Maybe the Deep Diggers got together in Edmonton, or on the plane back, and made a conscious decision. There had to be some sort of consensus, because while they’ve been generally apathetic and lazy before...this would be monumental, even for them.
It’s November 21st, 2006: exactly one year after Jiri Fischer collapsed, died for thirty seconds, and was brought back to life at Joe Louis Arena.
And there is not a single mention of it in the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press or MLive.
Woops. I’m sorry. I missed a reference in the Free Press. Helene St. James mentions him in a story on Danny Markov, the defenseman who replaced Fischer.
Helene St. James/Detroit Free Press
Holland signed Markov last summer to ameliorate the loss of Jiri Fischer, whose career has been sidelined by a heart condition.
Yeah, Helene. He was sidelined. Exactly one year ago. Luckily you have the national news outlets doing their jobs, and yours. I guess that kind of ameliorates the fact that you seem to have forgotten one of the most significant stories in Detroit sports history.
Sportsnet and ESPN have been all over this story since the weekend. A very nice television feature and a long-form article by Scott Burnside.
It’s amazing on two different levels. First: it’s offensive that they all seem to have disregarded it. Jiri Fischer, in general, has been one of the most under-covered stories I’ve ever seen. In order to find out information on his health, his progress or his contract situation we have to definitely look elsewhere. Secondly: from a professional standpoint, it’s almost beyond belief that they wouldn’t splash Jiri on the front page of the sports section and remind us all what a miracle, one year later, it is that he’s even alive. If for nothing else...to sell papers.
Nice job Ted, Khan(!), Helene. You nailed this one.
Let me help you out.
We’re thinking of you Jiri. Stay healthy and enjoy that new baby boy.
hey man...I posted a couple of favorite jiri moments...but maybe...it’s a little selfish...er um...I don’t know. You think he wants think about a year ago? I don’t know…
Posted by johnnygloveside on 11/21 at 09:11 AM