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HomeSportsHartley Miller’s Hart Attack – July 17, 2014 Edition 480

Hartley Miller’s Hart Attack – July 17, 2014 Edition 480

After reflecting upon road trips, you may realize that your journeys are complete when you experience the euphoria of returning home. Indeed, our own bed, homemade meals, familiar routines and faces, all within a comfortable environment. Yes, home is our foundation, our fabric; our family.

Going away, whether it is for four days, four weeks, four months, or and in some cases, four years can be an exciting, adventurous and an awesome experience, but returning to your home city, for most of us, is special and offers a comfort zone like none other.

Lebron James is a wrestling fan and was able to pull off a script that would even make Vince McMahon proud; moving from a likeable, personable awesome talent that was the ultimate “face” (good guy) from the time he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 to the “heel” (bad guy) when he signed with the Miami Heat in 2010. And now he’s a “face” again, bigger and better than ever after deciding to continue his career just 40 miles from where he grew up in Akron, Ohio.

Albeit this may appear farcical, but when it comes to sports, the city of Prince George can relate to the city of Cleveland.

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Yes, P.G. has achieved many sporting accomplishments but local sports fans continue to wait for the ultimate prize. Hockey in Prince George is arguably the equivalent to basketball, football and/or baseball in Cleveland.

The drought for Prince George is 20 years, failing to claim a WHL or BCHL championship; not even a banner. This famine isn’t higher because the Cougars only arrived in 1994 while the Spruce Kings did not join the BCHL until 1996.

The Cougars and Spruce Kings have provided some thrilling moments over those years but most seasons have ended in frustration, disappointment and despair without even making a league final.

20 years is a long time, but this pales in comparison to the 50 year drought suffered by sports fanatics in Cleveland. In fact, Cleveland has waited longer than any other city, with at least three major sports franchises, to win a title. The last time a Cleveland pro sports team won a championship was the NFL Browns (pre-Super Bowl era) in 1964. The Cleveland Indians last won the World Series in 1948 while the Cavaliers have never won an NBA championship, although Lebron carried the Cavs to the
2007 Finals before they were swept by San Antonio.

Sure, as Prince George residents we get frustrated with our city in many areas; but despite the location, the cold weather, and the lacklustre politics, this is our home and we take great pride in that, as we should. Like Cleveland, P.G. is not a glamourous city, but its core value is blue collar hard work, dedication and respect.

If Lebron can engineer just one championship to Cleveland, that would equal many titles for another city. James, who wisely isn’t promising a Larry O’Brien Trophy, would then be truly elevated to “King” status, not just a nickname. He may never be Michael Jordan, but in some ways may be bigger.

This is wishful thinking, but if the Cougars can win a Memorial Cup, or a WHL championship, imagine how positive that that would reflect on the New Ice Age ownership group? At this stage, they are not close to achieving that kind of success, but have an opportunity to build a strong foundation, with strategic moves, and like any team, could be competitive in a relatively short period of time.

Of course, the Cougars do not boast a talent with the stature of “Lebron” but they have a large ownership group, with many years invested in the city that understands the importance of their WHL team to the residents of P.G., just like James has realized what the Cavaliers mean to Cleveland.

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Championships also provide a significant economic spinoff, which is desperately needed in cities such as Prince George and Cleveland. Restaurants, hotels, sporting stores and other businesses prosper and grow in synch with successful franchises. Although they are at different economic levels, it goes without saying that both Prince George and Cleveland are two municipalities that are starving for an economic boost. As a result, Lebron and the New Ice Age have an opportunity to impact their respective economic regions.

Winning is the ultimate; that’s the goal; that’s what every athlete and team strives for. However, winning a championship for your city, your home, your people; your buddies, is as good as it gets.

Lebron has succeeded in turning his image around simply by understanding the old adage “There Is No Place like Home.”


From the Quote Rack:

First order of business at Quicken Loan Arena upon LeBron’s return—check the air conditioning.

A Cleveland area zoo owl incorrectly predicted that LeBron would stay in Miami. The owl is now a greeter at a local ‘Hooters’.

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

Most googled question in Cleveland; How do you get burn marks out of a jersey?

The Cleveland Browns are planning to use a live bull-mastiff as their mascot this fall. Of course Browns fans are hoping the real dog doesn’t turn out to be Johnny Manziel.

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Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

The Staten Island Yankees tried to set a world record for most people in one place wearing fake moustaches. Sadly, they missed by a whisker.

Alouettes receiver Chad Johnson claims he’s had 15 parking tickets in Montreal because he can’t read French. Here’s a tip: a French fire hydrant looks just like an English one.

Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

And in case you missed it:

Some World Cup teams were forbidden to engage in sexual activities during the tournament. How many Brazilian players do you think went “Offside” with that policy?

Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio station TheGoat94.3 His column appears weekly on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller

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