You Were On TV!

The invention of the cell phones, text messaging, cameras with phones, and PVRs has allowed a number of major events to be watched, rewatched, sent to friends, and discussed among friends virtually in real time. One of those moments happened tonight to me as I was sitting quietly in my seat at Canada Life Centre watching the Jets and Kings battle in a Western Conference showdown. I was aware there were cameras a few rows down and to my right, but never did I think my presence on TV would generate as much buzz as it did because my phone was buzzing all night!

First, let me say thank you to everyone who texted me with comments and proof they were watching. I chuckle at those messages, but I really am grateful for the messages because I hold every one of you who messaged me with a picture and/or a comment in high regard. Thank you for making my night memorable despite me simply trying to blend in with the crowd!

The reason I was at the game was to support and cheer on the man to the right: NHL linesman Ryan Galloway. Ryan's final NHL game was tonight as he made the decision to retire after 22 seasons of watching blue lines, breaking up scraps, and escorting players to their penalty boxes. One has to wonder what the future will hold for him now, but I suspect he's going to be successful in whatever chapter he decides to write next after seeing how successful he was in this chapter that's closing. Ryan's a fantastic official, but an even better person, and I suspect he'll be making a difference in people's lives with his extra free time just as he did when he skated alongside NHL greats.

It's way too late for a long-winded article and I have to up for work tomorrow, so this will be kept as brief as it is. I feel grateful for my friendship with Ryan after getting to know and working with his wife Rhonda while he was still skating at the IHL and AHL levels, and it's hard to believe that it's now 22 years later that I've had the privilege of watching, appreciating, and cheering on Ryan as he became one of the game's best officials. Thank you, Ryan and Rhonda, for allowing me a seat on your journey in reaching the pinnacle of the profession.

For everyone who messaged me tonight, thanks to you too. I am thoroughly grateful and humbled that many of you reached out. I know there will likely be people at work tomorrow who mention my cameo on TSN tonight as well, but I'll fall asleep tonight with a smile on my face after so many people recognized my mug on their TVs.

For anyone who suffered eye or vision damage from seeing the horror story on your screen, I apologize for that trauma as well!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!