- Earlier this summer it was widely reported that JR was going to make the anticipated announcement and call it quits. He was once one of the best players in the game with 3 consecutive 100+ point seasons, 1991-94. From the first Bettman lockout in 1995 till 2002 he was still a very effective offensive threat garnering an average of 70 points over that time. Since that juncture he has steadily declined to the point where he managed a mere 28 points in 70 games last year on a dreadful Phoenix squad. Gaining the ire from 'The Great One' on several occasions.
- Amonte, though never had the same super star stats that Roenick had early on, came into his own in the mid 90's with the BlackHawks. Scoring 40+ on 3 different occasions from 1996-2000. Since 2001 Tony hasn't eclipsed the 20 goal plateau, and last season managed to dent the twine a mere 10 times in 81 games played. Clearly his skills have significantly diminished like his former Hawk team mate.
2) We find it sad in a way that these two, once very effective players, and two of the better players produced from south of the border want to try to continue to play despite their loss of 'game'. They very well may find a team desperate enough to add them. Who may be need a 'name' to add to their rosters to garner some fan interest. Unfortunately, the end result is that many folks will simply remember these 2 for the ineptitude of their ladder days, instead of their significant contributions for their teams and country a decade or so ago.
12 comments:
Amonte seems like a good guy, but Roenick seems to be a jerk. I wouldn't want him on my team even if he was still any good
I agree with JP. JR's worth at this point is more than negated by the attitude he carries!
1) JP: We agree with your Amonte/Roenick personality profile/thoughts, but we'd pass on BOTH of these guys! Tony has little left to offer
2) Jmol: Your 100% spot-on! JR's 'tude made him a liability last season. Touch him at your own risk! If Gretzky had a problem with him, you can be pretty sure he's pretty much of a dick
I can see a guy with Roenick's ego wanting to come back just to make it to 5oo goals(he has 495 right now) and 1200 points(he has 1170).
Do you guys think he has Hall o Fame numbers now? Would anothjer season like last which would give him his milestones help, hurt, or not affect his chances?
1) Interesting question Jmol. E'd think JR would be a bubble HOF candidate. He doesn't have the stats to make him a shoe in by any stretch, but 495 goals and almost 1200 points are hard to ignore
2) Another season, even if its just to get to the mile stones you mentioned wouldn't help or hurt. Only if he suddenly regained his 70 point status would another season be looked upon positively, else it'll be much like the last couple of Messier's; An aging vet who's lost it just hanging on well past his worth
It seems to me that when guys "hang on" the way they do toward the end of their careers, it becomes a battle of ego versus pride... Certainly, both Reonick and Amonte realize they are only shells of the players they once were... However, in the case of JR, who has an ego the size of David Wells, he would rather tarnish a once great career in order to keep his name in the headlines... Clearly his ego is greater (>) than his pride... Hopefully, Tony will go the other way (<) and retire - his skills are all but gone...
Hey Faux, I am totally bored with the summer commentary, although I did enjoy our Italian getaway - great location, by the way... It was wonderful meeting up with old friends again... I would like to send out a "Ciao" to all our pals - Jintzie, Theresa, Mickey, Ann Maiorana, Pete Donaldson, Ms. Russo, Angelo Rinaldi, Theodore Henry, Nettie Bailey, Chuck Boyle, Carlos "The Pizza Man," Jacqueline Mead, Mr. Kuck, Uncle Tony, Jeff Rothenburg, Heather Grimaldi, Robert Gnam, and Ken "The Cruiser." So, having said all that, is it too early to announce my 2006-07 NHL predictions?
1) Hey Antz, interestingtake on JR, and we agree with your opinion that its all about ego. That was certainly the case with respect to Messier who should have retired before the Bettman lockout
2) Glad you and the rest of the 'crew' had a great time. The 10 days away went by in a flash!
Wheres dat red hed gurl name jacky i tink
They are both washed up, and need to retire. Roenick more so than Amonte though.
I think it's got to be tough for these guys to give up the only thing they have really ever known.
WOW Faux, I have been AWOL on this blog for a while, but it seems Hawk has it "in" for you... His writing style is reminiscent of a past irritant...
1) Hey Antz: Yes, the 'new' irritant and his writing style is VERY reminiscent of an 'old' irritant, but he is reticent to reveal is true identity.
2) As we discussed in Italy, we are going to do or best to ignore these 'irritants' and concentrate on what we are here for; to discuss hockey!
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