Storm Johnson is no longer a Miami Hurricane. Ho-hum, what a shocker.
For some fans, and for a few weeks now, it seemed as though it was only a matter of time.
Johnson, who undeniably had a lot of talent, apparently also had a questionable attitude and a less than desirable work ethic as he found himself mired deep in the UM backfield depth chart.
The fact of the matter is that he was not going to play much this year behind starter Lamar "Heisman Trophy" Miller or Mike "Smiley" James, who by many accounts, may be the most complete back currently on the Miami roster.
Not only that but he knew that the uber-talented incoming freshman Kevin Grooms may threaten to take his place this year. And then he would have to deal with the speedy and elsuive Duke Johnson the year after that.
In a statement released today from UM, head coach Al Golden said:
“As of this afternoon, Westleigh Storm Johnson is no longer a part of the University of Miami Football program. When these situations arise, we always assist the student-athlete and his family in the transfer process. We wish Storm success in all future endeavors.”
Thank you for your time Mr. Johnson, may you find greener pastures elsewhere.
1st??!!
Posted by: Brownsub | May 18, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Wish Storm well where ever he goes. Canes will be fine at RB.
Posted by: novaCANEPHINatic | May 18, 2011 at 12:04 AM
This smacks me of the Administration with its quadrillion version of the capture raid.
"...Everyone one else is safe, on board, and rode out with the storm, including West Lee"
oops, new presser
"The ship is back, on deck, we've debriefed everyone, getting the full details, we want to announce that Storm did not use Mary Jane to shield him.
But too much rotation with the running of those on deck got him, so West Le did not make it with the Storm, & got burried at sea."
Posted by: Scribe747SP | May 18, 2011 at 12:33 AM
well now Miami just has a 1,2 punch with MillerTime and Smiley James....best of luck to you Storm
Posted by: Zaro | May 18, 2011 at 12:51 AM
86 - the few times I talked to him, he was nice "yes sir, no sir" type .. so ya, I liked the kid from the encounters I had with him
Hard to really say much about only liking him for his talent, even though we knew he had some, including that run during the USF game, what else did we really see of him
Posted by: Six | May 18, 2011 at 01:17 AM
pretty devastating if you ask me...but you didn't, so carry on.
Posted by: muschump | May 18, 2011 at 02:20 AM
personally, I always felt that given a big hole Miller and James can make big plays. But Storm is the best against a tough defense where he has to make something out of nothing.
Storm could be an All-American with the worst O-Line in the SEC. We should try to get him back.
Posted by: muschump | May 18, 2011 at 02:33 AM
Storm WASN'T scared to compete with Lamar Miller.
Storm WASN'T scared to compete with Mike James.
Storm WASN'T scared to compete with people who aren't even on campus yet.
At the end of the day, Storm was scared to compete with...Storm.
The REAL competition begins with YOURSELF...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 18, 2011 at 03:49 AM
pretty devastating if you ask me...but you didn't, so carry on.
Posted by: cheap nhl jerseys | May 18, 2011 at 05:45 AM
Happy to see Storm finally make a decision, and best of luck to him. I saw him in the spring and always felt he was not in the same class as #6 Miller and #5 James. They are two potential NFL RBs, and it takes more than just raw talent to get playing time at UM.
As a matter of fact, I even liked #19 Hall better this spring in some respects, in that #19 followed his blocks, executed plays correctly and had a good, team attitude.
Posted by: WindyCane1 | May 18, 2011 at 05:59 AM
Just cleaning out the troublemakers! At the end of the day football is a team game......Miami is full of kids who are not team players, lots of crying, whining babies who think they are entitled to start and too good to
work hard. Teams who win championship play like a team. This will be a long season.
Posted by: Canechic | May 18, 2011 at 07:05 AM
Be real glad Storm didn't commit to GT the first time around when he had the chance.
" and it takes more than just raw talent to get playing time at UM."
Devin Hester
Santana Moss
Rohan Marley
Posted by: solarcane | May 18, 2011 at 08:37 AM
You can never have enough RB's in your backfield and I for one am sorry to see him go. With that being said, I wish him the best of luck.
