Selke family moved by Todd column
I want to thank Jack Todd, on behalf of my family, for the delightful column he wrote on my father, Frank J. Selke (Gazette, Feb. 13, “Canadiens will need GM with wisdom”). It brought back many memories of my growing-up years when the best hockey ever was played. I had the privilege of seeing it all – Canadiens, Royals, Junior Canadiens – from 1946 on in my dad’s box behind the south goal at the Forum. What a bunch I had for heroes! Dad had the knack of knowing good blood lines, whether it was young men, thoroughbred horses, cattle or show birds. He was also an electrician (he never gave up his licence), gardener, carpenter, writer and, foremost, the best husband and father the world has ever known. Gerry (Geraldine) Selke (The youngest of seven Selkes)
Hudson
I am a lifelong Habs fan, but my faith is on life support. I went to the Dallas game on Tuesday (a 3-0 Canadiens loss) and, in all honesty, this isn’t a really good hockey club and the stats speak for themselves. I have been going to games since I was a kid, and this was the first time I really felt nothing ... no spirit, etc. I actually spent more time talking to fans than watching the game, and midway through the third period the place was empty. It’s easy to say we have to go back to the drawing board, but they did that three years ago. Could it be that the system as a whole has failed? Dare I say, are we the new Maple Leafs? Razi Hasan St. Hubert
Two questions for you and your staff to ponder: 1. Now that the Canadiens have started to dismantle their team by trading away Hal Gill and given up on their playoff run, will they also discount the remaining tickets for fans? The Canadiens are obviously not playing at an elite level any longer. 2. Your reporters all seemed to miss the most important question regarding the Gill trade. Does Blake Geoffrion speak French? Marvin Epstein Westmount
I was fortunate enough to have tickets to the game at the Bell Centre last Sunday night and was greatly moved by the tribute to Gary Carter organized by the Canadiens. It made me realize that although Carter was such a famous figure in our city, we did not have an opportunity to share our collective grief or celebrate his life together until that night. The city of Montreal has acknowledged on our behalf the loss that we all feel and will come forward with an appropriate plan to recognize one of the most popular athletes to ever play here. The RIO has been consulting with the general population for ways to renew and reinvigorate the Olympic Stadium site. Proposals have included reforming the cement concourses with trees, green spaces and pedestrian walkways lined with artisan booths or small kiosks. I would like to suggest that if these plans come to fruition that this new development at Olympic Stadium be named Plaza Gary Carter. Lawrence Harris Dollard des Ormeaux
There is a scene in the movie Billy Madison where Billy calls up Danny Mcgrath, a kid he tormented in high school years ago, and apologizes for his abusive behaviour, and even tells him they should go out for coffee sometime. After hanging up the phone, Danny reflects upon this kind gesture, then crosses out Billy Madison’s name on his “People To Kill” list. On the back page of last Saturday’s Gazette Sports section, Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig took out a full page to pay tribute to Gary Carter wearing an Expos cap, and I could honestly say it brought a tear to my eye. I then got up and crossed the one and only name, Bud Selig, off MY “People To Kill” list. It doesn’t make up for what happened on Aug. 12, 1994 (which is why he got on the list in the first place), but Selig’s kind gesture to Montreal baseball fans is greatly appreciated. Archie Manavian Dollard des Ormeaux Letters to the Sports Editor are published every Saturday. Email letters to sports editor
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