Hindsight Is Union Blue: Ethan Moreau

I like Ethan Moreau.  I was happy to read he was going to wear a Blue Jacket uniform before last season started.  My husband thought it was cheap and bull-crap that he was given an “Alternate Captain” status, being new to the franchise.  But, he also turns the channel when I’m watching hockey so his opinion doesn’t count sometimes…

Ever wonder why?  I mean, there’s what you read and what “they” say, and then there’s what really is.  If you watch the interview of Ethan, the very first “now that you’re gonna be playing for the Blue Jackets” interview, he looks nervous and apprehensive as can be.  He didn’t leave the Oilers under pleasant circumstances, and I can’t see anyone being happy about not playing for a team you’ve been with for over a decade.

I started the internet dig after that.  Google is great for inquiring minds.  One writer looked at Moreau’s departure as one step away from being tragic and pathetic.  Uh, wow.  Other items of interest were all the references to Moreau being called a “China Doll.”  As in fragile…as in, breaks easily.  I thought that was cheap and really not fair.  People (generally) don’t plan on getting hurt or enjoy it.  Not really good.  Hockey players are included in this group. 

So, all I knew about Mr. Moreau was that he used to be an Oiler and now he was a Jacket.  And he was really easy on the eyes.  So, that was good enough for me.  Welcome, Ethan.  He looked pretty fine in that Union Blue, too.

And so the season started.  And Ethan got hurt…again and again.  Those mean words of “China Doll” kept popping into my head and I’d shoo them away.  I mean, I think everyone can agree that Moreau played with heart and wasn’t afraid of anything.  You don’t get broken hand bones by staying in a far, isolated area of the ice hoping everyone will stay away and the puck never comes close to you…

So, was Ethan worth it?  Did his leadership mean something to the Jackets?  It sure seemed like he mattered when he was convalescing the first time.  It was a noticeable difference.  But too much absence and too many shake-ups in the lines created a weird chaos and led to the lack of cohesion.  By mid-season, I was wondering if Ethan bought his protective gear at Bob’s Roadside Hockey Gear And Tacos.  The ad probably said something like this: “Don’t worry about that duct tape…Cardboard is a useful tool in our gear and it keeps prices low.”

It seems like the Jackets took a chance on Moreau, hoping for the talent and veteran leadership element.  It was a gamble.  He is a great athlete and worked hard (in Edmonton) to promote that team’s philanthropy and be a part of the community.  But as far as a benefit to the Blue Jackets, maybe not so much.