a tale of two Brothers // This is the end

[Daniel Janser 1,983]

Graphic courtesy of Leandrofg

(Marcel's stats/Daniel's stats)

 

The Calgary Wranglers have made an early exit in the S89 post-season. It was kind of foreseeable as the Albertan franchise had struggled with consistency all season. Chief amongst them their parting captain, who has announced his retirement earlier in the season. He was for the eighth time a point per game scorer in the regular season, but could not repeat the stellar S85-87 numbers. Now an era has come to an end. Dan was one of the longest serving captains in Calgary's long and illustrious history, second only to Marcus Hurley. He brought the Wranglers a cup after one of the longest cup draught in the league's history. He was an offensive dynamo, until age took its toll, and was always not too good to muck his hands with body work. Janser is amongst the top five all time for the Red, White and Black for any significant forward statitistics.

 

So it should come as no surprise, that after the 2-0 loss at the hands of the Wolves, which sealed Calgary's fate in the S89 playoffs, the home crowd in the Saddle Dome, chanted his name. They would not stop, until their Captain would come back from the locker room and do a lap of honour. Already before, players of the opposing team like fellow S81 draftee Nico Pearce or elite defence man PEB as well as Polish wonder Henry Eagles congratulated the Swiss center for his remarkable career.

 

After the Rotkreuz native acknowledged the standing ovations, he was surprised when the Calgary host announced that there will be a ceremony in direct continuation and that Daniel should please stay put on the ice. The older Janser was puzzled, but obviously complied. He assumed that he will be given a Swiss watch or something for his service for the Wranglers. He was taken aback when a podium was pushed onto the ice and GM Ricer as well as AGM Boudreaux entered the stage. All his team mates and even some retired veterans like Lindbergh and Kotkakoivu attended the proceedings. The brass held a speech about Daniel's merits in the Calgary uniform and announced that his beloved number 22 will not ever be worn by any other Wrangler ever again. An honour which has not been extended to a Calgary player since S35, when Ryback's #49 was retired.

 

Daniel after his last game for Calgary (graphic courtesy of Rockstar)

 

Our Canadian correspondent Jean-Luc Lieuxperroux (JLL), interviewed the apparently touched Calgary captain at this occasion.

 

JLL: 'Daniel, what a moment for you. How are you feeling?'

Daniel (DJ): 'Well I am overwhelmed, plain and simple. When I came to Calgary, I have been (and still am) in awe about the names in the rafters. Obviously being a fellow Swiss, Scott Boulet was the one closest to my heart. It was a special moment when I received the award which was named after him.'

JLL: 'Some press outlets would argue, that it should be Marcel's jersey up there, instead of yours, as he was arguably the better Janser.'

DJ (laughs): 'You know I read the article in question and the author makes some valid points. Marcel made more out of his talent then I did. He won a WJC and two consecutive Continental Cups. He never had a negative +/- statistic in his VHL career. These are all feats I was not able to emulate. I agree with Molly's statement that stay at home defenders are often overlooked unless they produce massive amounts of hits and/or shots blocked. However, that is not the type of player Marcel is. He flies under the radar, because he prevents plays from even happening with his criminally underrated Hockey IQ. He converts his team's end of the ice into a non-comfort zone for the opposition, alas without taking too many penalties. He does it in a non-entertaining way, rarely making the highlight reel. But this is exactly what you as a coach want from your defenders first and foremost: to make your own zone as interesting as watching paint dry. Having said that, contrary to our perennial competitor for talent, the NHL, we have at least an award dedicated to the contribution of defensive minded blue liners.'

JLL: 'That is true. And on that bombshell I wish to congratulate you to your amazing career as well as a nice after-party.'

DJ: 'Thanks mate, appreciate it.'

 

Please find the Jansers' VHL career stats as well for one final time:

Marcel (regular season): 362gp, 31g, 150a, 181pts, +119, 304 PIM, 431 hits, 628sb, 7gwg, 12ppg, 1shg

Marcel (playoffs): 60gp, 7g, 25a, 32pts, +8, 55 PIM, 78 hits, 94sb, 6ppg

Daniel (regular season): 576gp, 314g, 422a, 736pts, +173, 775 PIM, 1,590 hits, 399sb, 52gwg, 53ppg, 3shg

Daniel (playoffs): 61gp, 31g, 41a, 72pts, +10, 107 PIM, 141 hits, 39sb, 6gwg, 10ppg, 1shg

 

 

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138041-a-tale-of-two-brothers-a-shocking-announcement/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138044-cgy-jansers-reflection/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138198-a-tale-of-two-brothers-on-the-final-lap/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138702-a-tale-of-two-brothers-end-of-the-watch/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138762-cgy-enjoying-the-playoffs/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138804-a-tale-of-two-brothers-an-interview/

https://vhlforum.com/topic/138869-do-we-value-defensive-players/

 

Spoiler

@InstantRockstar @Frank @Spartan  @Gaikoku-hito @Greg_Di @Ricer13 @Otis Boudreaux Jr @Doomsday @DollarAndADream  @JCarson @Morcar80

 

 

[JCarson 594]

Article Review:  It has been a fun experience to share the continued exploits of the Janser brothers over the last few seasons.  The quality of the writing only adds to the depth of character expressed about both players.  It will be sad to see the likes of Marcel and Daniel pass on to another era but it will also be nice to see a new beginning. Hopefully we get to see and experience a new generation of Janser players make their way through the league and can share their story. Hopefully we can experience some excitement, yet if we get a player who can again make the defensive end as entertaining as paint drying then we will have another player who should win the Continental Cup repeatedly.

 

10/10, enjoy retirement Daniel and Marcel, your contribution to the VHL will not be forgotten.