GENE'S BLOG: Happy Valentine's Day

It's been called the Feast of St. Valentine or Saint Valentine's Day, but most of us know it simply as Valentine's Day.
It's celebrated annually on Feb. 14. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when the idea of love flourished by being associated with the 'lovebirds' of early spring. In the 18th century, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers and greeting cards. In Italy, for example, on Valentine's Day, keys are given to spouses, significant others, or partners as "a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart."
Feb. 14 is not a public holiday in any country, and the Edmonton Oilers know that as they will be at work on the night of the 14th against the Pacific Division rival San Jose Sharks.

The game of hockey is a labour of love for the team, its staff both near the ice and in business offices, and of course the fans. Last week, the Oilers saw enough of one Flower to last them through Valentine's Day and beyond as Marc-Andre Fleury delivered a performance for Chicago that turned out to be the last behind the bench for Dave Tippett and Jim Playfair. It's sad to see good men go, but what it all means is the beginning of a new relationship between Jay Woodcroft, Dave Manson and the squad. In fact, for the new head coach, you could almost look at this as the re-igniting of a previous love affair that was put on hold due to distance. Woodcroft was in Bakersfield, while the Oilers were in Edmonton.
If we were back in school handing out Valentine's Day cards, first off, everyone in the class (and on the team) would get one. I think the most popular kids in the class might be Connor or Leon, maybe Darnell, and let's not forget Ryan (as in Nugent Hopkins). It was always exciting to write the cards, but even more of a thrill to have the kids accept them. It was no coincidence it was these four players that were brought out to discuss the change that was made on the Oilers bench. They weren't speaking about accepting a Valentine's card, but instead, two new coaches.

Valentine's Day is a day that brings with it the development of a bond and relationship filled with love, care and commitment. It's the same thing in sports, whether it's as an individual or in a team setting. You have to love what you're doing, you have to care about those beside you, and have the commitment to succeed and build a relationship with your coach and teammates. Like any relationship, there can be some rocky times, which the Oilers just experienced, but it's how you come through it that matters most. There is also trust, which is the basis of any success on a personal or business level. Captain Connor made it clear he and the Oilers trust what Jay and Dave are doing and will do the remainder of this season.
However you spend your Valentine's Day with your loved ones, I hope you'll spend at least part of it watching the Edmonton Oilers take on the San Jose Sharks. You'll see a coach in Woodcroft and a player in Evander Kane take on a team that was once near and dear to their heart. Enjoy the candy, chocolate and flowers as you get set for a day filled with love and a night filled with hockey.
To finish, let's do so with a short poem:
Roses are red, violets are blue,The Edmonton Oilers are in the race for playoff spot,And it's something they will do.