Words of Advice from Across the Ages

Dear Aces, get your shit together.

After finishing atop the COTHL for five straight seasons, local ice hockey team the Black Aces are not having a great year. This much is certain. In an attempt to turn things around, Aces spiritual and human resources advisor Aubrey S has gone to great lengths to consult with revered wise men from across the span of human history. How has he done this? you ask. How can he speak with sages and magi from eras past? Aubrey has an iPhone X.

This week Aubrey and his iPhone sit down with Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher and big man of the 6th century BC to talk strategy for the rest of the COTHL season. This interview will appear on the next edition of the Aces podcast, “Men in Black”. We get a sneak preview here tonight.

Aubrey: Lao, dude, great to see you. Welcome to the podcast.

Lao Tzu: Thanks bro, great to be here. Wherever this is.

Aubrey: We call it Toronto, but let’s get right down to business. The Aces… going for a 6th straight season of excellence in the COTHL. Not looking so good though. Have you been following?

Lao Tzu: I have, and I'll tell you something Aubrey, if you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.

Aubrey: Whoa. That’s deep, yo. So we should just let go and not worry about winning #6, and let it happen? Did i get that right?

Lao Tzu: I'll just say that a good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.

Aubrey: Uhhh, okay then, moving on. Let’s talk about scoring. Any advice for the guys to help them get back on track here?

Lao Tzu: I've always said that if you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

Aubrey: Right! Drive the net. Got it. What about some wise words for the Aces D?

Lao Tzu: You know something dude, when the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'

Aubrey: I get it - the D should just do their job and let the forwards think it was them the whole time. Which they would anyway, amirite? You are so wise, Lao Tzu. You should write a book. So what about the first half of the season - how can the Aces put that behind them and focus on the finish?

Lao Tzu: I've always said it is better to do one's own duty, however defective it may be, than to follow the duty of another, however well one may perform it. He who does his duty as his own nature reveals it, never sins.

Aubrey: So we should try harder to play our fucking positions, is that it? that’s it, isn’t it. ?

Lao Tzu: He who knows himself is enlightened.

Aubrey: Sounds like this interview is over. Thanks for dropping by, man. We’ll see if your wise words have an effect on the Black Aces HC.

That about wraps it, folks. Wisdom and sage albeit cryptic advice from an ancient Chinese philosopher to put the team back on track. Let’s see if it helps. Last week’s 6-2 loss to the Wyse Guys (goals by Bruce and Rich) could be the last one of the season, who knows?