STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY...WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST

So, some people think Mike Modano is anti-American now or something?

What, for saying what was on his mind, and what he believes?

That's anti-American?! Or, too American?

Hey look, I'm Canadian, but I live, speak and spend American.

So I have a couple of things to say about this whole "Modano you should be seen and not heard" brouhaha.

First of all, as I conveyed to Mike, (thinking he could use some friendly support), the easiest thing to do is to say nothing at all. He could have easily just walked, fumed and then resumed his NHL season. But what would that have done?

Mike has privately expressed disappointment in USA Hockey's hierarchy in past but he continued to soldier on, answering their call for any and all international competitions.

I hope this serves as a red flag or wake-up call for the U.S. program. The growth of our sport here in this country relies heavily on the various national teams production internationally, especially the men.

With American kids (boys and girls) registering for minor hockey in record numbers (This is the first year that more kids are registered in the U.S. than in Canada) it appears that the future has all kinds of potential.

I guess that's what this is all about, expectations and support going forward.

What I think Mike is saying is that 26 years after "The Miracle", America's hockey team should be the one to beat on the ice come tournament time, and the one to emulate off of it.

Sure, it's a two-way street. The players chosen have to perform and behave in a world-class manner, 24 and 7.

But what Mike, and I'm sure others want is a better foundation, smoother pavement...less potholes.

He wants the next generation to have it better than he had it.

He wants it for the kids of 2010.

Outside of the Baby Boomers, does it get any more American than that?! Eh?