
Where has Karen Newman been? I hit her up and she zoomed in to talk about her absence at the Detroit Red Wing games, in her own words.
"Okay, so listen, I'm not coming back. Uh, if they, there's a chance that they, I don't know, after the article that was out, they might not call me back even for a special game, but if they do, I'm happy to go down there just like we did last year. You know, Meltdown, they had me down for four really awesome games. They were special games. and I was very, very honored again, to be part of that. I don't intend or don't expect to get called at this point for the season, unless there's a special occasion, and I'm happy to go and sing."
She went on. "You know, it's, it's okay. I had 30 plus years with these guys, with this organization, happy as hell every year to get the call to do it. Honored beyond belief. And if it's time for them to do something new, I'm good with that. I'm okay. I don't, I'm not bitter. I'm not upset. I'm not mad. And I can say the word bittersweet. That's different than being bitter. It is bittersweet. I love the team. I love the game. Always have since I was a little kid and, and I love singing the anthem for them. So it's bittersweet. If I'm not down there for all those games. It's a little bittersweet, but I'm not bitter. There's a major difference, and I certainly don't feel like anybody ghosted me. Certainly not the Red Wings."
She said the Wings have bigger other things that need to get done. "They've got a lot more important things to worry about than calling me, honestly, and this is honestly how I feel. I'm a big girl. If I don't get the call, pretty smart too, that means I'm not going, right.
Yeah. It's okay. I had great years, Meltdown. I had great years, great memories, part of the glory days. Nobody can ever take any of that away from me. And you know, I'm proud of the work I did with them and, and how I performed for them. I was loyal and they were loyal to me too. So, you know, one of the things that I said to the writer of the article, one of the last things I said was, I am forever grateful, grateful to the Detroit Red Wings organization, and certainly to the Illich family. And I mean that with my whole heart."
You can watch the full conversation below. She also talks about her time touring with Bob Seger, as well as Kid Rock. Oh, and she's got lots of Christmas events coming up, even a new song!
-Meltdown-
Pictures From The Detroit Red Wing/Boston Bruins Alumni Game
What a great alumni game in Fraser Saturday night! The Boston Bruins alumni took on the Red Wings alumni for charity as Big Boy arena. Legends like Mickey Redmond, Rick Middleton, Red Berenson, Kenny "the rat" Linseman, Darren McCarty, Larry Murphy, Dino Ciccarelli, Joe Mullen, John Wensick, and lots more, were on hand to put on a great show for the fans.
For more info on the charities involved, punch up the link here.
The final score was the Bruins 8, the Wings 7. The game started off a little slow with each team feeling charitable, but as crunch time came near the end of the game, young horses like Darren Helm, Jakub Kindl, Danny DeKeyser and others started forcing the play. It was all a little too late, as Boston took home the trophy.
For me personally, it was great to see some of these legends, on and off the ice. Some of these guys brought back childhood memories of watching them play when I was a youth hockey player. A special thanks to Joe Neville for asking me to take part. I LOVED working with my friends Ben Holden and Sean Baligian. I've known those guys for years, but never had the chance to work with those two pros. The after party at Ciccarelli's was outstanding. Also, thanks to the crew of The Prep for all their hard work!
Check out some pictures of the game below...
-Meltdown-

The Stanley Cup was in the building!

Big Derian Hatcher and the Wings before puck drop.

The Red Wings locker room before the game.

Another picture of the Wings' locker room.

The Boston Bruins locker room.

Vladdy was in the building!

The best broadcast team in the league, or at least in the building Saturday night - Sean Baligian, Ben Holden, and myself. Great working with these two guys I've known for years!

Yuri Fischer was ready to go!

Great on-ice picture of two hockey legends. Rick Middleton and Red Berenson.

The entire red Wings squad.

Good to see my old friend, trainer John Wharton.

I was lucky enough to interview some of the players between plays. This is me with Rick Middleton. Legend!

Bryan Smolinski's daughter grabbed this picture of us off the TV broadcast.

Always great to talk with Darren McCarty. I turned the tables and just talked about my hockey "career"....that didn't go well with DMac...LOL

I mean, is there a better guy in hockey than Mickey??

Selfies with DMac and Drew Miller.

...more selfies with Johnny O. and Dino Ciccarelli. More legends!

Eddie Mio in net with a little help after a few softies went in.

The teams were playing for this cup, which the Bruins will take home after a 8-7 victory.

So cool to see the Stanley Cup in the building.

My friend Marc Cormier got the call up after Jimmy Howard couldn't play. His grandfather actually won a cup many decades ago.

Myself with Bryan "Smoke" Smolinski at the after party.

Vladdy even came to the party.

Drew Miller and Jason Hartless from Ted Nugent's band at the after party.

...more with Drew and Jason Hartless Jr. and Sr.

What a great event! Can't wait to do it again!