An Open Letter to Ryan Odell

We here at the R.A.D. have been privileged over the past few years to meet several of our beloved comrades. The organization granted us press passes in the Spring of 2006 and since then, as our loyal readers know, we have been able to interview players and provide an inside look at things that other news syndicates simply cannot supply. Of course, being granted press passes did come with an "unofficial" promise to the organization that we would not report rumors. So for four plus years we've stayed above the mudslinging and only focused on the facts.

Until today.

Last night I heard a troubling rumor, and though it may be unethical to report it, I fear it would be more unethical not to report it. Yes, a true "damned if you do, damned if you don't" scenario. So here it is: Prestige Worldwide has reportedly extended Ryan Odell an offer sheet to play in a tuxedo next season.

A text message from Odell at 11:46 PM last night confirmed these reports, though the defender claimed he did not know where he would ultimately end up. So, because we understand that Mr. Odell is an avid reader of this site, we have written him a personal letter in a last ditch effort to bring him back to the Red Army home.

Dear Ryan Odell,

We understand that you enjoy the reading material that we supply on this site and we are flattered. We understand that you are also a good writer yourself, as evidenced by this heartfelt blog post from last May's disappointing first round exit by the Capitals. We also understand that you were, just last night, offered a position on Prestige Worldwide. Yes Ryan, we know a lot about you. But do you know much about us?

Did you know that before you joined the ranks of the Soviets, it was tough to find ten positive things to write about in an abbreviated post game recap? Did you know that you helped totally revamp the defense? Did you know that you instilled confidence into a rookie goaltender who now plays the role of perennial MVP in the playoffs? Did you know that your diving poke check in game two against the Puck Ewes in the Winter 09/10 championship is still joked around our office as "the Superman?" Did you know that you possess the hardest slap shot in Red Army history? And did you know that if you wore a tuxedo next season, the balance of power would be skewed?

So why the letter? How does one team's blog bare any significance in your decision making process? Why should we even care? Well, besides the obvious jealousy that might stem from you moving to the only other blog wielding team, not much. But, we made this list of things that we can do for you if you re-up with the Comrades (who, in another rumor, are offering you a lifetime contract never to be kicked off again later this week). Here is what the R.A.D. can do for you:

1) You will be offered a position on the R.A.D. staff and be able to publish posts about all things Red Army.

So what do you say? Were you expecting more perks? Well, we're sorry, we spent most of our budget on the site's makeover.

If you chose to accept this agreement, we are confident that you will be happy with your decision. If not, and you do wear a Tuxedo next season, then we wish you only the best of luck. You were great while wearing Communist Red, and your tenure in Moscow will never, ever, be forgotten.

- The Red Army Fan Base