There's No Sheriff In Town

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 8:48 AM MST in News Comment 67 comments

Parkerfight_medium

photo courtesy of Isaac Brekken/AP

Scott Parker, an on-again, off-again enforcer loved by many Avalanche fans, is no longer with the team. He's been fired for what the team calls "insubordination:"

Parker, who played for the Avalanche for parts of six seasons, refused to report to the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League after being demoted Oct. 17. Parker had concussion symptoms at the time and wasn't able to play, but later refused assignment to the Monsters outright.

I mean, I know it's Cleveland and all, but even in the minor leagues he was still going to make at least $100,000 a year. That would be a pretty big raise for most of us, and we don't get to play a game for a living.

Assuming the team won't eventually re-sign him for some reason, the firing means an end of an era for the Avalanche. Parker was drafted in the first round (20th overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by Colorado and in the Stanley Cup year of 2000-01, "The Sheriff" managed 155 penalty minutes in 69 games. He spent a couple of seasons in San Jose but then came back to the Avs in 2006-07. He hadn't played more than 25 games in a season since 2003-04.

Parkerdraft_medium

They grow up so fast.

Considering how terrible a hockey player he always was, it's amazing his career lasted as long as it did. And it might not be over, since he's now a free agent and at least one or two teams might be looking for a slow, uncoordinated jerk to mercilessly pummel opposing slow, uncoordinated jerks. If that's the case, he's their man.

Fare thee well, Sheriff. May your ink never fade.

0 recs | Comment 67 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I had no idea that Parker was a first rounder. I have a hard time sorting out what the scouts were thinking when they watched him skate and said “oh yeah, that is first round talent right there”. Actually, I guess I know what they were thinking overall….they were hoping to find a replacement for what they lost when they let Simon go. But 1st round?

by exredcoat on Nov 10, 2008 9:34 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I thought the exact same thing…

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 10, 2008 9:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

In the scout’s defense, he was the fourth first-round pick the Avs had that year. Before they picked Parker they chose Alex Tanguay (12th), Martin Skoula (17th) and Robyn Regehr (19th).

Notable players chosen after Scott Parker:

Simon Gagne, Scott Gomez and Brad Richards.

Honestly, it was a pretty thin draft past the first round.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 9:45 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You missed

Pavel Datsyuk and the Great Tyler Arnason.

by c6hor8 on Nov 10, 2008 10:26 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously

I’d pick The Sheriff over Tyler "Don’t scratch me, I’ll try and make more of my opportunities "Arnason.

Too long?

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 10, 2008 11:07 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t believe Datsyuk was chosen 171st. Talk about a diamond in the rough.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 11:56 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I can totally see why you would pick Parker over some loser named Scott Gomez. Good Call

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 10, 2008 11:06 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, like mentioned above, they needed another enforcer.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 11:56 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

/disagree on one thing

And it might not be over, since he’s now a free agent and at least one or two teams might be looking for a slow, uncoordinated jerk to mercilessly pummel opposing slow, uncoordinated jerks.

no way. Parker is many things — scary, not very good at hockey, etc, but he’s always been a very honorable fighter and a supremely nice guy. I always thought he was a great counter to the giant asshole enforcers of the league — a way of responding without stooping to their level

by thedoctor on Nov 10, 2008 10:16 AM MST reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you there, and it makes me wonder if there was anything else going on with the organization. I mean the guys got an avalanche “A” tatooed on him and was overjoyed to be coming here to play again. Did they tell him he would never be coming up again after his concussion problems were over and refuse to try and trade him later? Or something else? Or did he just let pride in his “abilities” blind him to the fact that one dimensional players are not as in demand as they used to be?

by TheRed on Nov 10, 2008 10:53 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree WIth Doc

Parker is one of the nicest guys off the ice. I also loved watching him fight and enforce for the Avs. I’ve seen a few muggings this year that Parker would have made someone answer for. I’ll miss him. He was like a harley-riding, tattoed, lumberjack with a heart of gold.

Red Wings Suck

by texacogirl on Nov 10, 2008 10:57 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Before he was drafted he had crazy scoring ability. Plus he’d beat you up with his eyes. Don’t forget that.

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 10, 2008 11:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

So did the Av’s system kill that?

