And the winner is...

Congratulations to the 2006 Stanley Cup winning Carolina Hurricanes! It was one heck of a series. And I have to say I'm glad the Oilers didn't win (even though they played amazingly well all playoffs long), seeing as how they beat the Red Wings. But I like Carolina on their own merit, too. They have a lot of ties to the Detroit area. The team owner, Peter Karmanos, is the owner of Compuware and also started the Karmanos Cancer Institute, which has done wonderful things. Players Aaron Ward and Ray Whitney are former Red Wings. Player Doug Weight is a native of the area. So it's sort of a vicarious win, but then again, it's sort of instinctive to root for the team in red jerseys. ;-)

Here is the Playoff MVP, recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy, Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward. He's only 22 years old! And he's the first rookie to backstop a team to the Cup since Patrick Roy did so for the Montreal Canadiens. Not bad, not bad at all! I suppose with this I reveal myself as being NOT a hockey purist. You know, one of those folks who think only Northern cities deserve NHL teams? I say if there's a market for it, I've no problem with any particular city having a team! And clearly the Hurricanes have some rabid fans.

It was a well fought series, gentlemen. Enjoy the spoils of your victory. :-)