LaBamba weathers the storm with dignity

A King property buried down deep in Manchester, NH, 26-year old goaltender Jason LaBarbera should have every reason to complain about what life has been bringing to him lately. First, five long years in the Rangers organization where he was mostly stuck in Hartford (with an AHL MVP trophy to his credit), then the move to LA, outbidding Mathieu Garon for the starter's job last season, learning to know his girlfriend had cancer, and subsequent losing the starter job. And now this.

Even though he beat out both Garon and incoming veteran Dan Cloutier in camp, he was sentenced to do time in Verizon Wireless penitentiary. With no chance to get called up this season due to the reverse waivers procedure that would most probably see him snatched by another team (much like Michael Leighton of the Ducks taken by the Predators). He's had every reason to complain. But somehow - Jason chose to stay positive. Amazing.

I hope for a continued great season for him on the Monarchs and to see him next year in LA. In the era of general whining around, his voice needs to be heard. And no, he's not out playing golf yet. Quite on the contrary - his play keeps Manchester up in the thick of the conference race. That's what kind of fellow he is.