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 10, 2008 12:02 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We’ve been through this before. The correct spelling is Avs’. Geez.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 12:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

We HAVE been through this before, and you’re STILL WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 10, 2008 12:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

At least you picked the correct spelling of the word “you’re.” That’s something.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 12:43 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

So it’s supposed to be “Avalanches’ system” instead of “Avalanche’s system”? I thought Avalanche was a singular noun, and should be apostrophe s. If you were talking about several avalanches having a party, then it would be "avalanches’ party.

I love grammar arguments… :-)

by Mrs @ MHH on Nov 10, 2008 2:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but the word you’re making possessive isn’t “Avalanche,” it’s “Avs.” Is that word short for “Avalanches”? What you’re arguing for is the use of the word “Av” to mean the team itself.

“I can’t wait to watch the Av play tonight,” would be the correct usage. If that’s the case, then fine, use “Av’s” as the possessive. But if you use the correct “I can’t wait to see the Avs play tonight,” then you should use the more appropriate “Avs’” to indicate possession.

That’s my take on it. Seems to make more sense.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 3:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, okay. In that case you’re right. I assumed that Avs was just short for Avalanche, not a word in and of itself.

by Mrs @ MHH on Nov 10, 2008 3:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That's it!

As someone in a career based 99% on professional writing, I can tell you:

Avalanche’ is never grammatically correct.
Avalanche’s is the correct possesive.
Avs is the shortened version of Avalanche, meaning the possessive becomes Avs’s.
An avalanche is singular, and takes the third person singular of the verb to have: has.
But the Avalanche as a hockey club, an association of multiple individuals is plural, meaning it takes the third person plural of verbs. For to have: have, for to be: are.

Examples:
An avalanche is a deadly natural disaster and has the capability to kill mountaineers.
The Avalanche are a National Hockey League franchise and have two Stanley Cup banners.

May these rules be duly noted, and preserved somewhere on the front page.

Mir ist egal.

by Selanne on Nov 10, 2008 7:06 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Note Bene

In American English, the possessive Avs’s can also be written Avs’.

Mir ist egal.

by Selanne on Nov 10, 2008 7:08 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

My English teacher

Would’ve beaten me up if I ever put the combination s’s together. You always drop the second s. Always.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 11, 2008 2:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Which is what I stated

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 11, 2008 5:46 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

And, once again, everyone should just listen to me and shut up already.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 11, 2008 6:22 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That never happens.

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 11, 2008 11:02 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

EVAH!!!!!!!!

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 11, 2008 12:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

What about

the ’Lanche?

I believe in Peter Budaj

by Jibblescribbits on Nov 10, 2008 10:17 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

* stab *

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 10, 2008 10:22 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn you

Jibbles, you stole my awesome joke. Stupid work and multiple hour time difference, you ruin everything.

"To have arrived on this Earth as a product of a biological accident, only to depart through human arrogance, would be the ultimate irony"
R. Leakey, Origins; 1977
"Two roads divurged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 1:06 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Link

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 11, 2008 5:47 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Both are wrong, it’s the Avalanche’ system I think. And Avalanche is shortened with Avs. Call it slang if you like

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 10, 2008 4:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Avalanche’ is not grammatically correct in any way whatsoever.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 5:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Grammer’s overrated, whats it done for anyone lately.

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 3:23 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I use the term “jerk” very loosely to include most everyone that fights for a living. Point taken.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 11:58 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

And totally OT

The Rockies further cement their status as just another 4A baseball team playing in a major league stadium by trading Matt Holiday today. Whoopee! As a hockey fan and baseball hater, I guess I should be happy now. We won’t see the Rocks playing in October again any time in the next 20 years or so. If ever.

MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.

by Bob in Boulder on Nov 10, 2008 3:39 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Could have

I could have become a baseball fan at one point in life, but the Rockies continued insistance they are a small market team, even when they aren’t, drove me away.

I believe in Peter Budaj

by Jibblescribbits on Nov 10, 2008 3:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I am a fan of the Rockies, but also hate the idea of the Rockies claiming they are a small market team. To make matters worse, the “Small Market” Rockies can’t afford Holliday, so they trade him to a franchise that is absolutely known for being fiscally conservative when it comes to paying top notch players. The A’s figure out how to get maximum production out of every dollar they spend….and they are choosing to spend it on Holliday. That pretty well shows how dumb this in on the Rockies part.

by exredcoat on Nov 10, 2008 4:05 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

/sigh

K, thanks for your grievances. We’ll file them away in the “casual fan” file that doesn’t understand how the team might have just gotten better. It’s cool. We won’t argue it.

