They say that of the few industries that benefit from a rocky, let’s face it – horrifying, economy is the alcohol business. Indirectly, there is another industry related to booze consumption, and that’s sports. You guessed it.

They have an intertwined history as juicy as a Cherry Cricket cheeseburger, dating back as far and further than the Romans. You mean to tell me guys named Maximus and Dorisimus and Badassimus didn’t take a little slug of some Roman moonshine before dawning the shield and sword to take on an untamed beast on the coliseum. I mean, they had to be half-cocked to do something that stupid.

Ah yes, the commingled relationship between sporting and alcohol goes back some time, doesn’t it? And it has only gotten more interlaced with the test of time.

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May 1, 2008, your Broncos QB Jay Cutler announced that he was diagnosed with diabetes, and nervous Denver football fans held their collective breath. “Ain’t that the sugar disease?” many of the less educated fans would ask fellow concerned citizens. But the more serious question on everyone’s mind was, “How will this affect his play?”

I for one, was one of the few Denverites jumping for joy upon finding out that a local athletic celebrity was diagnosed with a chronic and commonly misunderstood disease. Why was I so happy?

August 17, 1997, I, Tyler McNally, announced that I was diagnosed with diabetes. Of course, I didn’t make the announcement at a press conference to a gaggle of journalists looking for the scoop. It was just my parents, my brothers, me. Hardly the support of entire city.

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So I'm sitting home, watching the game, season opener, wondering if our boys will have what it takes this season. And I just think there is so much to be excited about right now. First and foremost: it's hockey season, baby! I'm so excited for fall because of three things: old sweatshirts, pumpkin beer, and hockey season. I used to work out almost everyday, take my dog for a walk, help my girlfriend with dinner, but during hockey season, I'm sad to say I lose a bit of my figure, so does my dog, and my girlfriend is pissed at me for how much time I spend glued to the TV tracking a puck too fast for her to see. All the nay sayers think the playoffs are a long shot for us this year. Sure we lost the big 2-1. But even without Forsberg, we have a lot to be excited about this season. On Sakic's between-period interviews on Versus, he promises, "Our D is as good as it's been in years."  I couldn't agree more. Liles is playing tight. Foote is healthy, and Salei has found his niche, to name but a few. The forward lines are as solid as ever, of course, led by the legend himself, Joey Boy. The acquisition of Darcy Tucker will solidify a much-needed physical presence in the offensive corners. Svatos and Wolski are coming off a fantastic season last year and will only keep building on their willingness to grow and adapt on the ice. Not to mention the stalwart presence of Brunette and the ex-Denver Pioneer Mr. Paul Stasney. Overlooking it all, the suit on the bench, Tony Granato. I never really understood why he was coach a few years a few years back, stayed with the club and now gets the big call. I was ok with Quenneville. i hale from from Missouri as an old guard Blues fan from the Hull/MacInnis days. That Quenneville. He's alright. But I really think Granato has his head right, is motivated to do good by the club and will prove it in the win column. 

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