You Talkin' to Me? Superstitions; Stooges to loosen up

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Sports superstitions

Sports and superstitions are inextricably linked. After the Flyers won the Eastern Conference, Mike Richards defied tradition and grabbed the Wales Trophy with both hands. The Blackhawks went the other way and stayed as far away from the Campbell Trophy as possible after winning the Western Conference.

We've heard stories of athletes putting the same skate or sneaker on first before competing, listening to certain music, or eating a special pregame meal - all to follow certain rituals and appease the sports gods.

Bernie, did you have any superstitions? And what do you two think of them in general - silly or understandable?

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Sports superstitions

I would watch the Three Stooges every day before a game.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Sports superstitions

I can't tell if you're kidding or serious, but I like the idea of you sitting around watching Moe smack Larry and Curly over the head with various objects - pots and pans and whatever was handy. Seems sort of appropriate for the Bullies goaltender.

Any superstitions your teammates had that you care to pass along?

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Sports superstitions

I am serious. I always needed a good laugh before the game.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fox, Ashley; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Sports superstitions

Was that a superstition or just a way to get loose? Or both?

From: Parent, Bernie

To: Fox, Ashley; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Sports superstitions

Just a way to get loose.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Gonzalez, John; Parent, Bernie

Subject: Sports superstitions

That's incredible. I love the quirky superstitions and habits, like growing beards for the playoffs. Remember when Brian Dawkins grew a beard when the Eagles were making their playoff push in 2008? All of a sudden, the whole team was scruffy, as were the coaches. Jim Johnson told me at the time his wife thought he looked like Santa Claus. And you know what? He kinda did.

The Three Stooges is priceless. No Jay-Z back then, huh?