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Sorry to hear Storm is leaving, but if that's what is best for him and UM, good for both of them.
Hope he has a great career somewhere and works out whatever it is he needs to work out, apparently within himself.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Solid Read: FloridaToday.com on the Miami Hurricanes, Al Golden and how a Top 10 Canes team helps college football - http://ow.ly/4XiT2
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 09:43 AM
WQAM's John Linder's opinion on why Storm leaving hurts:
http://canes.wqam.com/blog.php?id=20&post=389
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 09:52 AM
The coveted "#1" jersey is now available. Who will get it?
Posted by: CaneSniper | May 18, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Well I was whining about LB's yesterday and we got a verbal from Ralph Kirby today & now we lose depth at Rb with Storm. Maybe he was one of the malcontents that Ryan was talking about after Shannon was let go. I hope Seantrell isn't next to bolt. It will obviously take a while for Golden to get everyone on board or until he gets his type of players that want to play every down of every game.
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 18, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I hope Seantrell isn't next to bolt.
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 18, 2011 at 10:58 AM
-------------------------------------------
Agreed. Now that Storm is gone, it makes me wonder if the rumors are/were true about Seantrell.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Why Watch List LB Raphael Kirby is a big get for Miami - ESPN http://es.pn/iMyZA9
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 11:34 AM
One site's projections for '11 baseball regional match ups - http://fb.me/BggNIqyL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Ohio ......are you back up and running on the PS3??
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 12:13 PM
U know the thing with Stormy transfering and what not, well, it's bloody mUch ado about nothing, Eh.
Your Canes will be just fine without Johnson on the team roster.
In other words, I ain't " sweating the departure " of Stormy. Whereas their are more than few Miami barbarians all heartbroken and what not over Johnson's exit out the Hecht Center doors. Get outta' here.
Posted by: macjones | May 18, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Ohio ......are you back up and running on the PS3??
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 12:13 PM
-----------------------------------------
U know, I haven't been on there once since I heard it came back up. Got tons to do this week, as we've got the baby shower this weekend, and my dad and I are getting her room painted and set up for everything we'll get Sunday.
May not be on till next week sometime. I'll look for ya as soon as I'm on tho!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 12:40 PM
No worries.....you have your priorities in order. And congrats on the baby (girl right?). I have 2 myself and all I can say is......GODD LUCK......LOL
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Great point CR...Storm has to learn to deal with himslef first. Hope all goes well for him.
Solar....Rohan. Now there is a player who worked for and earned a spot. What a guy!!! My favorite of all time. What a monster hitter who knows no fear.
I am not upset about Forcier...not a bad QB...but maybe another one of those prima donnas. Dont think it will kill us by any means.
Posted by: VA Cane | May 18, 2011 at 12:48 PM
UM announces addition of DT Corey King http://bit.ly/kerZkK
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 12:48 PM
No worries.....you have your priorities in order. And congrats on the baby (girl right?). I have 2 myself and all I can say is......GODD LUCK......LOL
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 12:42 PM
------------------------------------------
Yep, baby girl. UM class of 2033! Lol
Haha, thanks! I'm sure I'll need it!
She's gonna be about 1 month old when she get's to witness our Canes beating OSU!! LOL, yes she'll be watching it with me in the Cave!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Ohio - I plan on being at that game. Anybody have a clue when single seat tickets go on sale???
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Via Papa Cane's twitter - We are looking for knowledgeable folks that are interested in providing post-game analyses during the season on our Tumblr feed. If you are interested in becoming part of the team and providing post-game analysis, please contact SaveUMFootball@gmail.com
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Ohio - I plan on being at that game. Anybody have a clue when single seat tickets go on sale???
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 01:30 PM
------------------------------------------
My fiance and I planned on it too... We were gonna come down on Thurs and stay the weekend and go to the game. Now that we'll have a 1-month-old, it's not gonna be possible.
I'll be watching and screaming from my couch lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Can never have enough depth at running back, it's whether the kids have the patience to wait it out or not for their turn to step up
It wasn't long ago that the Canes were hurting at RB due to injury or depth problems
Posted by: Six | May 18, 2011 at 01:47 PM
Allen Hurns is now wearing jersey #1 on the #Miami football roster: http://is.gd/86LsgJ
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 01:54 PM
Lmao @ this Q&A session with Floriduh's Ja'Juan Story...
