by Charles Campbell









Photoshop by new Mulleteer: Matty Go Sens The Creation of a Legendary Swede For his first post, Charles has taken his favourite poem, " The Cremation of Sam McGee ," by Robert W. Service, and transformed it into a magnificent, perhaps timeless work of art. Without further ado, we present to you, "The Creation of a Legendary Swede."

Now Karlsson was from Landsbro, Sweden; where blonde hair shines and flows.Why he left his home in Sverige to roam 'round the Capital; the ‘Euge definitely knows.He was seen as frail, but the Beavertail; seemed to hold him like a spell;And he'd often say, in his Nordic way; that "warm-up Nickleback is hell."On a warm June day, we were climbing our way; up Scotiabank Place’s stairs.Talk of the buzz! A deep draft it was; with many future franchise players.Stamkos! Doughty! Bogosian! Hodgson!; Pietrangelo and Schenn;All big names, they’d win us the games; alas, gone in the top ten.As the big names fell, for Sens fans it was hell; our pick seemed so far-flungUp sprung Bettman, who said "A trade's been made; And you’re going to like this one."Boos turned to cheers, and people chugged beers; in anticipation of the news.Two picks for one, and a move up the board; to ensure their target they’d choose.Well, the crowd seemed pumped, and the children jumped; we had moved up three whole picks:Names were thrown out, I heard somebody shout; “Is it Cuma? I heard that guy’s SICK.”Then up from the floor, came a creature of lore; it was Alfie, our savior, our king!To announce the selection, and from every section; the cheers for him did ring.Ever so humble, he did not stumble; but shushed the crowd then begun,"The Senators select, from J20 SuperElit; Erik Karlsson."A cheer arose, yet quieter than before, as people checked their lists.And after searching they found, in the second round; a name to that point they had missed.The talk was hushed, the rest of the round rushed; by Sens fans with hardly a heed.As everyone talked, while the writers balked; about this young, unknown Swede.Things were written, authors weren’t smitten; with a perceived waste of a choiceYet Brian Murray, not in a hurry; said with a clear and confident voice."We had our guy, and heard on the sly; that he wouldn’t wait around,We needed to jump, to get over the hump; because we knew he wouldn’t slide down.His name is unknown, his work yet unshown; but know that very soon.Before too long, you’ll be cheering 'Karlsson'; and his popularity will balloon."Yet still the doubters, those exact same shouters; who will always tell you to "SHOOOT!"Did not believe, that this little Swede; would be anything more than moot.Through his first season, he did give reason; for doubting of his skill.His +/- was bad, and the fans were sad; "He’s not even worth a mill'."But the years he spent, in Alfie’s basement; helped him more than can be said.His defense improved, the puck he moved; all with a calm, cool head.His numbers made history, no longer a mystery; he seemed he could not fail.He put everything together, and kept getting better; and won defensemen’s holy grail.The ‘mups he lit, the numbers he hit; still to some just weren’t enough."He’s an offenseman, he can’t defend; and besides, he really not tough."And then that night, we got a fright; on that February day so chilly.Cut by the blade, of he who shall not be named; literally the heel of Achilles.Now he’s back to full form, to return to the norm; of how he was before.Sens fans all know, that he’s bout to show; higher numbers and more.Yet things are grim, dreams of the cup look dim; the internal budget looms huge,Because the owner’s views, on the T.O. news; "We can’t spend to the cap" says the ‘Euge.But all’s not lost in the capital; where things have looked real dark.There are pieces there, foes should beware; they can provide a spark.Two captains are gone, it’s time for the kids, to show us what they can do.The familiar faces of the glory days; make way for the wave of new.So here’s to the Sens, led by Karlsson; let’s hope they can lead us to the danceAnd goo goo g’joob, to the Paulrus too; he’ll at least give us a chance.It’s been a long summer, which is always a bummer; but the hockey season’s nigh;So drop the puck, and best of luck; to our special little guy.