Sens at Land's End

Heatley will be accompanied in Kelowna by agent Stacey McAlpine who says we shouldn’t expect his client to shed much light on why the star winger wants out of Ottawa.  “There are several factors and a variety of reasons,” McAlpine told TSN.  “However, out of respect to the Ottawa Senators and all involved, Dany is not getting into specifics…that will remain confidential.” (TSN)

The conference call was initiated by Hockey Canada, which wants the Heatley distractions out of the way before the Olympic team orientation camp next Monday through Wednesday in Calgary. Steve Yzerman, executive director of the Olympic team, empathizes with Senators fans and says Heatley has to provide some answers in order that he not become a sideshow.

“In fairness to the Senators’ fans and the media, it needs to be addressed,” Yzerman said. “It has to be addressed. We’ll get it done. Obviously, it will be a hot topic for one day. Everybody get it out of the way. Everybody ask the questions that need to be asked. Dany, answer those questions. And everybody move on.” (Ottawa Citizen)

Two very different ideas of what needs to be said. One wonders what exactly the Heatley camp’s vision of this conference call is. If he’s not going to talk about why he wants out, what does he have to say that is relevant to our lives in any way? He has never respected anything but his own interest in this situation. Why start now? Could it be because his reasons will make him look like a giant asshole? If so, I’ve got news for you, Dany: that ship has sailed.

J.P. Barry also states that Heatley will report to camp if he’s not traded by then. His exact words: “It was never our interest not to show up.” Someone else might have used the word “intent” there. Not these guys.

At any rate. It’s nice to know Stevie Y and Hockey Canada have our backs.

He speaks at 1pm Eastern, 10am Pacific. The Team 1200 will carry it live. Should be scintillating.