Trepidation.
As I sat in my cubicle reading the press release horror bestowed upon me. I could not find the reasoning for my unease, but the sensation still stirred as I stared at the headline “Ken Holland New GM”. I wanted to feel a sense of hope as I knew, from articles I read, that he had a long history of success. He won multiple Stanley Cups, and he helped draft and procure talented that lead to one of the longest playoff appearance streak in the NHL. I also read articles showing his failings, in the last few years he has overpaid for veterans which is now hampering a normally successful franchise.
I switched on the conference so I could listen while working. As Holland spoke I realized my unease may be warranted. He spoke of a long relationship with Nicholson that lead to him taking the job, Old Boys Club 2.0? They have a friendship that goes beyond business which makes me pause. Is this a good thing? I’m not sure, but I believe you need respect in business and you need to feel confident in being able to bring up issues. Is a friendship too much? Maybe.
Holland talked about speed and talent and nothing we haven’t heard before, and all I could think of is what we’ve experienced before. How is this any different than MacTavish or Chiarelli? Can I trust Holland? He spoke of change, a change I know we want. Reading tweets and blogs it’s clear that the fan base want change in management. Is the change he talked about in management? I’m skeptical, though it could just be the lingering effects of past leadership.
A sense of triumph came over me as Holland said Hitchcock would not be coming back. I remember saying how Hitchcock coming in was a Nicholson move and that Hitchcock would be moved out at seasons end. A dangerous thing was boiling in me, hope, as Holland said what I wished to hear I remind myself to temper expectations as I have been burned before on false hope.
As it finished I felt excitement for the prospect of change. I do not yet feel hope that things will be better. I felt an excitement to hear news and updates. I felt an excitement to read articles on the prospect of what we could see and how it could affect the team.
It is a long summer and the thought of Oiler news during it comforts me as I settled into my chair. I turned on my heater as the chill of the office started to sink in, even though the warmth of summer started to show itself. Will next year be better? A dangerous thought.
I needed to get back to work…