Bam Bam to Retire? Let's Hope So...

According to Bucky Gleason, Matthew Barnaby may have played his final game. If this turns out to be true, the NHL has lost one of its best character players. Barnaby was absolutely fearless, fighting the likes of Donald Brashear, Zdeno Chara (multiple times), Tie Domi (twice in one game), Peter Worrell, Eric Cairns, Sandy McCarthy, Stu Grimson, Craig Berube, and yes, even Rob Ray. Barnaby certainly lost more than he won, but he was more than entertaining. He constantly waived off the linesman to prolong fights. He wrote messages on his front teeth. He was the thorn in your side, the hair in your delicious bowl of oatmeal. If Barnaby retires, he will certainly be missed. Kris Barch has certainly made a quick name for himself in Dallas… while he can’t replace a guy like Barnaby, I think he is following in his foot steps when it comes to being fearless. And even though I am fan of the rough stuff, it pains me to agree that it is time for Bam Bam to retire. Not being able to see for a few minutes after a fight is one thing. Knowing that it is getting worse with each fight is another. Barnaby has a long life to live in front of him. Let’s hope he listens very closely to what his family is telling him…