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Ja-8217-Juan-Story-tells-Florida-fans-more-than;_ylt=Asq.v.QU68zFONJVrTSGUpUcvrYF?urn=ncaaf-wp1667
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Losing Forcier wasn't a big deal. He was just a space fill for Depth purposes. He wasn't what we needed, anyway. Please, no more spread option/shot-gun guys. We are a pro-style team, Period!
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 18, 2011 at 02:15 PM
CLosing arguments held in Jon Beason civil suit here in Charlotte
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/27939777/detail.html
Posted by: CGNC | May 18, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Tim Reynolds - Miami women's hoops going to play in a tournament -- in Anchorage -- next year. It's only a 5,065-mile drive if anyone fears flying.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 03:44 PM
When I look at what Mike James was/and is going through, I say TO HELL with a Storm Johnson. The kid is less than a year removed from the death of His mother, and and He ain't cryin' about playing behind Lamar Miller. Clearly SJ lacks perspective, I hope He gets His head and tear ducts fixed, ole' whiny assed baby...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 18, 2011 at 03:54 PM
NUEVO MANUEL! Corey King is officially a member of the 2011 signing class:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2011/05/um-announces-addition-of-dt-corey-king-.html
Posted by: CaneRock | May 18, 2011 at 03:59 PM
Howard Schnellendollar: http://t.co/2TtkkOO
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 04:15 PM
Caneswatch - Al Golden on Storm Johnson transferring: "It was best for Storm to move on." Read between the lines as you wish.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 04:47 PM
So basically Johnson owes his old coach a big thank you for burning his red-shirt on a handful of carries and returns last year to save it for a transfer to another school, which is I remember correctly was the source of the transfer rumors to begin with, not getting enough game service. Funny how that works out for all involved.
For some reason he reminded me of James Jackson during his brief time I got to watch him play, never overtly impressed by him but he looks like he can be efficient to good at all phases of the position and eventually put up career numbers that rank right up there with the best to play at the school when it's all done.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 18, 2011 at 04:53 PM
^^ Same guy - Golden to wait and see if CBs Clements, Chambers "have a chance to be a starter on defense" before considering moving them back to offense.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 04:55 PM
New Offer: Miami has offered 4-Star OT Ronnie Stanley, 6'7'' and 285 lbs. He is very close with incoming Cane Jalen Grimble. UM is Top 3.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Ronnie Stanley's Highlights - He is an absolute beast on the football field; pancake after pancake: http://bit.ly/kUZ6UL
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Ronnie Stanley Cane?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4P8OXGffCY
Posted by: solarcane | May 18, 2011 at 04:59 PM
ohio yea I was looking at his hilites a while ago when somoeone said he likes the Canes
Las Vegas high school football might not be south florida football though
Posted by: solarcane | May 18, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Losing Forcier wasn't a big deal. He was just a space fill for Depth purposes. He wasn't what we needed, anyway. Please, no more spread option/shot-gun guys. We are a pro-style team, Period!
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 18, 2011 at 02:15 PM
VOILA!
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | May 18, 2011 at 05:27 PM
ohio yea I was looking at his hilites a while ago when somoeone said he likes the Canes
Las Vegas high school football might not be south florida football though
Posted by: solarcane | May 18, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Well, that NoCali H.S. Kenny matriculated at wasn't exactly SoFla balling either.
Then, there was that San Diego area prep football which Kellen, Jr. competed against, also.
Sometimes those " outsiders " can play a little football vis-a-vis SoFla, Eh. Even a far away outsider from Canada.
Yeah, yeah the Cane mob bloody shouts those were once in a Green and Orange moon happenings.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | May 18, 2011 at 05:34 PM
New Offer: Miami has offered 4-Star OT Ronnie Stanley, 6'7'' and 285 lbs. He is very close with incoming Cane Jalen Grimble. UM is Top 3.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 18, 2011 at 04:57 PM
S-O-U-R-C-E-S loyal Miami fan.
