Welcome to my first foray into the world of sports blogging.

I retired last summer after a varied working career of 40 years and now enjoy myself fulltime.

This is for JMN and Gerald and all the regulars who comment (I can't list you all, but as the saying goes: "You know who you are!".)

[Of course, none of the great deal of enjoyment I've had reading (and laughing at and with, and agreeing and arguing with, and being informed by, and so on and so on...) would be possible without James Mirtle and From The Rink and SB Nation, so a foundation-type shoutout to you and yours, James. I enjoyed (and continue to enjoy, eg the Brian McG article) you first in the G&M; and then in the blogosphere where each evening I make it a habit to catch up on all you've been up to each day.]

As my Mom used to say, "It's an ill wind that blows no good.", and the ill wind I'm talking about here is the mighty roar of the air movement surrounding the Phoenix Coyotes just now. The off-season drama around the 'Yotes has been endlessly interesting to me.

I have my own opinions on all the many and varied issues involved, but the great spice added to my daily dose of reading about them is the amazing comments posted here  on From The Rink.

If I understand correctly  JMN is an accountant in Minnesota, Gerald (I think his last name is Carpenter) is a lawyer in Toronto who lives in Hamilton, and a guy whose name escapes me just now (getting old ) is an executive with an Ontario healthcare firm. You guys can correct me if I've got any of that wrong OK?

Anyway, as far as I've read (and recall) you are the only regulars who have presented credentials, so to speak, and thereby put your comments in context. If any other regulars would care to do the same it would help me to enjoy the discussions here even more.

As it is, I think FTR readers are fortunate to read such a great variety of perspectives on what is obviously a topic of great and abiding interest to us all: hockey, hockey, hockey; and especially to hear pro opinions without paying a fee! Just ribbing you guys here JMN, GC et al. As if you haven't heard all the envy-based jibes aimed at your chosen careers by now! 

I'm pleased that you take time to follow these threads and comment so thoroughly. It's great.

That rivalry you have is quite intense, too. Stirs the pot. (Maybe take it a bit easy on the personal shots, though, right? It feels like JM's patience wears a bit thin sometimes.) Will you transfer your intensity to a broad range of topics when (if?) the Coyote saga "concludes"? I hope so.

How about filling out your profiles regarding hockey? Favourite teams? Memories? Players?

I'd really encourage anyone who comments regularly (and especially those who don't limit their comments to a narrow aspect or two re: hockey) to "flesh out" the profile section. If I were going to comment on the daily threads I would do the same, but I'm happy to continue reading the articles and your comments for now.

Anyway, thanks for your time and effort to all posters, and of course especially to James and From The Rink for providing the Forum (pun intended).