9/11 - News Clips
Before I get to the variety of newsworthy items I need to mention about the Wings, I wanted to take a second to remember the tragic events that happened six years ago. I know I’ll never forget the horror of 9/11/01 and the images of a burning and later collapsing World Trade Center towers as well as the Pentagon and the plane crash in Pennsylvania.
Due to my busy schedule, I got a bit behind on the latest Wings news. Let me briefly touch on what has happened since my last post…
Blackshere sentenced in slayings at Chelis’ Chili Bar
Justin Blackshere was sentenced to life without parole this week after being convicted of first-degree murder or a chef and also a restaurant manager at Cheli’s Chili Bar in Detroit. Chef Mark Barnard was stabbed 28 times on the morning of January 2nd. Blackshere stabbed 49 year old restaurant manager Megan Soroko 14 times. He then stole $10,000 from the restaurant safe.
Chelios released the following statement regarding Blackshere’s sentencing:
“The past eight months have been very difficult,” Chelios said. “I am relieved we can now begin to bring closure to this ordeal for the friends, family and co-workers of Mark Barnard and Megan Soroka and begin to put this tragedy behind us. I again want to wholeheartedly thank the Detroit Police Department and Chief Ella Bully Cummings for their professionalism throughout this entire process. I would also like to thank Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Lindsey and her staff for their exceptional work. Due to their diligent efforts, this case was solved quickly, and for that, I am extremely grateful. I’m also grateful to the entire Detroit Red Wings organization, my teammates, our fans and the patrons of Cheli’s Chili Bar for their ongoing support. Mark and Megan were exceptional people and we will do our best to keep their spirit alive. I ask you to continue to keep Mark and Megan and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”
Prospects play in Traverse City
Over the past week, prospects for eight teams including the Detroit Red Wings have played in a tournament hosted by the Wings in Traverse City. Some of the big stories (not including game scores) have been the play of Igor Grigorenko, which hasn’t been as great as one could hope, and the impressive play of Evan McGrath.
Forsberg to the Wings?
TSN predicted the teams most likely to land veteran forward Peter Forsberg. Darren Dreger put the Wings in at number three.
3. Detroit. Nicknamed “Little Sweden,” the Red Wings have many faces very familiar to Forsberg. Ken Holland didn’t spend foolishly in free agency, so cap space in Detroit is not an issue.
Osgood reacts to new jerseys
Backup goaltender Chris Osgood was actually pleasantly surprised by the new jersey style after trying on an earlier prototype.
“I’m pleasantly surprised,” said goalie Chris Osgood , who was expecting something similar to the prototypes the players wore during practice last winter. “They’re nice and light. The ones we wore last year were really, really tight and uncomfortable. Now they’re perfect — they feel really good.”
Quick Links
A couple links to recent posts at my other Red Wings blog, Winging It In Motown:
I answer questions posed by ESPN columnist Scott Burnside about the Red Wings upcoming season.
GM Ken Holland extends a tryout invitation to Brent Sopel.
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2 Responses to “9/11 - News Clips”
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September 12th, 2007 at 8:21 am
God Bless Chris Chelios! He came to Detroit, called it home and believes in this great city! It was a tragedy what happened that January 2nd at the Detroit location of Cheli’s Chili Bar. He is a good man and a great hockey player. Those that know him, know that once you get past that rough exterior know that he is a passionate person and really cares about people and his community.
It would be a “real crime” if they didn’t retire his jersey here in Detroit.
September 14th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Yoyo, as much as I like Cheli, he will not have a retired jersey here in Detroit. But he has done a lot for the team and community so I’ll definitely give you that.