VANCOUVER - IN A SURPRISING move yesterday, four-star American General and former US Secretary of State Colin Powell openly endorsed the Vancouver Canucks' efforts to secure the Stanley Cup in 2009. Speaking about new Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis, General Powell declared that "he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming onto the NHL stage."
General Powell's endorsement comes as a blow to the Detroit Red Wings and the team's GM Ken Holland. Powell has previously referred to Holland as "a dear friend" who he has known for over 25 years.
Although the Red Wings entered the NHL season as the reigning Stanley Cup champion, the team has amassed only 7 points through 5 games, good enough for a middling fifth in the Western Conference.
Powell refused to comment on whether the Canucks recent October 16 overtime victory the Red Wings factored into his decision to endorse the Vancouver club, but insiders suggest that it greatly altered his impression of Holland and the entire Red Wings organization.
The turmoil in the Red Wings organization extends beyond its mediocre 3-1-1 record, which places them behind Central Division rival St. Louis Blues. Last season the Blues finished dead last in the division, 36 points behind the Red Wings but clearly the divisional balance of power has tilted against the faltering Red Wings.
Holland's recent support for Detroit's "hockey moms" has drawn considerable criticism. While supporters say that it has successfully broadened the appeal of the Red Wings organization amongst a certain segment of the NHL public, critics argue that it has isolated hockey traditionalists who otherwise may have supported the Original Six franchise.
Holland took the high road in responding to today's news: "Well, I've always admired and respected General Powell. We're long-time friends. This doesn't come as a surprise."
Powell's endorsement is a strong boost to NHL newcomer Gillis, who has already bucked convention by naming his goaltender captain. The results of Gillis controversial and highly-criticized plan to increase his team's offence without adaquately replacing outgoing forwards have yet to be seen. Powell's support, however, has for now pushed these issues to the backburner.
Gillis' reaction to the news was predictabily enthusiastic. He declared that he was "beyond honoured and deeply humbled to have the support of General Colin Powell."
The results of the Stanley Cup competition will not be known until the conclusion of the Finals in early June 2009.
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