Because after a brief cyberspace tour, I see that the Hurricanes are playing " catch-up " in the recruitment of Sin City offensive lineman.
Matter of fact, that Herbie CornSUXker Go BIGot REDneck program has a stronger chance to ink Stanley. Get outta' here.
And no, I'm not questioning your integrity, because yoU' ve been a most reliable Cane blogger.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | May 18, 2011 at 05:46 PM
I get all those infos off twitter feeds. I'll check it and see where it came from. Thought I put that
Posted by: OhioCane | May 18, 2011 at 06:35 PM
The one about Stanley was from Papa Cane (@SaveUMFootball)
I didn't think U were questioning me. ;-)
Posted by: OhioCane | May 18, 2011 at 06:38 PM
The one about Stanley was from Papa Cane (@SaveUMFootball)
I didn't think U were questioning me. ;-)
Posted by: OhioCane | May 18, 2011 at 06:38 PM
I just mentiond that as a caveat. That's all. Sometimes, some Miami bloggers tend to be " sensitive " when one like moi questions their opinions, Eh.
Nonetheless, thanks for all your info on Hurricane footbal matters. Because U was " right on " regarding the Peach State LB prep recruit. Hopefully Kirby won't change his mind at the last minute. If U know what I mean.
Good evening.
Posted by: macjones de Albuquerque | May 18, 2011 at 06:44 PM
Ya well, unfortunately being all the way up North, I don't have any "inside info", so I get it from all over the Internet. That's why I usually open with "Via so-and-so twitter, website, etc". Obviously forgot to for a couple.
I dunno if he'll end up at UM, but I hope he signs his LOI
Posted by: OhioCane | May 18, 2011 at 06:49 PM
I wish Storm hadn't left....think we would've been a better football team with his talent at RB.
Of course, JMO, no clue as to what really went down and how.
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | May 18, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Coach Larranaga's top priority for the class of 2013......playing right here in our backyard
http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=4594924
Posted by: SlingBlade | May 18, 2011 at 09:28 PM
AC, puff puff pass is the early rumor mongering which can't be confirmed ever of course.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 18, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Al Golden, on Storm Johnson, via Barry Jackson:
"He wasn't doing the things He needed to do. He can spin it or portray it any way He wants, but He wasn't doing the things we need Miami Hurricanes to do."
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/18/2223430/miami-hurricanes-al-golden-confident.html
Posted by: CaneRock | May 18, 2011 at 09:58 PM
Anybody have a clue when single seat tickets go on sale???
Posted by: raizecane | May 18, 2011 at 01:30 PM
I'll check and get back to you.
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 10:15 PM
It will obviously take a while for Golden to get everyone on board or until he gets his type of players that want to play every down of every game.
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 18, 2011 at 10:58 AM
There IT is right there.
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Clearly SJ lacks perspective, I hope He gets His head and tear ducts fixed, ole' whiny assed baby...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 18, 2011 at 03:54 PM
I agree 100%.
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 10:19 PM
1. I wish Storm hadn't left....think we would've been a better football team with his talent at RB.
2. Of course, JMO, no clue as to what really went down and how.
Posted by: AlpharettaCane | May 18, 2011 at 09:07 PM
1. WRONG!
2. U don't wanna know, trust me. And if U don't trust me, trust Canechic.
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Al Golden, on Storm Johnson, via Barry Jackson: "He wasn't doing the things He needed to do. He can spin it or portray it any way He wants, but He wasn't doing the things we need Miami Hurricanes to do."
NEED I SAY MORE?
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 10:25 PM
SOUP - Nope. That's all Big Al needs to say to convince me. Sad to hear, but can't say I'm surprised, unfortunately
Posted by: OhioCane | May 18, 2011 at 10:37 PM
At least Ja'Juan Story was honest ... it does help - not the listening to California Gurls part, but the other
although watching Katy Perry isn't a bad thing
Posted by: Six | May 18, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Oh ya, Rays win again
And here's a nice little article about them and how it just might be that Joe Ma isn't that bad of a manager ... Sebastian57, I know you and I will never agree on Maddon, but it's all good
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Auy5ITxS9DEm3ftIG30xdYwRvLYF?slug=ti-brown_tampa_bay_rays_culture_winning_051711
One thing the article mentions is how the Rays win when Longo is in the lineup - well, they turned it around and won a lot this year while he was out of the lineup as well
Posted by: Six | May 18, 2011 at 10:56 PM
HEAT BABY! LBJ comin thru in crunch time!!
