Open letter to Sens fans,
With the NHL 2013 regular season coming to an end, I find myself marveling at the way Daniel Alfredsson, the Senators captain, continues to dangle and weave in and out of traffic with tremendous skill and grace. After so many years of grinding it out and battling through injury, Alfredsson's leadership is unequaled in modern Senators' history.
I remember his rookie season. My father and I were amazed to see that a relatively small Swede could win so many battles along the boards, emerging from the pack to feed saucer passes or a stiff cross ice pass to charging teammates breaking in on net. Speed and accuracy have always made him dangerous around the net.
But, it isn't just his skill that amazes. To last this long in the NHL, to lead your team and carry them on your back to the Stanley Cup Finals, the way he did in 2007, one must have tremendous drive and determination.
After 17 years, his magic on the ice is becoming legendary. No other player in Senators history, not even Jason Spezza, can match Alfie's skill, grace and finish. Because Daniel Alfredsson is our Steve Yzerman. Our captain. A man who has given everything he has to lead our team to victory. A man who will not let age stop him from doing what he loves.
So, as this season nears to an end, anticipating the inevitable question about Alfredsson's retirement will be at the end of every jounalist's tongue, I find myself wishing our captain will never retire. At least not until, like Steve Yzerman, he can't skate any more.
The way Alfie's playing this year, I'd like to see him play for another four years, continuing to contribute as a veteran mentor, leading these young, pesky Sens back to the Cup Final before he hangs up his blades for good.
If you agree, please write to Daniel Alfredsson c/o the Ottawa Senators, to let him know how you feel before he makes a final decision.
Go Sens Go!
James O'Grady
Senators Season Ticket Holder
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