Quote of the Day

"I am always thankful, as a Canadian, that we have a neighbor like this - one that is willing to take care of all the messes."

- Tom Renney, coach of the New York Rangers, after a team-building exercise at West Point.

From the New York Daily News:

"It's so cool, especially for a Canadian," Renney said. "It's so neat to be around people who are willing to lay it on the line for their country."

Don't get the Rangers' coach wrong. Nobody is prouder of his Canadian heritage than this British Columbia boy who learned his craft during a distinguished career with Hockey Canada.

But seven years in the Rangers' organization - especially one terrible day in September of 2001 - have fostered in Renney a profound respect for the United States, in general, and the city of New York, in particular. And he cherishes the opportunity to be around the corps of cadets while having his players interact with them - if only for a day this time.

"I feel very strongly about this," Renney said after practice yesterday. "How could you not if you were around here that day?

h/t my sister Carrie who adds, "Nice that somebody noticed!!!!"