Posted by: OhioCane | May 18, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Six did he say he was watching or listening to Perry? Because one is excusable, at least with the mute button pressed, the other is an executable offense to culture.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 18, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Canespace Trivia Question:
"BLOCKING AIN'T WHERE THE $$$ IS."
Who said that?
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 11:18 PM
OGV - if he's like me, I just watch with the mute button on - much like with Univision or Telemundo (the eye candy is unreal on those stations) ..... if he actually listens, then ya I agree with you completely and maybe that's why he's on the toilet
Posted by: Six | May 18, 2011 at 11:27 PM
Heat wins! Gotta love dat...
Posted by: SOUP | May 18, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Miami cut the offensive rebound deficit in half in game two and got a 30 point swing in the final score thanks in part because of it. What's the best term to describe Haslem outperforming Noah off the bench in this game? Irony? Justice? Generational Reptile Cannibalism?
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 18, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Six, he was reporting #2 going on in there, not puking his guts out. That's got to be a mute button sign right? I listen to the Spanish language TV just to try and figure out the gist of it, after a few hours of late night lucha-libre I start to pick up a phrase here or there. Three seconds of Perry's Spears impersonation however makes me understand why her and that Justin chick from Canada with the bad haircut that dates Usher is a harbinger of the end times for pop culture for these poor kids born while I was in high school/college.
At least my start of the millennial generation had Fred Durst as our embarrassing musical ascendant star with horrible product shoved down our throats, except we were smart enough to turn him into a punchline within five years to our credit, you could kind of make his stuff sound cool if you cut it to a lot of explosions or car wrecks or whatever at least. This latest wave of pure torture makes me actually want to start listening to disco instead.
The worst is the Gag Hag, you have to steal from the biggest ripoff artist in American history now, Madonna, and then wear even more horrible clothes than she could ever consider donning during her worse drug bender? Atrocious all around, simply atrocious.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 18, 2011 at 11:56 PM
T.J. Houshmandzadeh ?
Posted by: 1canesfan | May 19, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Story is a brilliant marketer. All the other athletes want to represent the Nikes and Under Armours of the world.
Not Story. He's angling to be the spokesperson for Charmin. I can't wait to see his end zone dance.
Next he'll be pushing Muskrat to run a play designed especially for Story: the dump pass
Posted by: Old Skool | May 19, 2011 at 08:36 AM
All are Papa Cane:
Good Sign For UM: 5-Star WR/CB Stefon Diggs and teammate 4-Star RB Wes Brown throwing up the U: http://ow.ly/4Y8Wr #recruiting #2012
Current UM RB Depth Chart: 1. Lamar Miller, 2. Mike "Keep Smiling" James, 3. Darion Hall 4. Maurice Hagens - Add Kevin Grooms shortly.
Incoming: Per Miami Herald, 2011 class signee RB Kevin Grooms will start at that position. Eduardo Clemens and Lee Chambers will stay at CB.
No More Transfers: Expect Andrew Tallman to be the last football program transfer this year. Wish the young man much prosperity.
On Board: Wake Forest transfer CB Michael Williams is officially on board. He will play this upcoming year only. Will add much needed depth.
Herald's Barry Jackson With Coach Golden: Good Thursday morning read, and lots of insight into what's going on - http://ow.ly/4Y9jT
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Ya'll remember this comeback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD7VvjIX8gc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b3wvnpJHqQ&feature=related
Posted by: CaneRock | May 19, 2011 at 09:15 AM
I like his straight up comments SJ not doing the things he needed to be doing, Forcier ...was in his best interests not to come...very straightforward. So that makes me ok with the RB situation....AG is there, he is the coach so he knows best. I like the way he is doing things.
