A Standing Ovation for Mike Modano as Dallas Fans Say Goodbye

Hockey season is in high gear and my sporting blood is up.  As college football nears a close, I am relieved I will soon be able to devote all my attention to being So Very Clever and the National Hockey League.  If you have any intention of becoming a So Very Clever Guy's Girl, you are going to want to tune in in the months to come for the rules, the terminology, the penalties, and, I can promise you, some eye candy. 

I am lucky enough to have had the honor, three years running, of photographing the Dallas Stars Calendar. This team invests a great deal of time, money and effort into their community, and the calendar is a huge revenue generator for charity.  I want to thank Lora Farris for hosting us for opening night.

As soon as the calendars begin selling, I can release some current pictures of hot, hot, hot players.  Not sure how they keep ice under these guys.  

He Looks as Good in Red as Green

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 30: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings passes in a game against the Nashville Predators on October 30,2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit , Michigan. The Wings defeated the Predators 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

As I walked into the American Airline’s Center for the Dallas Stars home opener against Detroit, I had no idea my evening was going to take on an emotional bent.

I expected business as usual for the game at which my two favorite teams would face off, but there was so much at play.  I don’t think I had truly wrapped my mind around the fact that Mike Modano would be wearing a Red Wings jersey. 

My rational self knew this would be the case, and while I knew he would not be wearing Gordie Howe’s jersey (Clever Girls- Gordie Howe was No. 9 on the Detroit Red Wings and easily one of the best players in the history of the game.  His number has been immortalized in retirement, so it was unavailable to Mike, who has always worn No. 9.), it still was absolutely shocking to me.  

A Quintessential Finesse Center

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 30: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings skates in a game against the Nashville Predators on October 30,2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit , Michigan. The Wings defeated the Predators 5-2. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Mike was truly the heart and soul of the Minnesota North Stars and then the Dallas Stars—the leader who didn’t need a C on his chest to lead.  He was the marquee player, handsome and magnetic, a man who put asses in seats.  Asses in seats who didn’t know center ice seats were not the same as seats at the 50-yard line. 

Mike Modano was responsible in a big way for making hockey come alive in a city that had never seen ice, let alone tried to stand on it. 

Following in the Former Captain's Footsteps

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PHILADELPHIA - MARCH 6: Derian Hatcher #2 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on against the New Jersey Devils at Wachovia Center on March 6, 2007 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers won 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Len Redkoles/Getty Images)

I am not in any way minimizing Derian Hatcher’s quiet, stoic and effective leadership as captain, nor am I discounting Brenden Morrow’s capable execution as the new front man. As a matter of fact, from the day I met Brenden, I told his wife he was the future of the Dallas Stars organization.  I’m proud to know all three men and am impressed with how they have maintained their integrity and brought championships to their teams. 

Mike, You Are Wearing My Team's Colors Now

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DETROIT - OCTOBER 28: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Phoenix Coyotes during their NHL game at Joe Louis Arena on October 28, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

My emotions were startlingly mixed to see Mike in the jersey I’ve revered since I was a child.  A Sterling Heights native—a young star in the state of Michigan—it is poetic to have him go home.  

When I saw his face as he received a four-minute standing ovation, I actually choked up a bit.  He looked as if he missed Dallas—his life was here for more than a decade.  What he accomplished as a Dallas Star might likely never be exceeded; his records might never go unbroken. 

Mike left a legacy here, and the city of Dallas came to its feet to express their gratitude.  It was lovely.  Awe inspiring.  The true mark of the value of your presence is the appreciation that lingers when you leave. 

Mike will be an asset where ever he is. He holds the record for the most goals by a U.S.-born player and is a quintessential finesse forward (for Clever Guy’s Girls- this means he is a master puck handler and will find holes that don’t exist, could find the net in the dark and can skate circles around those in his way).  As the No. 1 draft pick in 1988, the North Stars knew then what we all know NOW. 

We all wish you the best of luck, and I'm expecting greatness out of you, Mike.  You are wearing my team colors now. 

Brenden Morrow Is the Future of the Dallas Stars

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UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 09: Brenden Morrow #10 of the Dallas Stars of the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum on October 9, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Brenden Morrow is a fantastic leader and a good man, loving father and husband (with a hot wife); he IS the future of the Dallas Stars, but Mike Modano has left an indelible mark not only on the organization but the hearts of the fans. 

I am not alone in my support of Brenden; he is a Hall of Fame player and never disappoints.  Brenden continues MIke's mission of getting asses in seats, and he does so effortlessly.  He is a fiery and skilled opponent, and the fans cherish him.  At home games, you are not likely to see any other name don the back of a jersey than "Morrow."