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 10, 2008 4:14 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

‘splain it to me Lucy. I’m all ears. ;)

I don’t pretend to know a lot about baseball. But isn’t Holliday one of the very best players in the game? And doesn’t having just one guy like that in your lineup help to make hitters around him better?

My guess is that there will be plenty of “casual fans,” with more of a rooting interest in baseball than I have, who choose to become empty seats at Coors next year. And so the Monfort downward spiral can continue. My 2 cents, anyway. I can tell you think they are worth less.

MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.

by Bob in Boulder on Nov 10, 2008 4:38 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

They are worthless

and there’s no way that can reasonably be argued. One of my favorite moments as a Rockies fan was watching a packed house booing the Monforts right after being presented with the National League Championship trophy. Even in victory, everyone still knew they were horrible owners. They’re too stubborn to buck up and get out of a town that hates what they’ve done to their baseball team, and I wish they would sell to Kroenke already. The full impact of the deal won’t be felt until the money freed up is used (and if it isn’t used, then I immediately change my stance and agree with you completely) and the roster for next season is actually set. Out of respect for this being an Avalanche blog, this will be my last take on the topic.

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 10, 2008 9:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I wish they would sell to Kroenke already

Just what Colorado needs, another sports team owned by Kroenke.
Actually i really don’t care, Baseball occupies the same tier of my caring as basketball, those stupid purse chihahua things everyone in hollywood has, any form of non-electronic or sport related shopping, and of course, Hugh Jackman winning an oscar. For non Savage experts, that would be the bottom tier.

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 1:11 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Ahahahahahaha

Any form of non-electronic or sport related shopping? I’m definitely there with you. Hugh Jackman played a decent Wolverine, but I was mortified when he and Sabretooth looked at each other in the first movie like they were total strangers. The movie they made about chihuahuas was an abomination to everyone who has ever said they loved movies and this ever-growing love for all things stupid in this country (and the world) makes me sad for the future of humanity. I hate almost everything. See what happens when you mention something like hollywood and/or chihuahuas?

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 11, 2008 1:33 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I hate almost everything, someon started booing the trailer to that chihauha movie and sadly it wasn’t me, I was like that guys my hero. I did however boo the trailer to that stupid brat movie and tried to start a “We want Die Hard” chant, it did not go well.
As for Hugh jackman i have nothing against him, i think he’s a fairly decent and versatile actor. I just love the fact that Dr. Cox from Scrubs hates him for no apparent reason.

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 2:10 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nothin against Jackman

just that part of the first X-Men movie caused some anger to come spilling out in the form of me screaming at the screen for about 5 seconds (I’m unpopular in theaters). Die Hard, btw, is awesome. The Bratz movie was…well, let’s just say when mothers see their daughters growing up to be 14 year old whores on a regular basis, it’s their own damn fault. Also, letting them sing and dance along with that Soulja Boy song…aahhhh. Many a hockey game I’ve informed parents what the “Superman” reference in that song really is, and ask if it’s still super cute that their daughter is so happily doing it. Congrats. You riled me up enough. I hate almost everything, and I’m more than happy to let people know it when I’m in public. Movies are great trolling places, as are malls on the weekends.

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 11, 2008 2:24 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Any public venue’s good to let people know you hate things IMO, it’s even better when you have the attention span of a gnat. I can occasionally control myself at most places but eventually i snap and yell, my favourite was at Ice skating, never go when there’s a bunch of pre-pubescant girls looking like whores. They scream over everything, I started a screaming contest with them that ended with me yelling SHUT THE F—- Up as loud as i could.
Being that i mega-loathe Soulja Boy, what is the superman reference, I don’t think i’ve ever heard it, which is a good thing.

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 2:43 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

We won’t get into it. It seems we’re both interested in mocking society at every turn. How’s Australia?

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 11, 2008 2:48 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

It's not bad

There’s a lack of chairs, plus not enough hockey fans which causes my few friends incredible embarrasment when seen with me since i always wear a hockey jersey everywhere, i had a checkout chick just stare at my Avs jersey once. I felt like saying it’s a giant A, are you retarded but didn’t waste my breathe. Seriously though, I’m not really the person to ask about Australia, everyone says i should be American since i hate surfing, AFL Pies, the beach and almost every other “Aussie thing”, Plus I don’t drink either. It probably didn’t help that i wore my Panthers jersey (first one i ever had, they have a cool logo, that’s right i said it) to school every day. I even got in trouble from the principal for wearing it instead of my tie, blazer and tucking my shirt in. I hated my school

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 2:54 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

We should be good friends. And dude, the Panthers do have an awesome logo. I’ve always enjoyed watching their games, and I’ll admit my presence on their team in NHL 09 makes me like them a tiny fraction.