Mike James is a fine young man. Not the fastest, not the biggest...but he blocks like hell, runs hard good hands....gives it everything. Amazing how a young man can handle the death of a parent and do the right things in life without missing a beat. That is the kind of players that are always winners. Kudos to you Smiley, you are a class act.
Posted by: VA Cane | May 19, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Amazing how a young man can handle the death of a parent and do the right things in life without missing a beat. That is the kind of players that are always winners. Kudos to you Smiley, you are a class act.
Posted by: VA Cane | May 19, 2011 at 09:19 AM
--------------------------------------------
In the famous words of SOUP, "There IT is right there!
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Golden will get this fixed. He's shipping out dead weight and opening up more schollies for players we need, not roster fillers. He's a straight shooter and he's not going to baby sit, like Randy did.
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 19, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Papa Cane - ACCSports.com on Canes: Pretty decent observations and analysis for what fans should expect in 2011 - http://ow.ly/4Yilo
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 10:44 AM
CaneSpain - Last year at this date we had one commit, Marcus Jackson. This year as for today we have 8, and 6 are 4 stars.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Off Canes Topic - WONDERFUL story about Dwayne Roloson. What a class act this guy is.
"TAMPA --
Dwayne Roloson, Tampa Bay Lightning goalkeeper, has been a star most of these Stanley Cup playoffs.
Then again, he has help.
There's a small green shamrock painted on the back plate of Roloson's goalie mask — a shamrock with the initials KR inside it. And there are the letters TDLO for "The Dream Lives On."
It's for a friend, a former camper at Roloson's summer goalie school, a boy not unlike Roloson's young sons, Brett and Ross. The shamrock is for a remarkable boy who'll always be 12, with a mop of hair and smile that could melt the ice.
It's for KR.
Kelly Ryan.
"I'm honored to have him with me," Roloson said.
"The dream lives on, that's true," said Phil Ryan, Kelly's father. "Every day I watch Roli in the playoffs, even though Roli's name is on the sweater, … Kelly is there. He's in the Eastern Conference Finals."
He came into this world on Chicago's Southwest Side on Oct. 9, 1997, a month premature.
Kelly Thomas Ryan was in a hurry.
Phil Ryan is a cement finisher. His wife, Chris, is an office manager. They have two daughters, McKenna and Hannah. Kelly was in the middle.
Phil was a goalkeeper. He put Kelly on skates at 6, and a year later Kelly went between the pipes. He wasn't the biggest kid, but he worked hard and rose through the youth hockey ranks. Like we said, he was in a hurry.
"The NHL, that was Kelly's goal since he was 10," Phil said.
Along came Roli.
Phil still has no idea why his son chose Dwayne Roloson as his hockey hero. It's not as though Roloson played for Chicago's NHL team, the Blackhawks. Kelly followed Roloson as he went from the Minnesota Wild to the Edmonton Oilers to the New York Islanders.
"When Kelly was 7, he just started emulating Dwayne Roloson," Phil said. "He was comfortable with Roli's style on the ice, and as he got to know Roli, with his humbleness."
Kelly always wore a Roli hat and No. 30 in his games because Roli had worn 30 for the Wild. A few years ago, when his parents re-did his bedroom, Kelly insisted: Oilers blue. The guy at the paint store told Kelly, "I have no idea what you're talking about." Kelly returned with his Roli Oilers jersey. He got his Oilers blue room. It's still that color.
Through a mutual friend, Phil learned that Dwayne Roloson had a goalie camp in his hometown of Simcoe, Ontario. Camp co-founder and Chicago resident Tim Anderson, another former goalie, became good friends with Phil. In 2007, Kelly and the whole Ryan family headed for Simcoe.
"And we all just fell in love with Kelly," Tim Anderson said,
It's a 10-hour drive from Chicago to Simcoe and the Roloson Mason Goalie School, which also is named for Bob Mason, the Minnesota Wild goalkeeper coach. Dwayne Roloson is no figurehead. He's on the ice with the kids.
"We want to get to know them, each of them," Roloson said. "Kelly? He was the little guy with the smile, asking hundreds of questions, wanting to learn. He was just a phenomenal kid, very talented, very skilled. Every day he came to camp, he was happy."
