Bobservations: 'Foundational Presence'

EDMONTON -- More than a dozen media members from Canadian outlets waited patiently for Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson to make his way to the visitors' interview room Monday morning at Rogers Place after a Seattle penalty-kill meeting and all-team meeting.
Larsson was willing to take time to speak with local media here after playing his last five seasons in Edmonton. As he walked in the room, he was warmly greeted by a number of reporters and producers.

The first question went straight to Larsson's return: "Yeah, it's going to be a fun night," said Larsson. "I have a lot of friends and old teammates here. They are obviously doing well right now."
Larsson turned in another stellar night from the Kraken blue line in the 5-2 loss to the Oilers, delivering four hits on ex-teammates and blocking five shots (most notably while killing an Edmonton power play at the start of the third period when the score was 3-2). He epitomizes the Kraken mantra "be hard to play against."
Kraken coach, Dave Hakstol was asked about Larsson's role and leadership with the Kraken.
" 'Lars' is outstanding, No. 1 as a person," said Hakstol. "He is a measured, great pro and has been an absolute warrior for us. He is a good leader in every sense ... he is a foundational presence for us."
Larsson is indeed a rock on the shutdown defensive pair in the making, mentoring young and equally physical-minded Jeremy Lauzon. What's more, Larsson is intent on contributing a hard, low shot during offensive zone possession. The veteran defenseman is unafraid to launch from his customary right point inside the blue as part of Hakstol's systems credo that D-men jump into the offensive zone play. He has 14 shots on goal in the first 10 games of the season.

There was a touching moment during a mid-first period TV timeout Monday when Larsson received an ovation from Oilers fans who clearly appreciated his five seasons on the blue line for Edmonton. Class-act Larsson clapped right back in recognition of the fans, also getting fist bumps from Kraken teammates as he entered the bench.
"He is a quiet pro," said Hakstol about alternate captain Larsson. "... But don't mistake that for a lack of intensity."

The Courage of Kyle Beach

Much of this week's news cycle has been dominated, quite rightly, by the independent investigation report about the Chicago Blackhawks' 2010 handling of a sexual assault grievance case from former player Kyle Beach.
When Beach was drafted by Chicago in the first round (11th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft, it marked a hockey-dream-come-true night for the Kelowna, B.C., native and his family.
Lots of Everett fans were thrilled for Beach, who had just finished notching 60 points in 60 games (27 goals, 33 assists) in his second full Western Hockey League with the Silvertips. As a WHL rookie, Beach scored 29 and added 32 assists for 61 points in 65 games.
But his dream, as we now know, did not come true. In 2010, Beach was sexually assaulted by Brad Aldrich, a Chicago video coach.
The 107-page report, published this week and summarizing an independent investigation by the Chicago-based Jenner & Block law firm is a difficult read. It resulted in Bowman no longer serving as Chicago's GM and president (the official announcement said "parted ways"). Then-coach Joel Quenneville resigned from his head coach position with Stanley Cup contender Florida Panthers. Both men were not given any opportunity to remain.
Another focal point of the news cycle was an emotional, courageous 26-minute TSN interview with Beach that aired last Wednesday.
Watch: Youtube Video
In a press conference Monday, Bettman detailed his meeting with Kyle Beach on Saturday and opened his remarks saying, "We could not be more sorry for the trauma that Kyle has had to endure and our goal is to do what is necessary to continue to move forward."
There's plenty to change and digest and it's been on the minds of the Kraken players and their coach.
"It's obvious and apparent that the organization in Chicago did not handle it well," said Hakstol after last Saturday's practice. "They failed a young man working to come into this league. That's my initial takeaway and reaction to it."