Lavi's Friday pm presser further evidence of a class act

By now you've probably seen our former coach's 24 minute press conference, held yesterday at Rey's Restaurant.

If you haven't seen it, you can find video here at WRAL SportsFan. The audio is really low, so turn up your speakers.

I was pleased to see him sporting his Stanley Cup Ring as he made his remarks, which were largely to thank people. He looked absolutely calm and relaxed. I guess he's in the denial stage of grieving, because I've never seen him look as peaceful (gosh, sounds like a funeral, doesn't it?) unless you count the summer of '06.

To sum up, he thanked the people at the RBC who put on the games, the team, the organization, the people of Raleigh who aren't necessarily Caniacs but embraced hockey and the Canes, and lastly, the fans.

Have some Kleenex nearby, because you're going to need it.

Admirably, he spoke respectfully of the Canes organization, as well as Mo and Francis in particular. He said this move is what is part of professional sports, and he's always been prepared for it, although he's sad that it's over.

I feel for his kids. Upon his firing, he and Kristen immediately got the kids out of school to break the news. They didn't take it well, of course. The middle child screamed, "Do you know how hard it is to make friends?" So it seems Lavi will be spending a lot of quality time with them for a change, going to the hockey tournaments he never gets to attend due to work, and thinking about the future.

It would be surprising if he didn't get a few offers, and soon.

Once again, thank you, Coach. See you around.