Rembering Lokomotiv

Words cannot express the magnitude of the tragedy that befell the hockey world on Wednesday.

As I sit here trying to come up with a catchy or profound opening sentence, it has dawned on me that I don't need to relay the significance of today's events - anyone reading this understands the deep impact this tragedy has had on the hockey community.

I wrote an article about it here, (bit.ly/njBeLu) but I've given myself 48 hours to process what happened before I blogged about it.
Don't get me wrong - I don't expect or pretend to be anywhere near as affected by the tragedy as the player's family members or former teammates.
But this event has really brought out the family aspect of the hockey world.
We are all one big family. Hockey players and fans are a special breed. So this hits home for all of us.
When I read the reports that hockey ranks fourth among the four major sports in the US, I can't help but assume hockey counters that by having the most passionate fan base out of the 'big four'.
I do follow other sports, but hockey is the one that I think has the most dedicated fans.

And that's what makes us one big family.

We may be a small group compared to droves of football, baseball and basketball fans.
But we care the most about our teams, the players and the sport.

So when we lose one of our own, or in this case, an entire team, it really strikes at our core.

If a plane crashed in China carrying an entire Chinese league basketball team, I don't believe that the NBA, it's member teams, or it's players would rally around the victims the way the hockey community has.

I don't mean that as an assault on the character of those people, just as a testament to the nature of our sport.

It speaks volumes to the strength of the hockey community that the KHL is determined to maintain the Lokomotiv team, that players are voluntarily committing themselves to play for the new team, and that the league and team has rallied around the families of the victims and pledged to take care of them and see to their well being.

Hopefully a tragedy like this never happens again, and hopefully the memories of those lost in the crash never fade.

They will always be a part of our family.

Avs sign Cumiskey

Today, the Colorado Avalanche announced that the club signed defenseman Kyle Cumiskey to a one year deal.

Cumiskey was tendered a qualifying offer after the conclusion of last season, and was the last player to remain unsigned on the Avalanche roster.

The contract is a two way deal (708K/105K). The 24-year old played only 18 games with the club last season, suffering from recurring concussion symptoms. He scored 8 points (1g/7a) for the team, and has racked up 9 goals and 26 assists (35p) over parts of five seasons with the team.

Taking so long to sign a contract left some fans wondering if Cumiskey would even play this year. He is the antithesis of what the team added in big, tough defensemen like Jan Hejda and Shane O'Brien. Factor in the face that Kyle Quincey is returning from injury, and prospects like Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie are nearly ready to make the jump, and you have a crowded blue line for sure, with no solidified spot for Cumiskey.

Cumiskey will need to have a killer training camp to secure a spot on the roster. Being only 24, he still hasa few years to develop, but he will have to learn how to best make up for his small stature and inconsistent defense. If he could learn how to harness his speed and best use it for breaking out of his own end, he would increase his chances greatly.

But if guys like Wilson, O'Brien and Elliott have a good camp, Cumiskey may find himself on the outside looking in.