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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-09 00:36 [#00163359]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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Saku Koivu is coming back tomorrow night to the Montreal Canadiens after getting stomach cancer that almost killed him and made him miss the season! Amazing, he's already back, and the city of Montreal is going to be the best place in the world tomorrow. And I'm thinking I better watch the game alone, because I'm probably going to break down and cry and make myself look silly! :-) There won't be a dry eye in the arena tomorrow night. Shit, I can barely watch news clips about it without getting emotional!!!
Human emotions suck!
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Darth manchu
from Cambridge (United Kingdom) on 2002-04-09 00:38 [#00163364]
Points: 1897 Status: Regular
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They help me in my day to day life. Stomach cancer? Woah, thats pretty exreme cancer that.
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uzim
on 2002-04-09 00:41 [#00163374]
Points: 17716 Status: Lurker
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human emotions are great but sometimes i'd really like to kill my emotional self so i could do things like my homework without thinking all the time of other things... you know, i'd really like to be able to turn myself into a robotic, machine-like person to be able to do things like that without giving up after 5 minutes... i have no willpower ;)
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REFLEX
from Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) on 2002-04-09 00:41 [#00163375]
Points: 8864 Status: Regular
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Maybe if there was a ON/OFF switch.
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-09 00:47 [#00163385]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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I'm actually a very cold and distant person, normally, and that's how everyone sees me, as this unapproachable and dark brooder... but this Koivu back from cancer shit is just showing my true teddy bear side. Gyargh! I have a reputation to maintain, I can't be showing emotion!
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uzim
on 2002-04-09 00:48 [#00163388]
Points: 17716 Status: Lurker
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it would be cool to have a on/off switch... but... maybe you wouldn't be able to switch your emotions "on" again when you're in "off" mode... (someone would have to do it for you) :)
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REFLEX
from Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) on 2002-04-09 00:54 [#00163390]
Points: 8864 Status: Regular
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uzim: i could handle that.
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Darth manchu
from Cambridge (United Kingdom) on 2002-04-09 00:57 [#00163394]
Points: 1897 Status: Regular
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Wouldnt it be really scary if everytime you acted on an emotion a little machine released a small electrical shock. Man that is scary.
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Taxidermist
from Black Grass on 2002-04-09 00:58 [#00163396]
Points: 9958 Status: Lurker
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Girls do that. And it bothers me. Damn on switch :( always getting me into trouble :(
On a side note I have made myself nicely coldhearted by becoming a hermit these past couple years.
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xlr
from Boston (United States) on 2002-04-09 01:04 [#00163402]
Points: 4904 Status: Regular
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i've been desensitized to death over time...unless of course it's someone close to me. I don't know who this Saku koviv person is but i'm glad he's ok.
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-09 01:23 [#00163418]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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Koivu inspires Canadiens Apr. 8, 2002
It doesn't matter whether or not Saku Koivu suits up Tuesday for the Montreal Canadiens. He already has given his teammates the best gift in the world.
He has given them hope and taught them the true value of perseverance.
Those lessons from Koivu, as much as anything, may well explain why the Canadiens -- the team that shouldn't -- could be in the playoffs come next Monday.
As usual, Montreal has had its fair share of setbacks this season, starting with the shocking summer diagnosis of Koivu's abdominal cancer. Goaltender Jeff Hackett has twice separated his shoulder, popular power forward Brian Savage was dealt away, defenseman Sheldon Souray suffered his annual major injury and Donald Audette suffered a ghastly wrist injury.
Each could have been reason enough to throw in the towel in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference. But Montreal never quit. How could they with the specter of Koivu hanging over them?
While they battled to stay in the playoff race, Koivu battled to live. He never complained about his condition, never bemoaned his fate, never gave up the fight to get better. His teammates, shaken by the news of the dreaded disease in August, marveled at his determination and rejoiced in each of his small successes along the way.
"It's an amazing story -- to come back from where he was in training camp to where he is now," Souray said. "That's testament to his will and character and that's why he's captain."
Koivu's journey to the brink of returning to hockey is the ultimate tale of perseverance and courage. It has been an inspiration to his teammates, to the city of Montreal and to anyone who follows hockey in the least bit.
Koivu underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy between September and January, his body ravaged as it fought a desperate battle with cancer. In January, Koivu was pronounced cancer free and began the slow, often treacherous, task of seeing if he could play the game he loved again at the highest level.
He work
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-09 01:23 [#00163420]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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He worked as hard as he ever has in his life, employing Chris Carmichael -- who helped train American cyclist Lance Armstrong back from testicular cancer in 1996 to three consecutive Tour de France victories -- to help with his workouts.
The dream of returning to the Montreal lineup kept him going through the cold, dark days of his dreariest winter.
"I miss the game," Koivu said. "That's my problem.
"When I wasn't able to play I wasn't leading a normal life because I wasn't playing hockey. Coming back, I feel I'm where I need to be. I'm beating this thing. It feels great to be skating, scoring goals, being around the guys. It's all those things."
And, it was the dream of allowing Koivu to enjoy the things he missed that kept his Montreal teammates going.
Goalie Jose Theodore turned in the best season of his career, positioning himself to be a factor in the Hart Trophy race. Aging vet Doug Gilmour, hearing the whispers that he may have lost the passion for the game that at one time made his one of the sport’s greats -- again showed that passion -- handling Koivu's job as top-line center more than capably.
Others stepped in with their own contributions, not as flashy, but just as important.
Now, today, Montreal sits on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. With three games left in the season, Montreal holds a five-point lead on the Washington Capitals for the final playoff spot in the East.
