Hockey Gets Its Step-Brother Back!

Hockey Fans across North America know the name Sean Avery. Throughout his 11 year professional career Avery has been a "presence" on the ice, whether he is throwing a big check, dropping the gloves or talking trash after the whistle. He is not a player who goes unnoticed, as he has been in confrontation both on and off the ice with opposing teams as well as his own. After an impressive stint with the New York Rangers where he recorded 55 points in 86 games with over 200 penalty minutes. In the 2007-2008 playoffs Avery led the Rangers past the Devils scoring 7 points in 8 playoff games.

This season he was brought to Dallas to help a struggling franchise led by GM Brett Hull. It was not a perfect fit as he recorded 10 points in 23 games and 77 penalty minutes. His season and possibly career came to an end when Avery called out Dion Phaneuf for dating his ex-girlfriend. The "sloppy seconds" line was the last straw for this controversial player.

Sean Avery is known to many as a disgrace to the game of hockey and his fan base, however small, has been dwindling since his departure from New York.

However, just a few days ago Avery will get a "second chance" to come back to hockey and play for the Hartford Wolfpack. The hockey tough-guy will be entering this time with his mouth shut and his feet moving. Avery is one of the most underrated hockey players in the game today, as he can score, pass, skate and play the physical game no matter how big the opponent.

He stands only 5 feet 9 inches but has exchanged punches with some of the biggest and most feared players in the game. I watch as the new generation of hockey fans dislike this player, but for us who remember "old time hockey" Avery is not a disgrace to hockey the last disciple to the game the way it used to be played.

He is tough, he plays with an edge, he has a passion for winning the game. He does not care if he scores three goals or none, as long as the team wins, Avery is happy, well as happy as he knows how to be.

So before you wish this player bad luck, give the guy a chance - and for those of us that support you: keep your mouth shut and your feet moving.