Gomez Steals Koivu’s 11 | Cowhide and Rubber

Gazette reporter Dave Stubbs ruined Canada Day for many Habs fans with news that Scott Gomez has received permission to wear former longtime captain Saku Koivu’s number 11.

For many, it’s too soon to see anyone wear Saku’s number, myself included. Mind you, I didn’t lose a moment’s sleep over it. I believe the Canadiens should have waited a little longer before letting someone else don the number that once belonged to a players that gave so much to the team, the fans, and the city.

But how long? For some, the number ought to be retired and never worn again, and perhaps it will some day. I’m not entirely convinced of that, but that’s another discussion for another blog post. For some fans, the one season sans number 11 was enough of a nod of respect to Koivu. For others, maybe two seasons, or three or even five seasons would be more appropriate. The fact is there is no consensus.

At the end of the day, the Canadiens gave Gomez the green light to wear it. Did Gomez check with Koivu to see what he feels? I have no idea, but he probably didn’t if I had to guess. He did say that he has tons of respect for Koivu; who doesn’t? It’s likely that the players aren’t getting their knickers in a twist over this, so why are so many fans?

It’s like a parent dating someone new after the other parent passes away. It just feels too soon, too quick to bury and forget the past. Memories of Koivu are still too vivid to just be put away like this. But I will say this, because I believe it: it IS important to satisfy the guy you’re paying 7.5 million dollars to for the next four seasons (on the flip side, some would suggest that if Gomez needs a number to be happy, he’s no more mature than a 7 year old). If wearing number 11 makes Gomez as happy as he says it will, then I don’t see the harm, especially since the team has granted him permission. They did wait, showing some respect to Koivu. And the happiness of their CURRENT players counts.

Once again, Habs fans find themselves looking back at the past in reverence. We just went through two seasons of revelry, the first of which was a full-blown circus. I’ll say it again: I personally feel like it is still too soon, but I’ve always been one to care more about what’s happening with the Canadiens now, and in the future. The past is important, and always will be. Whenever a player comes here, the first thing out of their mouth is how they are honored to come to a team with such a rich history; and they’re right. But the Habs, and the fans have to stop letting the past dictate how the present and future is managed.

I know I’ve straddled the fence a little here. So what do I really think? I think this move is ok. They showed Saku some respect, although not as much as I would have expected. In doing so, they are making a core member of the team happy. To me, it’s as close to win-win as it gets without having a public inquiry on how long is long enough before allowing 11 on the ice again.

How do you feel about knowing someone else will be wearing 11 again?

http://www.cowhideandrubber.com Kyle

@BenJammin1960
I don’t know where I stand on retiring Koivu’s jersey right now, but I can certainly say that the night he returned from cancer was one of the most special nights of this Habs fans life. It’s safe to say that many Habs fans feel very strongly for this player. But you’re right; once upon a time, another fan favorite (Lambert) wore 11. I wonder what fans older than me thought of this little Finn wearing the number.

@Kamal Panesar
The way I’m looking at it now is that there is no amount of time that all Habs fans can agree on as appropriate. But there is one thing that all Habs fans can agree on – wins. Saku can’t help the Habs win anymore. Fans can’t help the Habs win (not in a direct sense). Gomez CAN help the Habs win. A happier Gomez can only make that more of a reality. I understand the anguish some Habs fans feel. Just last night I felt the same thing. But Saku isn’t dead! If he were, and Gomez took 11, I’d be singing a different tune today. All I wanted to work out with this post is that Gomez isn’t committing some kind of sacrilege by wearing #11.
http://www.HabsAddict.com Kamal Panesar

Great piece, Kyle!

While I think part of the reasoning in telling Gomez NOT to wear #11 last season had to do with respect for Koivu, I think an even larger component had to do with fan backlash.

I, personally, feel that Koivu’s number should be retired some day if for no other reason than because he was the one who carried the flame through the dark years….and there were far too many dark years.

The fact is that this team and it’s management has never been right since 1993 (Koivu was drafted that summer), Koivu was the sole spark of class that harkened back to the days of Beliveau, that stood out since then.

That being said, I really don’t have any issue with Gomez wearing the #11 now. The #11 is not a retired number and the team and Gomez did the right thing by not claiming that number last year, when the emotional component would have been sky high.

Once Koivu’s number is retired, then and only then, imo, does wearing a jersey become an issue.

K.
BenJammin1960

Great post Kyle. Shmitzy pretty much sums up my feelings entirely. Lord knows I sat up late enough reading an unbeleivable amount of bunk on this issue last night. I was not the only one who cried like a baby when Saku (the only real SK) returned from cancer and skated out to thunderous applause the cold winter night. Possibly those with a bit longer memory would wonder what Yvon Lambert thinks of the guys who’ve donned #11 since he wore it last.

Go Habs Go
http://www.cowhideandrubber.com Kyle

Thanks for all your comments, guys, I appreciate them!

@Prax
George, you’re right – it is FAR too soon to really consider retiring his number. If we want to talk about respect (and disrespect) what message would it send to guys like Robinson, Cournoyer, Geoffrion, Gainey and others if the Habs raised 11 to the rafters any time in the next 5 years?

@Stevo
Right on, there is no written in stone rule that says x number of years is the minimum amount of time that we have to wait before releasing that number again.

@Shmitzysays
We’re an impossible bunch aren’t we? If it’s not one thing, it’s another. We Habs fans always have to find something to whine and gripe about. It’s funny, but if Gomez has a good year, I guaran-damn-tee that people decrying this decision will either:

1- Say it’s because he’s wearing #11, or
2- Pretend that they never cared in the first place
3- Say nothing at all

On the other hand, if he has a bad year, they’ll say that it’s some sort of bad karma for taking what “wasn’t rightfully his”. Just watch. It will happen.
http://www.shmitzysays.wordpress.com Shmitzysays

I couldn’t care less. If Saku himself came out and said it really bothered him, I would understand a little better but to me, it’s just another thing to complain about. I honestly don’t think people are happy unless they are mad at the organization. I TOTALLY agree with everything regarding respecting Koivu, he was my favourite player BY FAR while he was there and I will never forget his dedication and heart. But he’s gone and his number is not retired. So, fair game. Koivu wasn’t the only great No. 11 for the Habs so why are so many only associating the two so closely together? Sorry, but I just don’t need to stare at two 1s side-by-side to remember Saku the right way. I thought he taught some fans how little that irrelevant crap really matters in life. People who cheer for this team need to start getting over themselves because it’s just so embarrassing to be a part of. I’ll say it again: IF KOIVU DOESN’T CARE, NEITHER SHOULD WE. So let’s just move on and quit acting like spoiled babies ALL the time, shall we? GREAT BLOG KYLE!
http://n/a Stevo

I also agree, in french, we call this “une tempete dans un verre d’eau”. (Don’t know why i’m quoting french when i can’t even find accents on my keyboard…).

I was never a big Saku fan but all that aside, there’s no real benchmark for how long a player is supposed to wait, before using another player’s #. The fact that a whole year went by without anyone wearing #11 is very acceptable in my opinion.

I think this was said by both of you already but let’s please the players on our team first, before we please players that are no longer with the team.

If Koivu minds, then the Ducks have reason to worry!
Good day guys!
Stevo
http://www.thecheckingline.com Prax

I don’t think it’s that big of a deal at all. I mean, yes, Koivu did a lot for the team, but he’s moved on, and so has the team. It’s inevitable that his number would be used again, unless they retire his jersey, and you know it’s too early for that discussion.

I’m sure Koivu doesn’t mind.