SLAP SHOTS MEETS THE THE BULLPEN

     This week Black-N-Gold Nation lost 2 icons. No, they did not pass away. They just turned the page on another chapter in the lives. It was announced this week that Pens F Pascal Dupuis has decided to longer continue his professional hockey career due to his blood clot condition. And the Pirates made the unpopular decision to trade 2B Neil Walker to the Mets.

      Although both men took different paths in their professional careers to Pittsburgh, both were embraced by Black-N-Gold Nation for their grit, intestinal fortitude and their determination. In other words, Duper and The Real Deal were gamers, in every sense of the word. And both men will be greatly missed by their teams, their fans and their city.

       When the Atlanta Thrashers traded Duper to the Pens in 2008, not many fans knew who the forward was. They figured he was a throw-in on the Marion Hossa deal. Boy, were they wrong. He was a major contributor to that team that reached the Stanley Cup finals that year. And he went on to help the Pens win the Cup the following season. Through the years, Duper has been lauded for his strong presence in the Pens locker room. Whether someone needed a pat on the back or a kick in the butt, Duper was there to assist. The fans sensed this all along, welcoming him to the team and the community with open arms. Unfortunately, injury issues had plagued Duper the past few seasons. First it was a torn ACL in 2014. Last year it was the problems with the blood clots that would ultimately end his career. But fear not, Black-N-Gold Nation. Duper may have ended his tenure on the ice but he is expected to remain with the Pens in some front office capacity. And, who knows, he may come down into the room and kick a butt or two if need be. Take care, Duper, and thank you!

        You could say that Walker was born into the Pirates. His father, Tom Walker, played baseball with Roberto Clemente. Neil was born and raised in Pittsburgh, attending Pirates games with family at Three Rivers Stadium. It was like his birthright to be a Pittsburgh Pirate. Imagine his elation when the Bucs took him in the first round out of Pine-Richland High School in 2004. It was an arduous journey to the Bigs but the Homeboy stayed the course, exhibiting a ferocity won the hearts of Black-N-Gold Nation. No matter where the Pirates put him on the diamond or in the batting order, The Pittsburgh Kid produced, sometimes with award-winning, record-breaking numbers. He lead the way to the Pirates resurgence and return to relevance in these parts. Unfortunately, his career in Pittsburgh was not as story-book as Duper's. He wasn't able to bring a Championship back to the 'Burgh. And he didn't want to leave, either. But while he was here, he gave it his all. That's all anyone can ever ask. Best wishes to you, Homeboy and thank you!