I wrote this story in response to the absolute anguish and dispair I felt at the cover of the newspaper that was delivered to my house on May 4th, 2004. The image of Mathieu Dandenault with his arm around Curtis Joseph caused my throat to tighten. Remembering the pain I felt the night before when were were eliminated by a less-than-deserving team brought me to tears the moment I saw it. Upon closer inspection of the picture, I saw something that broke my heart... Curtis's left hand is holding his gloves, while his right is wrapped around his defensive teammate. His right hand gripping Mathieu's jersey. This one image in and of itself brought me to tears as I stood in my kitchen, staring at it. The absolute pain Curtis was in when this picture was taken was more evident in this one movement than in all the footage shown of Joseph with his helmet on, sticking his fingers through the bars to wipe at his eyes. His body language is so intense; leaning into Dandy, as if he could no longer support his broken spirit alone. His head tilted inward, seeking Mathieu's shoulder. And that hand. Holding. Gripping... Ever since the goalie incident, I've developed a soft spot for Cujo; and I was absolutely crushed that he had to face this loss. I love Cujo, and it broke my heart that he was clearly in so much pain. I can only hope that we can one year recapture the Cup with Cujo in the net.

~Maroon

Falling