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Hartley Miller's Slap Shots - October 21st Edition

By Hartley Miller

Massey Place is now Masich Place. The following are some of my observations of the
October 15th, 2005 historic event.

Actions are louder than words: There were more than 300 people in attendance, many of whom traveled long distances, braved the chilly winds, and put up with cool temperatures. These people gave Tom (and wife Anne) four standing ovations. What more needs to be said?

Speaking his mind: No matter what the event, Tom is never shy to express his feelings. He ended his very emotional speech with a political spin: “I support the teachers”.

Oops: Mayor Colin Kinsley acknowledged three Councilors in attendance; (Skakun, Scott and Krause). Kinsley failed to mention Councilor and Mayor Wannabe Dan Rogers, who was sitting at the other end of the facility. He did, however, apologize to Rogers following the ceremonies, saying he didn't see him in the stands.

Creativity: Tom’s son, Bill Masich, took the microphone and announced he was very proud of his dad. He then rolled out a long sheet of paper saying he was going to read the massive list of runners that have been on this track, under the guidance of his father. He called out the following names: Adidas, Nike, Pumas, Converse, Reebok, etc.

Memory Lane: How did Tom's wife of 44 years, Anne, feel about the event just before it started? “I'm more nervous than I was on our wedding day”.

Special Moment: One of the highlights in this 35 minute ceremony was when 14 PG Track and Field Club members walked the stadium's Masich Place sign to the front of the track. One of those carrying the sign was Tom's granddaughter, Randi Masich.

Putting it all together: Lisa Shaw-McLaren, Leisure Services Community Services Coordinator did a fine job in organizing the long overdue event. The tee-shirt Lisa presented to the PG Sports Hall of Famer captured the spirit of the occasion and Tom’s legacy to the facility, and the track club. It reads:

1. Masich Place Stadium
2. Manager
3. Surveillance
4. Grounds Keeper
5. Equipment Manager
6. Carpenter
7. Security
8. Cleaner
9. Painter
10. Historian

Yes, it was a day with many tears of joy for the likable 69-year-old, and it could not have happened to a better guy.


? Although PG Spruce Kings goalie Brad Thiessen’s BCHL record shutout streak ended at 250 minutes and 25 seconds, another unofficial record streak continues. The 19-year-old Thiessen has been the first star in each of the seven Spruce Kings victories, which is believed to be a new standard. It appears that this kid will have a great future, right? Well, maybe not. Once Brad is done with hockey, he's considering a career in the Media. Hopefully someone can talk some sense into him.

? I always enjoyed Brett Hull's shoot from the hip style. My favorite quote of his came after he noticed a fan asleep at an NHL game. “Look, another satisfied customer”. Although it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense that the league's third all-time leading goal scorer would retire just five games into his first season with the Phoenix Coyotes, he leaves on his own terms. And that's what you have to admire about him. He did it his way.

? Tampa Bay Devil Rays first baseman Eduardo Perez missed the final game of the regular season after he hurt his knee. According to MLB.com, Perez suffered the injury while posing for the team picture.

? St. Louis Cardinals chucker Chris Carpenter, was asked by ESPN the Magazine, to name his favorite pitcher. His response: “Bud Light."

? From Bill Scheft of Sports Illustrated, on why 41 year old Roy Tarpley wants the NBA to reinstate him again even though he failed several drug tests. "His dream is to become the first player to receive a lifetime ban in three different decades."

And, how is your week?



--Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97FM. He also writes for the PG Free Press, and is author of You Don't Say (Andrews-McMeel, 2005).

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