MaineToday.com | Checking in: I'm back!

Checking in Eric Weinrich, a player for the Portland Pirates writes about his experiences with the team.

January 29, 2007

I'm back!

Folks, it was quite a week in Portland if you were a hockey fan and also if you were a first year coach with an itch to get out there with the guys. By the start of next weekend, Pirate fans will need to check the lineup cards to see who is in the black and red for Friday's game. A few trades and one signing have changed the look of the team. Now, if we can gel and get these guys in the playoffs...
Long story short, Anaheim and Kevin came to me with a question: Are you interested in playing still? What could I say? Yes, I was. Coming to the rink each day has been great and has kept my mind in the game. But, the truth is the fire still burns to compete. I really missed the feeling of sitting in a dressing room with the guys. This offer would not change the family situation at all. That was the clincher. With their blessing, I took the axe off the wall and laced 'em up again...
So, you may wonder what a forty year old is doing coming out of retirement and playing with guys who are half his age? I really want to win a championship as a player and in my back yard would be sweet. But, playing next to these guys, I may be more benefit than from behind the bench. There is still a different perspective out on the ice than from the bench. The really hard thing will be letting the guys know that they should do as I say, not as I do. Because I will still make alot of mistakes, like everyone does. I feel some of the little things I have learned along the way and are now second nature may rub off, though. And I still feel that I am here to help these guys get to the next level, and when they do I will get the same satisfaction as I did as a coach...
So what was it like suiting up in that first game? I wasn't really nervous the way I was in the past, but felt more anxiety about my conditioning for playing in a game and whether I could simply keep up. My first post game report card was summed up by my daughter, Emmy. "Daddy, you really need to get stronger. And, you looked slow out there. I'm sorry, Daddy, but you did." OK, from the mouths of babes, but honest at least. She wasn't totally off base. I got bounced around a bit and what I was concerned most about was foot speed. Those two things have not been high on my training list lately and my body has slowly begun to take the shape of a cyclist. Well, as much as this body can change(I'll never be slim) But I have kept up on my cardiovascular fitness level. So, I can narrow down the deficiencies very quickly... For your information, the second game was much better and I felt I belonged on the same ice as the rest of the guys...
Where do we go from here? Our squad must get back to basics and get back in the playoff race. Big road trip on the horizon. For me, keep improving and assess my level each day. We have alot of games left to rectify the situation but it won't be easy. We look forward to the great support we have received this season from our great fans...
From the oldest player in the league, here's to all you 40 year olds! It ain't so bad after all. See you soon, Weino

Posted by Eric Weinrich at 10:29 PM

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Comments

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Eric!

I'm so very excited for you! This has to be one unique experience and what are the chances of a Been there-Done that-Doing it Again? :) I'm sure you're an inspiration to every 40-yr old guy out there, who might've ever missed the icy fun rush of the game from their younger years!

I am certain you will be your own worst taskmaster to get your conditioning to catch up! Best of luck to you and I hope you have blast out there!

Posted by Evelina
January 30, 2007 04:27 AM

It was with great excitement I watched you in the games this past weekend, and you looked far more comfortable at the Lowell game. Your blue line experience will be a boon to the younger guys on the pirates, and I hope they take advantage of it.

back to basics seems like a good idea. I'm not sure if it's just bad bounces, or the loss of players, but the passing games seems to slipped somewhat. It would be nice to see things like that improve.

One question: since you are a player now, will the blogging continue? Or will it be too much of a distraction? Just curious. keep your efforts & spirits up. I believe in the team.

Posted by mike
January 30, 2007 06:15 AM

I'm glad that your back where you feel best, but i think this ruins my assigmnent. I might have to come back to Maine and spend another day with you now that your playing. Just kidding.

I hope that you finish your season strong. Good Luck

Posted by ephraim
January 30, 2007 11:11 AM

I think the guys need a time tested veteran like you on the blueline, and hopefully your wisdom and years of NHL experience will help the guys out.
I got a good chuckle out of your daughter's comment, and indeed kids sometimes say the darn'dest things. Who knows, she may very well be your harshest critic!

A quick question, did the new style of hockey seem different to you as compared to the 90s and 80s styles of play?

Posted by Andrew
January 30, 2007 12:23 PM

Eric. I remember you when you were 8 years old at Kennebec and you had your own style of playing and that kept you in the big leagues for all these years. 40 is just a number it doesen't apply to you. Good luck

Posted by Benedix
January 30, 2007 04:38 PM

hey eric,
congrads on coming out of retirement.like the guy above said 40 is just a number. I think it shows a true love for the game you have made the big contracts,played 18 great years.you have played with great unselfishness.I believe in 1985 at NYA you hoisted the school boy title in the civic center.I hope some 20 somthing years later . you will get back to that well again . Maybe hoist a calder cup.Win or loose we love ya eric and we love our pirates and our hockey.So lets all show up on saturday and prepare for the march to the cup. you bring the hockey will bring the noize. for portland pirates are our boys..

ok so i wasnt a cheerleader and i do have a day job..

Posted by Bill
January 31, 2007 02:00 AM

Good for you, skill and heart matter more than age. I'm going down to Providence on Friday to watch you play. Everyone I know it excited to see you play again.
I know you'll fire up the guys.

Posted by Bob
January 31, 2007 10:08 PM

There is a saying that a company is only as good as its worst employee. But we all know the truth. A company is only as good as its management. I am going to be honest and say that I am sorry that you did not find a plausable transition into coaching this year in Portland ME. To not feel full enough on the bench that you would willingly take a step down and put a not fully conditioned 40 year old body onto the ice with kids half your age says ALOT. I have two wild wishes for you. 1. That you get called up to win a Stanley cup this year or 2. You get an offer to coach in a well run organization.

Posted by Jacey
February 1, 2007 06:23 PM

Eric:

Great news to have you back on the ice!! Best of luck and don't get hurt - you are almost as old as I you realize!

Have a great season - I'll be following the news.

Vaughn Fuller

Posted by Uncle Vaughn
February 10, 2007 11:44 AM

Congratulations! When Todd told me to read your web site, he knew I'd be surprised.
Best of luck, I know how much you love this game.
Regards to your family,
Jane

Posted by Jane
February 16, 2007 09:45 PM