Falling snow swirled about the bus as it slowly rolled to a stop outside the Charlottetown Civic Centre Sunday afternoon. We had arrived – with frazzled nerves but safe.
As we filed off we thanked our driver for managing the snow covered roads and stormy conditions. Our game the night before in Bathurst had been postponed. Little did we know – this road trip would only get worse.
I scrambled upstairs to meet Rocket President Serge Savard Jr. He looked like he was in the midst of his own storm. A tired looking Savard in a very candid interview explained why his team had unloaded 7 players during the trading period in a season when they were promising to make a playoff run. (View video at sportsandmoore.com) The fans were angry and he understood. As I gazed down from my broadcast perch, I estimated there may have been 500 fans in attendance.
The road would only become rougher and rockier for the Mooseheads on Sunday afternoon. One by one they started to fall. First – Garrett Clarke. Josh Currie suckered the Mooseheads defenceman and he became concussed.
Linden Bahm was next. He went flying over the top of a Rocket winger and crashed into the boards head first. He was sent to the hospital immediately and later returned with a cast (fractured wrist).
Spencer Metcalfe was trying to fight off the flu despite appeals from Medical Trainer Brian Morrison to come out of lineup. He was determined to stay as PEI enforcer Brendan Wright was looking for a dance partner. Despite a huge size (5 inches 40 lbs) advantage, Metcalfe held his own but with nothing left was finished for the game.
With the game winding down en route to a 4-1 loss, Sawyer Hannay suffered a freakish laceration of his lower right leg. He was clipped by partner, Paul Dimitruk’s skate and lost all feeling in his lower leg.
The PEI team doctor assured Hannay he would be okay as he methodically inserted 11 stitches. However he also made it clear how fortunate he was. “Another millimeter and you would have had season ending surgery on your Achilles tendon.” Hannay was more interested in being able to practice Monday.
Back inside the clinic, Morrison had his hands full treating his players. It looked like a triage. The storm raged outside.
The coaching staff was busy gathering information and trying to decide whether to return to Halifax or stay the night. Coach Russell was checking road reports and weather forecasts. Coach Donnolly made a call and returned “Rooms are available.”
A member of the Rocket staff offered “Just heard from the bridge, they’re open.”
A Vancouver scout declared, “I’ve changed my plans and am staying here. Don’t forget Swift Current.” (Reference to Swift Current Broncos tragic bus accident in 1986).
Coach MacLeod closed his cellphone. “It’s raining in Halifax.”
Someone blurted out, “What about the Cobequid Pass?”
The bus sat idling, players waiting for the decision. Finally Russell stepped aboard after a conversation with our driver. “Lets start out and see how it is.”
Heavy rain pelted the side of the bus as we made our way off the Island. The roads were partly snow, mostly slush covered. Conditions changed for the worse once in New Brunswick.
We were back into storm conditions. Roads snow covered and visibility was not good. I could see the stress on the drivers face.
Near the back of the bus, Bahm used a pillow to elevate and prop up his left arm. He winced at the pain and the swelling. Metcalfe was drifting off trying to get needed rest and sleep. Clarke and Hannay were watching videos, at least temporarily escaping from the elements outside, the injuries and their 5th straight loss.
The pass was next!
See you in Moose Country Friday when the Montreal Juniors make their final visit.
Travel safe!
John
