Penalties are only the beginning

title: Miracles in Hockey
involves: Tom Barrasso/Ron Francis
part: Brass Bonanza (II): you work all your life for that moment in time; it could come or...
rated: NC-17
time: ~February 19, 1984 (It may be getting after midnight by now...)

notes: The title is from Tommy's own mouth, in this video where the Hurricanes asked Americans about the effect of the Miracle on Ice (at Lake Placid at the 1980 Winter Olympics) which took place 30 years ago today [plus 10 days].  His smile-and-answer-from-nowhere is almost as much of a miracle.  ("When it comes to hockey, absolutely.")

summary: "It's not that hard if you're ready.  And I think I'm ready." -- Tom Barrasso, "No Keeping Him From His Goal", Sports Ilustrated, 10.31.1983  (fast times at olympic highs, 2.19.1984)

prior to this: (I) is here

dedication in perpetuity: to nofaves , for being there as audience and consultant and suggestioner and sounding board -- and everything else.  Une amie merveilleuse!

disclaimer: OH ST. RONNIE FRANCIS I'm sorry!!!...well, not really.  ;D  Seeing as how I was an infant at this particular date, and given the extremely likely possibility that Barrasso would kill me for writing this in the first place, and then again for not verifying if it WAS (lol), there is no WAY I would claim to know the extent of the truth.  in anything.  Tommy, I'm not saying you actually did this.

feedback: is still very much greatly, incredibly, thankfully and (somewhat) humbly appreciated.  Even in two years.

( Hockey talk. ...Sorry I didn't go to Sarajevo??!?!? )

100-word drabble. Posted some time back at shortandhard, so I apologize if you're, uh...seeing it twice. :)

title: Second Sight
involves: Ron Francis (newest member of the coaching staff on the left. the one who's not Paul Maurice)/Tom Barrasso (head goalie overlord, 'Canes organization, circa 1983 )
rating: PG
disclaimer: Coach Franchise may know whether this is true, because I DON'T.
summary: Tommy's smile is older. That's why it predeceased him.

( Ronnie looks back, looks through, and looks forward to see what he wants. )

title: The Aud-tumn Fall (October)
involves: Tom Barrasso/Ron Francis
rating: PG
notes: The old and original home of the Sabres is slated to be knocked down this coming October, and though it's just been standing becoming ever-more decrepit for more than a decade, even if I've gone by it countless times thinking the other side of the highway was more interesting, seeing the building being pulled apart in preparation is somehow sadder.

There are more stories with these two. Consider this a prologue, of which the notes are longer. *sorry!*

disclaimer: Tom Barrasso (seen here on the left being sold into feudalism under drafted by Scotty Bowman) made his NHL debut less than a month after signing with the Sabres, at the Buffalo/War Memorial Auditorium against the Hartford Whalers on October 5, 1983, at the age of 18. It was the beginning of two seasons which for him would include the Vezina, the Calder, the Jennings, the All-Star Team, and the All-Star Game. Ronnie Francis was with the Hartford Whalers at the time. Whatever either of them think or do about the other is absolutely and utterly without source or verification.

dedication: to the WNYerBuffalonians out there, and may the memories of the Aud lead to a non-city-burning Stanley Cup banner in the rafters of the building across from it...soon.

( But there is no autumn in Raleigh. Or is there? )