GONZO HOCKEY

One of hardest things for hockey fans to get used to in the ECHL is the constant shuffling of players. As soon as you like a player, perhaps even meet them at a public function and admire the way they play the game, they’re traded for a known or even an unknown reason and the fan is left in the dust.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this feeling. My favorite player was traded by the Bulls today. The Bulls have a lot of outstanding players. Many fan favorites are Team Captain Scott Langdon, Peter Sivak or Dean Ouellet. All for great reasons. They’re great players and incredible guys.

Alex Tuckerman was my very favorite Bulls player. I remember him being a constant scratch at the beginning of the season, and working his way onto a regular spot in the lineup. When he broke into the top line, I was so happy and proud of him.

So it’s very disappointing to hear today that he was traded, along with Martin Lee, to the Utah Grizzlies for future consideration, Calgary Flames prospect Bryan Cameron.

(photo courtesy of the SF Bulls)

First, let me say I know the team has very good reasons for doing this and are doing it for the betterment of the team. I support the Bulls and I have faith that this will help them. But, that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.  

Some players have distinct styles of skating. Eastern Europeans tend to skate so cleanly, with such grace and agility, it looks as if they’re flying on the ice. Tuckerman’s skating is the exact opposite. He’s a very fast skater, but he charges the ice, and if you get in his way, too bad for you he’ll take you into the net with him! That’s why I named his skating style Gonzo Hockey. There’s no other way to describe it.   

With the Matadors Club, I had the chance of sharing a spot next to him at a dinner last November we held for the players and I’ve been able to chat with him a few times since. Alex has always been a terrific guy to fans and a great player.

This is only the first step in what I hope to be for him a long professional hockey career. There is much more for him to learn and many more horizons to meet. I wish him the very best in his hockey career and know that so much awaits him; I look forward to reading more about his play in the weeks and seasons to come.

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Next two games start Friday in Boise against the Idaho Steelheads. New player Cameron will join the team for these games. Let’s see what he can do.

GO BULLS!