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Beeksa/Blehkehsa/Beesak? howeverthehellyouwanttosayit
by Alanah McGinley on 01/22/07 at 03:17 PM ET
Comments (8)
Canucks fans have had cause to get a bit nuts about the pronunciation (i.e. butchery) of defenseman Kevin Bieksa’s name (yeah, I’m looking at YOU, Hockey Night in Canada) by non-Vancouver journalists, but we can’t be too upset about the recognition he’s starting to get around the league. Thanks to David for passing on this article today, and I’ve copied the relevant part of the text below.
Do yourself a favor and read it. A great story and incidentally, another reminder of why I miss Brian Burke in Vancouver.
Another key for the hard-charging Canucks has been the fast-forward development of blue liner Kevin Bieksa, drafted 151st in 2001. He played half the 2005-06 season and this year has developed into the squad’s top point-getting defenseman (8-20--28 entering last night).“Great kid,” said Ducks general manager Brian Burke, who was Canucks GM when they drafted Bieksa. “And a great story.”
Uncertain whether he wanted to sign Bieksa following the defenseman’s senior season at Bowling Green, Burke invited him to the Manitoba Moose (AHL). His first night with the club, Burke recalled, the 6-foot-1-inch Bieksa didn’t play, but that night he joined his new teammates at a local pub.“He’s in there, having a good time, and he bumps the table of another of our kids, Fedor Fedorov,” said Burke. (Fedorov, brother of the better known Sergei, is now back in Russia, playing for Yaroslavl.) “Well, one thing leads to another, and Fedorov, a pretty good-sized kid [6 foot 3 inches, 230 pounds], asks Bieksa if he wants to take it outside. So, Bieksa’s a willing kid, and says, ‘Sure, let’s go!’ “
Out to the parking lot the two went, and according to Burke, Bieksa KO’d the bigger Fedorov with one punch.
“Down and out!” recalled Burke. “The next day, I’m talking to [assistant GM Steve Tambellini], and I guess Bieksa was all worried about it, saying to Tamby, “Oh, geez, I’m all done, Burkie’s going to be really [steamed], I show up and knock out one of his own guys.’ I listen to Tamby and I say, ‘Are you kidding me? I love that. Sign him—today!’
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Comments
You think Keenan would gift-wrap Lou to us if Burkie is still around?
Posted by Harvey on 01/23/07 at 12:06 AM ET
I figure Burke was let go because he was a good ‘fall guy’. Not to say that he didn’t make mistakes, but I think he did a whole hell of a lot more things right than he did wrong in his years as GM.
But the team wasn’t getting where the media and ownership thought it should be… so bye bye Burke. (And setting aside their recent play, I’d say Ducks fans have been pretty happy about that.)
As far the Mike Keenan question, I’d say ‘no’. But that shouldn’t take away anything from Burke… just adds yet another dimension to my dislike of crazy Keenan. 
Posted by Alanah McGinley from British Columbia on 01/23/07 at 07:21 PM ET
So Tambi was on Team 1040 the day after this story made its latest rounds. Tambellini suggest this to be one of those urban myths. “Why let the truth get in the way of a good story,” I believe, were his comments.
Given the karma between Burke and little bro Fedorov perhaps it was all a dream?
Side note: The story prompted said radio station to run a poll - “Who would you like to see Bieksa one punch next?” Popular choices were Gary Bettman, David Pratt and Sean Avery. Harry Cole and Bob Neal didn’t make the list. 
Posted by Terry from West Van on 01/28/07 at 01:39 PM ET
Sounds like a load of Burkes habitual American bull#@&t;
Posted by BILL from VAN on 07/23/08 at 03:31 PM ET
Wow, that was heart provoking article presented by you sir
thanks for sharing
regards
Posted by hilarious life quotes from USA on 03/21/09 at 10:06 AM ET
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About Canucks & Beyond
Alanah McGinley has been blogging hockey since 2003, sharing opinions, rants and not-so-deep thoughts with anyone who will listen. In addition to writing Canucks & Beyond and helping manage Kukla’s Korner, Alanah is one of the founders and co-hosts of The Crazy Canucks Podcast, as featured at Canucks.com.
She has contributed pieces to FoxSports.com and the New York Times Slapshot blog, as well as other stray destinations in cyberspace.
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man that makes me miss burke even more than normal. Explain it too me again why he got let go?
Posted by Joe Frazier from portland, OR on 01/22/07 at 07:46 PM ET