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CHICAGO — As I sat down in the United Center press box Wednesday evening, getting ready for a later-than-usual 8 p.m. puck drop between the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks, I had but one simple wish: a fast-moving game in which one team — it didn’t matter which one — pulled away early and cruised to victory.
So, of course, the complete opposite occurred, and the game hung in the balance the entire time, eventually needing overtime to settle the score.
This posed a bit of a problem, since the fine folks at the Free Press were, quite literally, holding the paper so I could file an on-scene game story.
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Our normal print deadline had been pushed back to allow me to get the story in the hard-copy edition, but the lack of clarity as it wore on meant my story was a running, hot mess.
All of which led to one of those frenzied spells that most sports journalists both love and hate, often at the same time. When the incredible Connor Bedard sealed the deal with his second goal of the game at approximately 10:35 p.m., the raucous home crowd erupting in cheers, I’m not sure my fingers (and, soon after, my feet) have ever moved so swiftly.
In a matter of just a few mayhem-filled minutes I had typed out a new topper for my story — getting the who, what, where, when and why of what went down is key — then raced to the press box elevator, descended seven floors, dashed to the Jets dressing room and interviewed Vlad Namestnikov, Morgan Barron and Rick Bowness about what had just taken place. A special thanks to my job-share partner, Ken Wiebe, who gave the finished product a crucial once-over before it was filed. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Exciting? Yes. Stressful? Also, yes. And probably a few more grey hairs added to my already-thinning mop.
But there was another emotion in there as well, one I want to share with you today.
A feeling of gratitude, and for many reasons.
• Of being able to be in an amazing city like Chicago, watching some of the best athletes on the planet putting it all on the line while a frenzied crowd looked on. That will never, ever get old, nor will I (or Kenny) ever take it for granted.
It truly makes it all worthwhile, including the early-morning wakeup calls to fly to the next city and the challenge of often getting where we need to be (my Winnipeg-to-Chicago flight on Boxing Day, which would take two hours if direct (there no longer is a direct option) took more than 11, including stops in Toronto and Detroit.
It was the cheapest route, by far, but also the longest. (Sports editor Jason Bell, one of the funniest people I know, texted this gem: “Just wish you had been a little more frugal on your flights. There was a Winnipeg-Minneapolis-Atlanta-Des Moines-Fort Wayne-Chicago route that would have worked nicely.”).
• Of having an employer who believes in the value of real journalism, which means not covering the Jets off a TV set from hundreds, if not thousands of kilometres away for 50 per cent of the season, and truly being present despite the major investment and resources it requires.
If I hadn’t been down in the dressing room to speak to the two selected players and the head coach, there would have been no post-game soundbites. Not for me, and not for any other Winnipeg outlets who still utilize that Free Press-generated content off the Jets social media channels (the team videotapes post-game chats) despite not being there to ask any of the questions that generated the answers.
Fortunately, morning skates and practices on the road allow for plenty of opportunities for exclusive access, such as the candid, eye-opening chats I had on Wednesday morning with Brenden Dillon and Dylan DeMelo about them both patiently waiting for what they hope will be contract extension offers coming from the Jets.
• Of being able to be your eyes and ears on the ground for such an event, knowing how many of you enjoy following the day-to-day happenings of the local hockey club and share your thoughts and opinions and insights with me and my colleagues on a regular basis. That feedback is always appreciated.
• All of which brings me to my last, but certainly not least, points. This is a challenging time in the journalism industry, and the Free Press is not immune to those challenges, even if we are still standing relatively strong compared to so many others out there.
We continue to hire quality writers and editors, rather than let vacant positions remain empty. We continue to invest in the things that are important to our readers, including the most comprehensive NHL coverage in this market, and, arguably, any market. But it goes beyond that, from covering off the key beats such as crime and justice, politics, education, health, climate business and the vibrant local arts scene that would otherwise go ignored; producing in-depth investigative pieces and being a strong voice in the community that sparks important discussion and debate.
That’s never been more important in a rapidly changing world filled with disinformation and distrust. As editor Paul Samyn so aptly puts it, “Our coverage decisions are our own and we are beholden to no one except you, our subscribers and readers, for whom we work to bring trustworthy local journalism every single day.”
I am now in my 27th year at the Free Press, which remains proudly and fiercely independent, and my hope is to spend many, many more at my hometown paper. Although I might feel older at times, such as when the stress levels rise in press boxes covering games that go right down to the deadline wire, I’m still just 48, after all.
And that, folks, is where we can use as an assist from you. Readers and subscribers and advertisers are the lifeblood of a newspaper, and the Free Press is no exception.
We are offering a Patron Program, which is explained as follows: by becoming a Free Press Patron through an annual contribution of $150, you not only show you care enough about your community to play an even bigger part in our mission to deliver trusted information, but you also unlock a series of exclusive benefits as a show of appreciation for your extended support.
You can find more information about the program here.
Finally, if you are not already a subscriber, we have a number of great offers right now, including one that gets you in the door for the low, low price of $0 for the first month. You can explore the options here, or call 204-697-7001 (Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m.-noon).
I truly appreciate your support. I know my talented colleagues do as well. Thanks for a terrific 2023, and I hope all of us have a very Happy New Year.
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