In a surprise trade yesterday the New Jersey Devils acquired rookie goaltender Ralph Hummel. The new net-minder leaves his perch on a comfy couch for battle on the ice. Weakness in net has been trouble for the Devils all season but few expected a move as dramatic as this. Then again, the Devils are a team of surprises and fans were expecting something truly unusual in advance of the March 8 trade deadline.
Bucking conventional wisdom head coach Lindy Ruff announced, "We need someone with grit. Someone willing to face adversity head-on." Critics noted Hummel's recent partial-blindness as a drawback but Ruff rebutted the chirping: "People don't understand that you 'see' with your brain, not your eyes, using instinct honed from a lifetime of close attention. Ralph anticipates the puck as well as any goalie in the NHL today."
Also a factor according to industry insiders was Hummel being wooed by the Boston Bruins to replace Linus Ullmark for post-season play. Ullman's unsteady performance this year has been noted as a problem for the leading Stanley Cup contender looking to shore up its net-protection. Hummel, a long-time Devils supporter, turned down the Bruins' offer of more money, electing instead to play in Newark "where real hockey happens." Hummel promises "to bring the Stanley Cup back to New Jersey where it belongs."
Hummel travels to Los Angeles to start in goal at today's game against the Kings. Sales of Hummel jerseys are exploding with the news.
I hear nothing but good things about Hummel, and know he'll lead the Devils to victory. Too bad about his weak spot when it comes to the Bruins, though - he can't seem to pull out a win against the Boston lads.
ReplyDelete:D
Ha! Thanks for getting in the spirit of this.
DeleteHuh???? Don't I know that name already??? ;-)
ReplyDeleteAn old friend of yours. :)
DeleteHummel pummels in net!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Clever!
DeleteInstinct goes a long way! Use the force!
ReplyDeleteExactly! The Force guides me. :)
DeleteCareer switch of the century :-) xxx
ReplyDeleteYup. And in the future I hope to become a fashion model. :)
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