Minneapolis, Minnesota June 1979

The team flew to Minneapolis where they would be training. Herb and the AHA had arranged for the boys to stay in the dorms at Minnesota University. The AHA was putting dad and me up in a furnished apartment near the campus.

First day of practice, we all arrived at the Bloomington Ice Arena early. I waved to Harrington and Schneider as I grabbed a quick cup of coffee. Dad and Doc were talking to each other as they walked by. Jimmy Craig gave me a quick hug as he walked past on his way to the locker room. Verchota gave me a high five as he grabbed a soda off the refreshment table.

"Hey Chevon. Can I talk to you a second?" I heard behind me. I turned and saw Dave Silk standing behind me.

"Sure Silky, what's up?" I asked. He motioned for me to come a little closer.

"I just wanted to apologize for the other night. I just got carried away celebrating and…" Silk started but I cut him off.

"Hey, it's no problem. I had a good evening and I was glad to be there to help you out. Friends do that for each other." I said with a smile.

"You're not mad?" Silk asked.

"Why would I be mad? We all had fun, you got a little drunk and loud. No one got hurt, no one got in trouble. No harm done." I said.

"Rizzo told me you said you wouldn't tell your dad or Herb, I appreciate that." Silk said.

"There is really nothing to tell them. And I hate tattle-tales! Besides, before the Olympics arrive, I am sure we will all have secrets on each other." I said with a wink. Silk chuckled and gave me a hug. "Okay now get suited up before Herb has a fit."

I walked down the hall to Herb's office and walked in. He was studying his play book.

"Morning Herb." I said.

"Good Morning, Chev. Glad that you are here. I am going to have you watch today and see how you think the boys are bonding." Herb said barely looking up.

"I can tell you now that the boys from Minnesota and Boston are not getting along. I heard O'Callahan talking about being upset with McClanahan because of the 76 play-offs." I told Herb.

"You know Chev, if we are able to get these boys to work together and put the past behind them, amazing things will happen." Herb said then returned to his book. "See you on the ice."

I left his office and headed for the ice. I noticed Jimmy Craig in the net adjusting his equipment. Steve Janaszak was skating out onto the ice. I carefully walked across the ice waving to Strobel and Broten as I climbed into the bench. Doc smiled at me as Dad took to the ice with the boys. Herb came out and was yelling orders.

I stood by Doc against the wall as Herb began the boys running plays. O'Callahan and Silk were seated by me. I noticed Ken Morrow was also on the bench.

On the ice Mark Johnson had the puck, I could hear Herb yelling but I was only half paying attention. I was really impressed at how well Johnson handled the puck. Johnson scored a goal.

"Johnson, that coast to coast stuff may work here, but it won't against the teams we'll be playing." Herb yelled.

As Herb called for a new line-up I saw my dad whisper something to Johnson. Morrow started to go out onto the ice but OC said he wanted to be in this drill. OC took to the ice. I saw Verchota, McClanahan, and Harrington on the ice as well. I watched the boys line up and heard Herb blow the whistle.

The boys started off skating. I was watching Harrington when I saw OC charging down the ice. Before I had time to think OC had checked McClanahan. Mac went down hard on the ice. The play stopped and the boys on the ice gathered around Mac. Those on the bench jumped to their feet. I climbed onto the ice while Doc stood ready to check on Mac.

"What the hell you hitting him like that for?" Verchota asked OC. OC was standing back watching McClanahan try to catch his breath.

"This ain't the bush league, OC." Harrington said.

"Nice hit, OC" Silk called from the bench. I rolled my eyes at that comment.

"Tell your boy here to keep his head up and he won't have to worry about it." OC said.

McClanahan made it to his feet and charged at OC, "Let's go!"

OC threw down his stick and met McClanahan head on. Fists were flying as OC and Mac punched at each other. Dad started to walk towards them but Herb stopped him.

"Hey Craig, let them go!" Herb said.

I couldn't believe that Herb was letting this go on. A few boys jumped off the bench to break it up. Baker tried to pull them apart but Silk grabbed him and said for him to stay out of it.

I walked over to stand with Harrington and Cox who were both trying to stay out of the fight and avoid getting hit in the may-lay. I saw Craig standing in his net looking upset and shaking his head. I watched the scuffle with disgust. I really couldn't believe that OC had carried it this far. I saw my dad shaking his head. I saw OC punch Mac in the face and they both hit the ice.

Rizzo went and pulled OC off of Mac, while Harrington and Verchota helped Mac to his feet. Mac had a bloody nose. OC just looked a bit shaken up.

"Well, how bout it boys? Look like hockey to you?" Herb asked the team. "Looks more like a couple of monkeys trying to hump a football to me, I dunno. How about you Craig?"

"Yeah." Dad answered looking confused.

"You wanna settle old scores you're on the wrong team! We move forward starting right now! We start becoming a team RIGHT NOW!" Herb yelled and slammed his stick off the ice. "Skating, passing, flow and creativity; that is what this team is all about gentlemen. Not old rivalries. So why don't we start with some introductions? You know, get to know one another a little bit. Who you are, where you're from, you know. Go ahead!" Herb nodded at Mac.

"Rob McClanahan, St. Paul Minnesota." Mac said.

"Who do you play for?" Herb asked him.

"For you here at the U." Rob said. Herb nodded.

"Jack?"

"Jack O'Callahan, Charlestown Mass. Boston University." OC said.

"Over Here." Herb pointed to Coxie.

"I'm Ralph Cox. I'm from wherever is not going to get me hit." Coxie said with a smile.

We all chuckled and smiled. Herb called for the boys to line up and run a play. Mac headed over to Doc to get cleaned up and have his nose checked. A few of the guys began collecting the discarded equipment that had been thrown down in the fight.

"Are you okay?" Harrington asked me.

I smiled at him. "I am fine Bah, just annoyed is all." I gave him a quick hug and headed off the ice.