Top 10 of '09-10: Bernie debuts, Avs beat Canucks 3-0
| 18 May 2010
So I said I'd get around to doing a Top 10 of '09-10 and here it is, less than a month after the season ended for the Avs. I'll be counting down all 10 of the top 10 Avs moments of the season. I thought about breaking this into 2 posts, but then realized I could easily milk it for 10. Without further adieu, here we go:
You might be wondering why the unveiling of a Mascot, a St. Bernard Named Bernie, deserves a spot on the list when the Avs had such a fun, memorable season, with a multitude of other moments so here's my explanation: It's a case of Avs marketing addressing something that was needed.
My 3-year old nephew, believe it or not, has trouble sitting quietly through an entire 2½ hour game without getting a little bored. I've tried explaining the intricacies of how to beat the neutral zone trap to him, but for some reason he doesn't seem interested.
However one thing he is fascinated by is Bernie. I took him to two games this season, and both times we would point Bernie out whenever he was around. My nephew was fascinated with him every time he made an appearence. The highlight of the evening for my nephew at both games was riding in an elevator down to the main concourse (on his way to visit Bernie's dog house for a picture and autograph) and having Bernie actually get on the elevator with him. He loves Bernie.
More after the jump
I realize some people like Howler better and were disappointed in Bernie, but frankly: If you're reading this, the mascot isn't for you. It's for 2-7 year olds, and I could see how Howler might be a bit scary. And having something fun and exciting to indoctrinate young Avs fans to-be was something the Avs desperately needed. Bernie fills that role well and kids like him. So Bernie's debut is something that little tyke Avs fans will cherish for a long time (when they grow up, the nostalgia will be a powerful force). Oh and if any fan of an opposing team wants to make fun of the Avs or me as this being a top moment, fuck off. It's for the kids.
Of course, this game was important for other reasons besides the mascot. Opening night was all about Joe Sakic, this game was when Avs fans were REALLY introduced to their new team. And some of the newest Avs made a hell of a first impression, with a convincing 3-0 win over the Division rival Canucks. Anderson got his first of many shutouts on the season, with a 35-save effort. It was also the second game in a row that a chant of "AN-DER-SON" rang from the rafters. Duchene looked like he belonged in the NHL, in game #2. At age 18. Sean Payton, at Anyone but Detroit, said Duchene was the best player on the ice. You can read a full write-up on the game at Mile High Hockey, even if Old-Man Driscoll doesn't like Bernie. I wonder what his kids think of Bernie though? I actually had a rare game write-up as well
Personal Memory: I watched this game in the 6th row looking down the blueline at the Canucks bench, withing taunting distance of the Canucks Penalty box. Best seats I have ever had. Watching the game from there is so much different than watching from the second deck. Oh, and watching an Avs fan gleefully taunt Alexandre Burrows to the point that he was irritated. That was fun too (and he managed to taunt without being crude or cursing, which is always a better taunt).
I also sat with my friend, a Canucks fan, who I was able to gleefully taunt the entire game. My favorite moment was when, after the game, We were taking a picture of him with the Avs ice in the background and I yelled "Why are you smiling? the Canucks couldn't even muster a goal" causing the crowd filing out to laugh at him. Taunting friends is fun.