this thing on? It’s been a while and I do apologize for that. Also, forgive the informal nature of this post. With working on the FPH Weekly hockey podcast and a bunch of other projects, things got a touch busy. Thanks for being patient. It goes without saying.

This will be short to a point. I will be again mixing in coverage of the New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens this season. The juggling act last Spring and Summer was quite the interesting one. Then, Montreal made that unexpected run which spoiled everyone. That is what makes life fun, right?

I do cover a lot of sports and several I am now credentialed for. For one, I am extremely thankful for the opportunities and learning experiences. Life is a learning experience best served by living one’s best life.

One of the fun things I got to do earlier in the month was go on vacation. I even got to tour the Giant Center, home of the AHL Hershey Bears. Yes, I even got to sample a little bit of the food too. One can never refuse a milkshake especially with Hershey’s chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter. Hey, that is what happens when one has an otherworldly sweet tooth.

So, for the first third of October, I got to travel around Pennsylvania and near the Delaware River valley in New Jersey. It was nice to follow some of the hockey from afar. Then, the first big ripple hit.

The Xfinity dispute with MSG became dug in to the point of no return. For those that do not know, this disagreement is not rectifying itself anytime soon. Now, is some of that rhetoric? It sure as hell does not feel like it.

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For those in New Jersey, that are stuck with Xfinity, it is a bitter pill to swallow. Going to satellite is cumbersome and the internet options dwindle greatly. Thankfully, there are now a considerable amount of streams. The goofy thing is this. In some ways, this is kind of better. There is not that constant need to put the television on since one can watch from anywhere.

Between that and the news which became the Shea Weber “leave” from hockey due to multiple injuries, it was an interesting time. Then, the next ripple hit when it was revealed that Carey Price would be taking an indefinite leave in conjunction with the NHL. It is great that Price can admit he is not okay. The timing, well, who cares about that. It is always the mental and physical well-being of a player that is respected highly.

Even journalists get there sometimes. It is why I went on vacation. Burnout can be very real. It comes often unexpected and suddenly. We take breaks in different ways. For example, I took my mom on vacation with me. One cherishes family when so much of it has been taken away.

Then, there was the adage. The work does not go away because you left. I do want to thank Ian, Murray, and the entire Full Press Hockey family for giving me the time to come on back slowly. This is a process and as other sports end or wind down, the role and work will invariably increase here.

I am lucky to get to do what I love. It is never something I take for granted. Ever. Is it hard sometimes? Sure. Is it crazy almost all the time? You bet. Would I have it any other way? Goodness no!

So November will come soon enough and so will the articles. Thanks again for understanding and never hesitate to reach out. We only get one shot at this thing called life. Let us make it count.

Sincerely,

Chris Wassel

FPH Writer and Podcaster