THANK YOU, CAPTAIN
Justin Bourne salutes the leadership of Bill Guerin
Bill Guerin walked into the room where all the rookies were waiting to hear the next day’s itinerary.
“Everybody has to be at the bar in an hour, 3-beer minimum. Everything is on Comrie and me. You better show up.”
Huh. That was a bit of a bomb, coming from the captain of the team I was trying out for, the night before I had to play my first exhibition game of camp in September, 2007.
There are a couple of crucial things you need to do well to make any team, let alone have any chance at a future in the sport of hockey. The obvious one is to play well. The less talked about and less important one is to be a positive part of the dressing room.
I know it sounds high-schoolish, but you can get crucified in a hockey dressing room if you aren’t on your guard. This can make things rather uncomfortable, as I can attest, having been one of two non-drinkers on my junior hockey team. As a result, I had to learn to have a pretty sharp tongue. I went from being a survivor in that dressing room to somebody you needed to survive. Hey, the best defense is a good offense.
But that wasn’t exactly an option at an NHL training camp. I wasn’t in a position to tell Miroslav Satan that yellow laces stopped being acceptable the same year we started taking the previous layer of tape off our sticks before putting a fresh layer on.
And Bill Guerin was the man in that Islanders locker room, because he transcended the need for player approval. In my experience, the biggest jerks are always the pros in their first few years, the guys who carry themselves like they think they deserve the change in lifestyle the game has afforded them. Bill didn’t have to prove himself; he was past that part.
And the more I think about it, the more Guerin sticks out in my mind. Everyday, us lowly rookies took to our stalls in the dressing room and looked down until it was time to practice. And everyday, there was Bill, cruising around the room, shaking some nervous pup’s hand, talking and joking with the type of kids who, in that dressing room, were the equivalent of your high school’s Dungeons and Dragons club (but significantly tougher).
Billy’s an immensely likable character. He seems to love the game in the same way that Brett Favre exudes that obvious passion for playing. This past summer, 10 months after camp, I ran into him at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Huntington. Arm-in-sling from his recent shoulder surgery, the captain greeted me like an old friend. He introduced me to his dad, and invited myself and my girlfriend Brianna to go boating with him and his wife. I wasn’t even sure the guy would remember me.
But that was 10 months later. Back to September, 2007.
“Everybody has to be at the bar in an hour, 3-beer minimum. Everything is on Comrie and me. You better show up.”
Let the battle begin.
Shoulder Devil: “Go! Drink on Bill’s tab. Do something stupid. Punch Andy Sutton. Make a memory.”
Shoulder Angel: “Think about your future. You need to be at your best tomorrow. You have a huge opportunity here”!
Shoulder Devil: “Punch. Sutton. If you live, best story ever.”
That guy always gets the last word.
Of course, I didn’t actually punch Andy Sutton. I did, however, enjoy my Guerin-imposed team minimum before tucking into bed a wee bit later than I would have liked. Sleep when you’re dead, right?
I was lucky enough to get to know the captain fairly well while I was there. He had organized a little outing for some of the veteran players and alumni. As luck would have it, my father Bob happens to be one of those, and apparently it’s nice to play golf in multiples of four. Enter me.
I don’t know who paid for the round, but I get the impression whoever it was doesn’t check their bank balance before they swipe for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. The golf provided me another opportunity on one of the first days of camp to mingle with some of the Isles guys and find out who was like what, while trying to not have anyone notice that I was like nervous.
After the round it had been settled that Bill’s group had won, so another group was on the hook for dinner and drinks. Nothing was too serious that day, especially after 18 holes and a couple casuals. We had an exchange that I particularly enjoyed. Keep in mind that in the middle of 16 hockey guys talking, this was light-hearted and fully tongue-in-cheek:
Me: “Four kids, wow, that must get expensive.”
Bill: “Well Justin, not to be a d–k, but I’m kinda rich.”
Me: “Ahhhh, rrright.”
When the guys weren’t looking, he snuck his card to the waitress and paid for everybody’s dinner and drinks. He didn’t actually want the free dinner; he just wanted some fuel to abuse the losers with.
But it’s not the money that Bill was generous with at camp that’s important, it was his time. He didn’t have to waste his time on kids who were clearly not going to be teammates that year. The Islanders are chock-full of young guys who needed to see what leading is all about, and what class looks like.
I’m glad he now gets the chance to play for the Cup, because for the rebuilding Islanders, Bill Guerin provided the ultimate example.
Comments.
