Opening Night More Than Just a Game
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The following article, which features former Dartmouth standout Lee Stempniak, appeared October 7 on the St. Louis Blues Web site.
By Chris Pinkert
St. Louis Blues Online
Some will call it a new beginning.
Others see it as an opportunity, a chance to turn the page on one
chapter and write a new one.
For the rest, it’s a chance to see what an entire summer of
hard work can produce.
It’s Opening Night. Hockey’s version of New
Year’s Day.
And although it means something different to everyone you’ll
ask, one common theme applies: after more than two weeks of
exhibition games, this one finally counts.
It counts for the players, who worked tirelessly over the summer
by getting their bodies into better shape: stronger, faster, more
agile. It counts for members of the Blues staff who have worked
long hours preparing for a new season, from selling tickets and
building a marketing strategy to creating attractive season ticket
packages and preparing fresh in-game entertainment. And it counts
for the fans, who have long anticipated the days when the foghorn
would rock Scottrade Center again.
On Friday night, it counts for everybody. The wait is over.
THE PLAYERS
Blues forward Lee Stempniak looks at Friday's game vs. Nashville
as an opportunity for a fresh start.
A native of West Senaca, NY, Stempniak showed great potential with
27 goals during the 2006-07 season but took a step back last year,
scoring just 13 times in 80 games.
“Right when that last game ended last year, I put it behind
me and moved on,” Stempniak said. “As far as I’m
concerned, I’ve moved past last year and I can’t wait
for this season. I think it’s going to be very successful for
our team.”
Complete article can be accessed via the Blues Web site by clicking here.