"Roli was such a positive role model for my son, the way he worked with him, the way he treated him," Phil Ryan said.
Kelly attended three camps, the last in July 2009. Roloson always found extra time for him.
"Kelly had scholarship potential," Roloson said. "I think he could have been anything he wanted."
Roli was his idol.
"It's very humbling," Roloson said.
Sunday afternoon, April 18, 2010, Kelly finished up a weekend tournament. When he got home, his friend Alex called to see whether Kelly could come over. Kelly hopped on his BMX bike and promised his parents he'd call on his way home. And he did. He told his mom when he was a few blocks away. It was still light out.
A few minutes later, at 8:30, Phil's phone rang. He saw the ID. It was Kelly's cellphone.
But it was a police officer's voice.
"Do you have a son Kelly Ryan?" he asked.
At the accident scene, they kept Phil and Chris away from the ambulance. Chris saw the pickup truck. Kelly's bike was twisted in the truck's rear axle.
At the hospital, Phil cradled Kelly and whispered to him that if it hurt that bad, to let go, just let go, buddy. It was 11:03 p.m.
"A few seconds later, he was gone," Chris said.
There were 3,000 people at the visitation. Inside, there were Kelly's hockey jerseys, including his Roli jerseys. Phil put his own goalie equipment in the casket with Kelly, and some Roli hockey cards.
The funeral procession passed Kelly's grade school on the way to the Mass. His teachers and classmates were out front, wearing hockey shirts. They released balloons into an overcast sky.
At the cemetery, one of the boys asked Phil whether it was OK to leave his jersey on the casket. Soon there was a pile of hockey sweaters, and sticks, too. No one wanted to leave. A light rain began to fall. Finally they drifted away.
Dwayne Roloson was in Simcoe, at his oldest son's lacrosse practice, when Tim Anderson called him about Kelly.
"You're watching your son out on a field and you get a phone call about a boy who's just a few years older than your child, and he's gone," Roloson said. "Twelve years old. What do you do?"
Dwayne Roloson did what he could. A few months after the accident, he invited Phil Ryan up to goalie camp as a coach. It helped. The first Kelly Ryan Best Camper Award was given to the most dedicated goalie.
Phil's biggest fear was that Kelly would be forgotten. Chris goes to the cemetery all the time. Sometimes she locks herself in Kelly's room, where nothing ever changes.
On Oct. 18, 2010, six months to the day Kelly died, there was a candle and prayer memorial at the intersection where the accident occurred. Chris and the girls went, but Phil lingered at the house. There was too much pain.
He decided to watch the Islanders-Maple Leafs game because Roli was playing for New York and Kelly would love that. Phil noticed Roloson had a new mask. As the Islanders left the ice after the first period, Phil saw the mask's back plate. There was a huge green shamrock. And Kelly's number 30. And the words:
"To Kelly … Your dream lives on …"
"And I just start crying," Phil said.
Then he got up and went to the memorial.
Roloson and his wife, Melissa, came up with the idea for the mask. He had two made: one for games, one for the Ryans. Roloson was traded to the Lightning on New Year's Day. He has a Kelly back plate on his Lightning mask.
The Lightning came to Chicago late this season, and the Ryans came to the arena. Chris hugged Roli.
"Roli finally told me to stop crying or he would start," Chris said.
"He's with me all the time," Roli told her.
The Lightning play the Bruins tonight. Tim Thomas will start in net for Boston. Dwayne Roloson and Kelly Ryan will be in goal for Tampa Bay."
http://www2.tbo.com/sports/lightning/2011/may/19/21/menewso1-a-little-boys-short-story-melts-the-ice-ar-208492/
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 11:11 AM
^^ Warning: That story is a tear-jerker ^^
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Al Golden interview with Mike Leach on Sirius XM Radio on http://theufootball.com/
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Ohio Cane thanks for the story.