58 Responses to “THANK YOU, CAPTAIN
Justin Bourne salutes the leadership of Bill Guerin”
Please Wait
Great story. Justin, you are a natural born writer. Too bad Billy is gone, he would’ve like this tribute to a captain… I doubt he checks PB nowadays. Best of luck to him anyway.
cb, justin, what a great story. thank you.
Excellent story about Bill Guerin. Just goes to show everyone the kind of class act that Guerin was, and mostly likely will be in the future. Sad to see that Guerin had to be traded, but I wish him all the luck in Pittsburgh.
Great story. Hopefully the Islanders can find someone to be the same kind of leader next year (Weight?)
Justin- You may or may not have a carrer in the NHL, only time will tell. That being said, the writing you have submitted through both this site & The Hockey News leaves no doubt in anyones mind that you will pave your own way in journalism. Well done, once again.
Nice story Justin…between this and the other story you wrote about you and Brianna–I am intrigued to read any time you write! Good job!
WOW!
Wonderful to read and I am appreciative to have an inside look of what Garth talked about.
Thank you, Justin.
Thank you, Bill.
Fantastic story, Justin. I really do love your stories!
Fantastic piece Justin
Thanks for sharing the stories.
Wow. What a great story. I certainly hope there is a personality like that in the locker room to have an impact like Guerin seemed to. Great job Justin!
That was great “Well Justin, not to be a d–k, but I’m kinda rich.”. Very nice story justin
Guerin has had the hardest Captaincy the past two years then anyone else in the league. He deserves another shot at the cup. Justin, you write extremely well. I really do enjoy your stories.
“I don’t wanna be a d–k but im kinda rich” haha amazing…Billy just jumped up in my book, good luck on the pens..I would love to see him back if hes still playing at 42 and we need a vet at the deadline
great story justin. bill sounds like a great guy. i wish him well in pittsburgh. keep the stories coming!
Great stuff Justin, thanks CB for posting
“Punch. Sutton. If you live, best story ever.” - Lol
justin
great piece…helps dispel the myth that guerin wasnt a leader.
I’m interested to know where u and the other islander offspring are now in your hockey career….
Great read Justin, simply great. Not that I needed another reason to like Bill G but I found a few more in that story. Good luck in Pitt.
Billy didn’t like Flash. Him, Campoli & Comrie plus the ones that get traded at the draft are the malcontents. The isles I’d say at least 4 more players that don’t like Flash. After that, it should be smooth sailing!
You can say that Tom, and you’ll believe it if you want to… but I will go by Guerins own words and he never said any such thing or even hinted at it. He even said that he would be happy to have come back and played if the trade didnt work out. Camps, Comrie, and Id guess Sim would fit that, but not Guerin. Not Witt, either. Weight, Witt, and Guerin have said a lot of positive things about Gordon.
Great job Justin!
It’s always nice to find out how guys are off the ice - especially in a first person kind of view like that.
Keep it up bud.
Excellent story about the Captain. It is nice to see people recognize that Billy was a class-act voluntarily join a team that had not been for the Huckleberry management system could have been here long. Why does this team always get rid of people that actually want to play here? I have yet to figure it out. Thanks Justin and CB. Most of all thank you Bill for your professionalism and leadership.
Listen…when Guerin signed up the team was going in a different direction. I would assume he knows that. A trade was made that was the best for both parties. Being the professional that he is I’m sure there’s not too many hurt feelings left. To be sold on a team trying to compete and see that turn into a 100% rebuild is tough. The way Guerin handled it shows what kind of player he really is.
If Justin plays hockey as well as he writes, I look forward to seeing a glorious hockey career, hopefully in Islanders Blue!
Nice story! This is why it’s important to have character vets around when you’re rebuilding. Guys who get it. Like Bill obviously does.
Another example why this is the best hockey blog around. Well done
Hey CB, if you step down next year I think we found your replacement!!!
Another great Justin Bourne Story …. Hey Justin … save some material for your book.
That story also represents why I love hockey so much. The off-ice friendships with the tongue in cheek snipes … and most of all the support teammates give one another.
Hope you recover from your injury soon Justing so you can resume your hockey career … you have so many more stories to create in the future.
I really enjoy reading Justin’s stories. Maybe CB can make this a weekly thing? I’m sure justin has enough stories for a while!
Great story, confirms all I’ve heard that Guerin will be missed by many in the organization, except for Gordon.
