Peter Brand stands silently at the podium of an empty press hall, his head hung low as he reflects on his time in Colorado. “I don’t know that this is how I ever envisioned this going,” he says, his voice trembling as he speaks, despite knowing full well there is nobody around to hear him, “but this is what we as a team have decided is right”.
It is clear from his tone that Brand knows the gravity of what he is preparing to share with the press. It is also clear that, although he claims the decision being made is the right one, he is not entirely certain of that. As he lifts his head, it is readily apparent that this is not easy for him; his eyes are wet, a rare sight from a man known for maintaining his composure, and it is rarer still to see him rehearsing a prepared statement, something that has come so naturally to him in his tenure as general manager.
Brand pauses for a long time before continuing; everything about this situation is uncharacteristic of the man. He turns his head to the side, and mutters something to himself, something which the media could not possibly have caught even had they been present, before returning his attention to the empty room and continuing his statement.
“Colorado has become my home these past three seasons, and I will cherish every moment I spent as a part of something this special. But it is time to ensure the best for the future of Colorado”. He chuckles weakly to himself, half-heartedly attempting a smile as he continues, “I suppose all good things must come to an end eventually”.
It is difficult to do this bit in character, so I will say it as myself; effective at the conclusion of Colorado’s final game of the season, I will be stepping aside as the general manager of the Colorado Yeti. It has been a blessing and a privilege to serve this team in this capacity, and I will fondly remember my time as the general manager of a franchise that has finally found its way to greatness. That said, it is time for me to move along and allow somebody better their opportunity to fill my shoes, and although we are not sure who that will be at this time, I am as excited for the future of the Yeti as I have ever been.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an Ultimus to win.
It is clear from his tone that Brand knows the gravity of what he is preparing to share with the press. It is also clear that, although he claims the decision being made is the right one, he is not entirely certain of that. As he lifts his head, it is readily apparent that this is not easy for him; his eyes are wet, a rare sight from a man known for maintaining his composure, and it is rarer still to see him rehearsing a prepared statement, something that has come so naturally to him in his tenure as general manager.
Brand pauses for a long time before continuing; everything about this situation is uncharacteristic of the man. He turns his head to the side, and mutters something to himself, something which the media could not possibly have caught even had they been present, before returning his attention to the empty room and continuing his statement.
“Colorado has become my home these past three seasons, and I will cherish every moment I spent as a part of something this special. But it is time to ensure the best for the future of Colorado”. He chuckles weakly to himself, half-heartedly attempting a smile as he continues, “I suppose all good things must come to an end eventually”.
It is difficult to do this bit in character, so I will say it as myself; effective at the conclusion of Colorado’s final game of the season, I will be stepping aside as the general manager of the Colorado Yeti. It has been a blessing and a privilege to serve this team in this capacity, and I will fondly remember my time as the general manager of a franchise that has finally found its way to greatness. That said, it is time for me to move along and allow somebody better their opportunity to fill my shoes, and although we are not sure who that will be at this time, I am as excited for the future of the Yeti as I have ever been.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an Ultimus to win.