Don't know if any of you were at the banquet last night, but it was something. First, props to the Blue Line Club and all those who organized the night - it was fantastic and went off without a hitch, and it was packed.
I've been to 29 of the last 30 banquets and this was the most emotional of all. Rick Vaive, Justin's Dad (obviously), presented the Grant Seventh Man Award posthumously to Brendan Burke. Brendan Burke's mother and brother were at the banquet to accept the award. Brendan's brother was so moving and grateful to Miami - I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. He heaped praise on the coaches and players, said how much Brendan loved Miami and the team, and mentioned he has been around a lot of hockey teams and programs in his life, but he has never seen anything quite like Miami. The video tribute to Brendan was moving, although difficult to watch, at least for me - so sad.
The seniors are always good, or bad, or funny, but again, I have not seen anything like the four last night. Collectively, they were the best. Dane Hetland's speech was perhaps the best I have ever heard at one of these banquets. He definitely turned the mood after the Burkie tribute. Dane was hysterical about himself and his teammates, and also moving, especially when he got to his family. Brandon Smith was very good as well, but more serious. What a story going from zero minutes his first two years to scoring some important goals and playing in the Frozen Four. Gary Steffes was excellent talking about going from scoring a goal in the national championship game to his role this year. He managed to make that positive when many others would not have. Props to him. Jarod Palmer was interesting in that he talked about how Miami had changed him in so many positive ways, especially in terms of being accountable to and trusting others and being unselfish. All four seniors stayed for four years, excelled in the classroom and in the community, and will graduate on time.
Rico does not usually say much at these things, but he did last night, about these seniors and, of course, about Berge. Rico was the best I have ever seen him.
You can't replace a Chris Bergeron (and a Jeff Blashill), not to mention seniors like the last few years, so I am sure Miami hockey will have its ups and downs in the future, all programs do, but if the program can capture and maintain what I saw last night, I think we will have something of which we can always be proud, I know I am. Love and honor were definitely on display last night. Thanks to all who made it possible.