Posted by: Montreal-Cane | May 19, 2011 at 12:15 PM
AC, puff puff pass is the early rumor mongering which can't be confirmed ever of course.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 18, 2011 at 09:35 PM
OGV, LOL well it is hard to run with a bong
Posted by: CGNC | May 19, 2011 at 12:37 PM
"He's a straight shooter and he's not going to baby sit, like Randy did.
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 19, 2011 at 10:33 AM"
Uh, you were paying attention when the exiles to Memphis and other such destinations got shipped out about four years ago, including Jitters and his giant back tattoo, Mr. Sweetchuck, et all, weren't you? This is the general attrition that happens during every coaching change, Coker/Shannon included, it's not some Golden special only.
CGNC, that's why you leave that thing on the sidelines when your number's called I thought, or back in the dorm lock-box each room's equipped with failing that, I thought. I mean you can't really blame the guy, that GA stuff can't compare with the super strains lurking around Miami, not even LA with the wild west dispensaries every two blocks down the street have anything on the Miami stuff.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | May 19, 2011 at 01:11 PM
OGV - LMAO!! The Sharks need to get it together for Game 3 - CC, get busy!
Posted by: CGNC | May 19, 2011 at 01:19 PM
All Canes Blog - RIP Former #Canes Phil Tracy who was found dead earlier today. A former football player and great friend of the program! #TheU #Miami #fb
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 03:03 PM
CanesWatch - Al Golden: We're still looking for quarterbacks (and a bunch of other notes) http://bit.ly/k5FNV8
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 03:03 PM
OGV,
My oversight! Let me just say, Oh really! Those 2 reject Qb's that shouldn't have been here in the first place, Cook & Smith, we just prepped those rejects for low life Memhis and Freeman, was God awful and Marve was just a notch above those 3 bums & the Anti Cane, Jaboney, until he proves otherwise is in the class with those other zeros. Maybe Jed can be his savior.
Posted by: Herbieibis | May 19, 2011 at 03:20 PM
Add Kevin Grooms shortly.
Incoming: Per Miami Herald, 2011 class signee RB Kevin Grooms will start at that position.
I already told U the other day about Grooms at RB and Dallas Crawford at CB. They both will play in 2011.
Posted by: SOUP | May 19, 2011 at 03:28 PM
#Miami #Hurricanes baseball game at 7 tonight against Duke at The Light. Last regular-season home series.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 03:34 PM
Ohio...I had a slight delay in mailing your package of Canes related materials. It shiped out this afternoon. Thanks once again for helping out with the Twitter account!
Posted by: SOUP | May 19, 2011 at 03:45 PM
OGV - LMAO!! The Sharks need to get it together for Game 3 - CC, get busy!
Posted by: CGNC | May 19, 2011 at 01:19 PM
-----------------------------------------
To quote myself from 6 or so days ago...
CC - congrats to you on the Sharks win! Do they have enough left in the tank for a rested Vancouver?
Posted by: CGNC | May 13, 2011 at 01:16 PM --------------------------------------------
Unfortunately for Sharks fans, I don't think they do. Vancouver in 5, IMO.
Commented 6 days ago on Newman Alumni Center Is More Than Impressive at Canespace
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 03:48 PM
Don't forget about the other Johnson (Eddie) kid out of Georgia, He may get a look at RB...
Posted by: CaneRock | May 19, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Ohio...I had a slight delay in mailing your package of Canes related materials. It shiped out this afternoon. Thanks once again for helping out with the Twitter account!
Posted by: SOUP | May 19, 2011 at 03:45 PM
-------------------------------------------
Not a problem, SOUP. No rush, and thank U again!
Once again, U are more than welcome. Glad to be of help. ;-)
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 03:51 PM
Oklahoma LB, Austin Box dies - http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/42323/oklahoma-linebacker-austin-box-dies
Sad to hear. Was a senior and gonna be their starting MLB
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Canes Facebook Page - "Facebook Ticket Deal: Who wants to sit on the 50-yard line for the 2011 Canes Football Season? Two season tickets in Section 114/Row 14 just opened up. These are on the 50-yard line & are among the best seats in the house! Call 1-800-Go-Canes to purchase these tickets before they are sold. They will be gone by 5 p.m."
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | May 19, 2011 at 04:01 PM