Bye-Bye Bobo
I know this is old news, but I've been busy. Boris Valabik was put on waivers October 15 and cleared them on October 16. He will be assigned to the Chicago Wolves.
If you know anything about me, you know I'm a huge Boris fan and have been pulling for him to do well. I thought he was much improved in the games he returned to last season after injury.
Boris, the consummate professional had this to say to the AJC:
“I have been preparing for the last month or so,” Valabik told the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution. "Professionally, I know it’s part of the game. It’s also
tough knowing that people I respect, the coaches, [GM] Rick Dudley, didn’t think
I could play there.
“Whatever happens, happens. If some team picks me up, I
will look forward to a second chance. I feel like I owe a lot to Atlanta for
drafting me. I had hoped to win a Stanley Cup here. There were 24 guys on the
roster and they could only have 23.”
“I would like to get picked up because that means somebody wants you,”
Valabik said. “I hope a lot of people realize that I’m still young and I can
play. … If no team claims me I will go to Chicago and work on my game. I have
some work to do, but mostly I need to play. For me, it’s more about getting the
chance to play and building my confidence. The mental part of the game is so
huge for me. I know when I’m on top of my game I can be very successful.”
I was hoping for his sake, Boris would get picked up by someone else. Selfishly, I was hoping he’d make it back to the Wolves so we might be able to call him back. Now of course he would have to clear re-entry waivers and I’m not sure anyone would pass on a ½ price 6’7’’ Dman.
So farewell, Bobo. Mr. GQ, I hope to see you soon. You will always have a big fan on this blog.