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 11, 2008 3:01 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve always liked them since i got the jersey in 2002. My guys on the Panthers in NHL 09 and he’s doing good. I’ll probably stay with them unless i get an offer from the Avs

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 3:09 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I was with the Avs originally, and then they signed me to a 1 year contract, and traded me two days later to Florida, where I’ve stayed. Good memories.

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 11, 2008 3:12 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Haven’t been traded yet but I’m only in december, my goalies on the Avs, or Monsters to be exact but it’s impossible to do any good as goalie with the piss poor defense.

by Savage33 on Nov 11, 2008 3:19 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve enjoyed watching their games too, especially the four they played in the stanley cup finals in ’96!

by TheRed on Nov 11, 2008 11:49 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely my favorite Panthers games ever.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 12, 2008 8:18 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Let’s play nice, kids. And remember, this ain’t a Rockies blog.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 10, 2008 5:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

So negative...

This write-up saddens me. The Sheriff deserves some measure of respect and we just took a massive dump on him. Parker was the best enforcer the Avs have ever had. He would scare the crap out of you or beat you up – but he always did it by The Code. I remember watching him destroy some guy going after one of our guys all game then help him up. That is amazing.
I don’t care if he isn’t that great of a player, he deserves a good treatment from the fanbase. So what if he doesn’t want to play for the Monstors after a 10 year NHL career and is now dealing with concussions. So what if he isn’t a goal scorer. RESPECT THE SHERIFF OR HE DESTROY YOU.

Never trust the lunch lady.

by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Nov 10, 2008 5:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

I know we don’t have the full story and we probably never will….but why would you sign a 2-way contract and then not except the terms when you get sent down? As much as he always seemed to be a classy player (at least as classy as an “enforcer” can be), this seems to be a classless act. Lots of good players have ended their careers in the minors, why should Parker be any different?

Now and then we had the hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be PIRATES.
-Mark Twain-

by Americanario on Nov 10, 2008 6:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to be honest, I never really liked Scott Parker. I mean, I thought he was a cool guy, but I was never sold on the need for an “enforcer,” especially when guys like Lappy and McCormick can fight and can play decent hockey, too. Why put a big brute on the ice when he’s worthless except for maybe one fight against another worthless player? That goes for every team, not just the Avs.

But that’s just me. Nothing personal against the Sheriff.

Go Avs! Let's get some goals!

by Joe Dunman on Nov 11, 2008 6:31 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t we trade Parros for him straight up? Doesn’t Parros fill the same role, but with the ability to skate a regular shift too?

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 11, 2008 9:28 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

no. We traded Parros to the Ducks for a 2nd. We got Parker from the Sharks for a 6th.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 11, 2008 10:44 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

K

My bad…

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 11, 2008 10:48 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Who did we get in the 2nd round for Parros then?

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 11, 2008 11:03 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Gilardi

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 11, 2008 11:20 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s an upgrade, I’d say.

Colorado Avalanche: Gellin' and Propellin'!!!

by Mike @ MHH on Nov 11, 2008 12:18 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d agree

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 11, 2008 12:29 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Always liked Parker

and I’ll never forget that draft. That was the year of the four first round draft picks and Lacroix calling Tampa Bay saying “I’ll give you these four picks for the first pick” because he loved Lecavalier. I’ll never forget Tampa saying “Throw in Forsberg and you got a deal”. It was all so weirdly memorable and Parker was always the albatross of the draft class. * sigh *

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 10, 2008 10:57 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Brad Richards would have been so much nicer.
but fare thee well Parker.

InYoFace Phadouche! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Nov 10, 2008 11:30 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Keeping Regehr

would have been nice, too. Skoula was okay for a few years, too. That trade still drives a pitchfork into my heart. Of course, if we’re playing the big game of “if we had done it correctly…”, we never would have gotten Stastny because someone else would have wised up =p

by SlamDunkTheFunk on Nov 11, 2008 12:04 AM MST up reply actions 0 recs