Woman Warrior

I know this isn't a post about tDogs, or even about the game this weekend, but it needs to be done.

This weekend, at a lot of arenas in college hockey, seniors will be honored for their four years of dedication to hockey, their teammates, and their education. Many of these guys will be playing their last game on their home ice. (Clearly, some of those players are uncertain if it will be their last game, since the final league standings aren't set.)

The Michigan Tech Huskies' seniors will be among those, and I'm sure there will be some sort of on-ice ceremony honoring their achievements and thanking them for their efforts.

Obviously, those guys have given a lot, and deserve the recognition. But they'll be omitting someone.

This weekend is Bethlyn McCallum's (aka MeanEgirl) last weekend in the JMSIA, and I don't think there's a single person who has given more to Husky hockey than she has in her tenure at Michigan Tech, and that includes the players. Clearly, the players are the ones who are actually putting in the work on the ice, but they are getting a free education and a chance to play the game they love for another four years. However, MEg is rallying the student section, pushing raffle tickets on poor unsuspecting fans and families of players to raise money for the Blue Line Club, driving thousands of miles and staying with somewhat sketchy individuals in order to cheer the guys on when they're on the road, drinking gallons of Kamikazi pitchers to foster intra-school relationships, screaming herself hoarse no matter what the score, freezing her assets off in togas/sports bras/whatever in the name of school spirit, making nice with even the most ornery of USCHO posters, and protecting the student section from the full wrath of the athletic director.

MEg discovered her love for Tech hockey during an improbable comeback for the Huskies over their UP rivals, the Northern Michigan Wildcats, and there isn't a fan in college hockey whose passion for their team matches hers. I can't imagine who will step into her stripey overalls next year and fire up the fans. Next year, Drew Akins will have no one to offer him a pacifier in the penalty box, there won't be any excellent T.J. Oshie-mocking signs on the Ralph's jumbotron, and Casey Borer will be left without a fiancee.

I think the Huskies would be remiss if they didn't do something very, VERY special for MEg this weekend, as I know she'll be crying into her cowbell while she cheers her heart out for the seniors, and she deserves just as much in return, if not more.

MEg, you are my best friend in the hockey community, and you deserve the very best from your team.

Love,

RWD