CB- -Any truth to to persistent rumblings that all is not sweetness and light in the locker room despite the young guys playing well . . .seems everyone- - yes even the kids dislike Gordon’s brusque manner.
Great storytelling by young Mr. Bourne. Keep it up Justin !
Nice job by Justin explaining why the Isles pursued Guerin. He is a leader. We need leadership going forward. Hope the NYI considers him again next year.
Good stuff
Pat
I say this, next season when this team has the NHL Rookie of the Year John Tavares leading the way we sure are gonna want a guy like Billy Guerin. Not sure what the benefit is in trding him for a 5th rounder?!?! But at least we lose our top scorer down the stretch, as we try and hold off Atlanta for last place.
Excellent writing skills and what a cool story. You have a bright future either way my friend.
There is no doubt Guerin is a class act.He will mean alot to the penguins down the stretch. He just would worked out better for us if he was 32 years old when he got here.Sad that I can’t wait for the draft and its March….
Justin,terrific story. Billy is a great guy and I hope the pens go far.
Great story I will miss Billy because he looks like a bad ass in the Islander’s 3rd jersey.
Great story Justin.
Cool story.
Atlanta won tonight so we are now 7 points back. our magic number for worst overall record stands at 14.5 games right now.
Tavares is almost ours.
Well done kid….
When you get rich, nay, even comfortable…remember to PAY IT FORWARD.
And to poster #1 who said he doubts Guerin would even read this blog now….
I’ll bet you a 6 pack that your wrong.
Another great piece from Justin. I agree with #12: Guerin had a very challenging job as captain of this club, between the on-ice struggles and the off-ice transition, with a lot of season-long “rental” free agents coming through to earn their next deal.
Regardless of Guerin’s philosophical alignment with Gordon, I appreciated that he kept any perceived differences “in the room,” because we all know the circus that would ensue if the captain was publicly questioning the coach. Anyone who’s followed Guerin’s career wouldn’t be surprised to see he handled things standing upright.
Justin, thank you for this. Fun, insightful and heartfelt. Best of luck to you on cracking the lineup with the big club, ASAP!
awesome read justin now only if we could get you on the ice here
Great story. With a little luck maybe Billy will get to sip from the cup again.
Remember, we can finish with the worst record and still end up with the No. 2 pick so Tavares still wouldn’t be a definite.
Great stuff! Best of luck to Bill and look forward to more reads like this.
Isn’t this one of the reasons that hockey lovers love hockey so much and the reason why those who don’t love hockey are missing out?
In one story we come to understand that (a) the writer, a player himself, can not only write coherently but can spin an engaging story on his subject. And (b) the subject of his writing is a well-traveled team leader who clearly understands how to effectively reach other athletes and make them better men.
As we all know, hockey players are the most grounded, jovial, fraternal, and connected athletes to their fans and community, and this is just another of many examples.
Nicely done. I appreciate the insight.
Great article on Guerin. Thanks for the insight.
So he was basically forcing underaged kids to drink beer? Is that the point of the story? I am calling the Nassau County DA.
NIce article. I hope he is a regular contributor on here. Guerin is a class act.
I just watched some video on Hedman, If Isles get # 1 they may be very smart to take this kid
You know what would make this story even better?? Fast forward 3 years into the future … Justin Bourne playing his rookie year for the Islanders … The Isles have a solid season sitting 2nd in the division only a few points out of first … The Isles acquire … snarly veteran Bill Guerin at the trade deadline
… then 3 months later … Billy G. hands the Cup over to Justin during the mayhem on ice celebration on the referbished NVMC’s ice surface. 
Jersey Matt … Amen brother.
Not sure most people know this, but Justin also has a blog on The Hockey News website in addition to his own blog. This guy has some serious writing skills. CB, maybe you can entice him to come to Gabrielle’s on Tuesday evening, if he happens to be in town.
I think you guys would be wiser to invite Guerin back for Point Blank Night.
He self admittedly has the bucks and isn’t shy about picking a tab.
“Point Blank Night”???
The hell with that..
“Bill Guerin Appreciation Night”.
Just show him some love.
Amen to you brother. Best of luck to Billy Guerin. Maybe he and DP will be reunited in Vancouver 2010; then again, who knows who’ll make that team?
Great idea, 505. Guerin did the best anyone could, under difficult circumstances. He deserves our appreciation.
Another job well done, Justin.
Great story Justin…
Thanks Billy & good luck..
Great story here.
“Well Justin, not to be a d–k, but I’m kinda rich.”
Pure gold.