Now...onto other matters...
When Sutter didn't shake hands at the end of this tournament, I knew it would be a bone to chew for you (among others). I didn't ask him WHY...so...I don't have an answer.
All I can say is...I agree if you feel it was unsporting of him. He's a solid person. Well beyond the scope of judgement in my eyes...but...for whatever its worth...I wish he would have just shook hands. Even if its a token gesture, I think it would avoid needless needling on the rest of the team..if nothing else.
As for what happened after the game...
After Sutter addressed the team...I went down to join the players & staff for some traditional brews in the room. I shook some hands, said some thank yous and helped load out the equipment in between a few beer. The message went up for the remainder of our fans to head to Casey's.
I am told the fans got to Casey's 20 mins. ahead of the team bus (which I arrived on).
Somewhere in that time, 2 tables of ON & OFF ICE OFFICIALS arrived and took up residence in the Gens RESERVED SECTION of the bar. As the story goes...someone(s) in this group of officials were making loud and obnoxious remarks about the FINAL as it was replayed on the big screen(s).
When the Gens team walked into their reserved section, I don't think they noticed this group seated with them. It wasn't until everyone got a chance to sit down for a few minutes it occured there were some un-invited guests. Someone in this group of un-invited guests made loud comments. I don't know what exactly was said...but...someone from 'our side' asked them to keep it down and for a couple hours thats how it went.
When the un-invited guests got up to leave...there were no sad faces on our side of the room.
I HONESTLY do not know what provoked the next exchange:
All I heard was an un-invited guest say something like: "Well, now you know, don't you?"
And then..."This is MY HOUSE!" (yelling).
It was at this time, a few of the Gens players got up from their seats and made the walk across the bar. In the impending confrontation...there were (mostly) people on both sides trying to get EVERYONE to either leave or re-take their seats.
For my part...I stayed seated. I was confused as to who had said what and probably SHOCKED at what I THOUGHT was going on...which...(it seemed to me) was an official antagonizing an entire hockey team with only fear and common sense holding him back.
The intejection seemed succesful enough from where I was. I didn't see any violent gestures/threats and I don't think anyone else did either.
After that...most of the reserved section of the Gens party went back to their seats.
These officials then had to pass by the remainder of our party and I couldn't see or hear much of this because I was in a seperate section.
All I know is there was a conversation between 2 (or more) adults at this point. There was a lot of 'bird-watching' going on around the room but the conversations were private from this point on.
I did walk around the corner to see WHO was involved.
I noted the official who instigated the trouble was gone by this time.
I also know the police attended a hit and run in the parking lot and this hit and run had NOTHING to do with the Generals. It was a long time Allan Cup fan, well known to all of us, whose rental car had been hit and the perpetrator's plate was already taken down (I think?). The cops went out after this vehicle, belonging to a patron of the bar.
The Gens seemed to realize they were in a compromised situation. Heavy in numbers...but...up against a group of people who carry clout with Hockey Canada...they understood the need to turn the other cheek...but...the official who made the original comment definatley got a reaction. It seemed to me he was almost daring someone to step up to him. I would think it was hard not to.
And the only reason I feel compelled to identify this official is to ensure there is no confusion on who it was:
I believe it was either the linesman or the referee from the Final.
I am leaning towards the latter of the 2...but...to be 100% honest...I never inquired because...I didn't want the people I was with to worry about explaing all the details to me. I just wanted the officials to LEAVE... ASAP... and not hang around poking the bear any further. Some did. Some didn't.
Bottom line is...I don't think much happened after that.
We all went to 'SHOOTERS' and had a good party. Everyone there was great. Met some good peeps, the guys were in better spirits by the end of it. Not at all happy about losing...but...were all too good to each other to waste our( last of the season) night together with negative stuff.
The Gens were on intense times all spring. It was a much needed bleeding of 3 months worth of built-up pressure!
So, finally, I don't know what the officials were thinking to show up at our party. I mean...thats one thing...but for them to actually chirp?
I'm just glad the booze had not yet taken effect by that time of the night because we DO have some younger fellas' who might not have been so easily managed with a couple more in the belly.
I don't know who (if anyone) made any apologies...but...you asked for an answer and I provided to the best of my ability.
Its not to be taken as any kind of 'official response of the team'. Its ONLY a loose recollection from my POV.