The Dog Days of December

We're right in the middle of it....the darkest part of the year, the busiest part of the year, and the part of the 2008-2009 AHL season that the Marlies players must dread the most...DECEMBER!

The Marlies play 14 games in the 31 day month, with 8 of them on the road. There are 3 back-to-back-to-back weekends, and with call-ups to the Leafs, it is no wonder that we're .500 this month so far. As a fan who joined them at the start of the month on the road and have attended every home game (save one) this month, I'm exhausted so I can only imagine how they must feel!


All of that being said, there have been some real bright spots that shouldn't go unnoticed.


1. Marlies players who have been called up to the Leafs have played well and have made an immediate impact. Whether it is Sifer's energy, William's points, or just the fact that even though the Marlies cupboards have been called "bare", we've managed to juggle the roster through call-ups, PTOs, and letting those players who have not been at the forefront to step up to the plate and stay at .500 for the season.


2. The players have gave it their all to keep us in the game and in all three losses we managed to outshoot our opponents. So even though we haven't won all of the games we've played, we're at least going hard to the net and the challenge now is to start burying the puck behind the goal line. That I hope will be a new year's resolution for all of the players!


3. Fans are getting into the game. I've seen the crowds grow around the players as they play sewerball pre-game, people have been seeking player autographs, the rumour mills are working overtime over who will stay up or be called up to the Leafs and interest is growing in the Marlies.

On Wednesday night (December 17th) the Marlies play their last home game before the holidays. It will be a sad night at the 60th minute because in all the hustle bustle of the holiday season, the players will be away from their families and friends on the 19th, 20th, and 21st. Help be a bright spot for the team by going to the game (call 416-597-PUCK for tickets).


If I could ask Santa for just one thing, it would be for a few lucky breaks for the boys as they finish off the first half of the season and gear up for the home stretch.

You can email Chris with comments and questions about the blog, Duke’s Dog Pound Supporters Club, or the Marlies anytime to dukesdogpound@yahoo.ca.