The Canadiens play the first of those three remaining games Tuesday against Ottawa. If Koivu feels OK after a weekend of workouts, he could be in the lineup. If not, he could return Friday against New Jersey on the road, or Saturday against Buffalo at home. Or, he could wait until the playoffs start in nine days' time.
Montreal's players know it is still a toss-up whether Koivu will return. They understand that it may be best for Koivu to take the postseason off and return next season after a summer of workouts.
It no longer matters to the Canadiens, tho
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-09 01:24 [#00163421]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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It no longer matters to the Canadiens, though. Koivu's presence alone has helped them overcome their team's run of misfortune and make this a season to remember in the cradle of hockey.
"If he comes back, it's a bonus," said Souray. "He has to know if he feels ready, but if he can, that would be terrific.
"Whether he plays eight minutes or two minutes or 20, he'll help our team."
If, in the worse case scenario, Koivu does not return, he has already helped the Canadiens out more than they may even realize.
And, that, is the true gift of a survivor.
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xlr
from Boston (United States) on 2002-04-09 01:25 [#00163424]
Points: 4904 Status: Regular
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kind of like that guy who had cancer of the testicles, he was a bicycling champion and after hsi treatment he won the tour de france...i think.
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jupitah
from Minneapolis (United States) on 2002-04-09 01:31 [#00163429]
Points: 3489 Status: Lurker
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Ophecks, indulge in your emotions! Crying is healing and beautiful. Holding back the tears is unhealthy. But of course, don't let anyone see you.
;)
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The_Funkmaster
from St. John's (Canada) on 2002-04-09 01:32 [#00163430]
Points: 16280 Status: Lurker
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a good cry every now and then is great... really clenses the soul... damn I haven't cried in ages...
come on guys, make me cry, I need it!!!
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Taxidermist
from Black Grass on 2002-04-09 01:32 [#00163431]
Points: 9958 Status: Lurker
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Specially if it is about hockey.
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-09 01:33 [#00163432]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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http://pages.infinit.net/august/habs/SakuMario.jpg
Two cancer survivors right there, cancer can't beat hockey players!!!
The last thing I want is for people to see a weakness in my cold hearted bastard armor, so I'll have to hide my senstive side. :-)
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jupitah
from Minneapolis (United States) on 2002-04-09 02:36 [#00163508]
Points: 3489 Status: Lurker
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Holdin back is wack!
(that was stupid on purpose guys, im not a dork i swear. jus dont' tar and spoon me)
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-10 04:55 [#00164989]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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Opposing Senators also honor Canadiens' captain
MONTREAL -- Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu was greeted with a lengthy ovation Tuesday night as he resumed his playing career seven months after being diagnosed with abdominal cancer.
The Canadiens capped an emotional night, beating the Ottawa Senators 4-3 to clinch their first playoff berth in four seasons.
A sold-out Molson Centre crowd of 21,273 greeted the 27-year-old Finn with a standing ovation that lasted eight minutes -- from the time he stepped on the ice until the opening faceoff -- prior to Montreal's game against the Ottawa Senators.
Koivu, who underwent aggressive chemotherapy treatments to combat the disease, was given his first standing ovation of the night when his arrival on the ice for warmups brought the 8,000 or so fans on hand out of their seats.
Four minutes before the Canadiens took the ice for the game, the crowd chanted "Saku! Saku! Saku!" The cheers grew as the video scoreboard showed the Canadiens preparing to leave their dressing room, and the sound of their applause rose to a crescendo as the last player -- Koivu -- took the ice.
Even members of the Senators looked on and tapped their sticks on the ice as Koivu took his first few turns around the ice.
Ottawa backup goalie Jani Hurme clapped his trapper and blocker together as he stood on the ice in front of the Senators' bench.
The ovation soared once again as Koivu went over to hug goalie Jose Theodore in front of the Canadiens' net while his teammates made their way to the bench.
A sustained ovation that lasted nearly five minutes began when Koivu was introduced as a member of the Canadiens' starting lineup.
The crowd staved off public address announcer Pierre Lacroix's first two attempts to introduce the Canadian national anthem, and continued cheering once it had begun.
A final ovation came as Koivu took his place at center ice for the opening faceoff.
Referee Dan Marouelli retreated to the edge of the circle and clapp
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-10 04:55 [#00164991]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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Referee Dan Marouelli retreated to the edge of the circle and clapped his hands as he stood between Canadiens right wing Andreas Dackell and Ottawa left wing Benoit Brunet.
Koivu took a 22-second shift to begin the game and played a total of 3:08 while taking part in four shifts during the first period.
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joey
from montréal (Canada) on 2002-04-10 05:11 [#00165027]
Points: 1220 Status: Lurker
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Yeah, I was sad to have to miss the game. the only tickets that were left in the molson center were 150 bricks, so I couldn't afford it. and I'm sure scalpers were selling at really high prices. i heard the playoff tix are on sale tomorrow, so I'm gonna get me myself a ticket!!! Wanna go with me? reply soon, because they go on sale at noon, and will sell out really really fast. the games will probably be in about two weeks. but if you wanna go, I'm looking for a partner to go with. my wife will be in the middle of exams, etc... let me know!
j
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Ophecks
from Nova Scotia (Canada) on 2002-04-10 05:30 [#00165069]
Points: 19190 Status: Moderator | Show recordbag
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Ack, I wish I could go... seeing Montreal in the playoffs is something I always wanted to do, and something I WILL do eventually... but it can't be THIS year. Too bad, I bet they're going to go far with Koivu onboard... blech. I wish I lived there.
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joey
from montréal (Canada) on 2002-04-10 05:39 [#00165085]
Points: 1220 Status: Lurker
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Well, too bad. I'll try to catch a puck for you... j
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