A tearful goodbye

OSHAWA -- Emotions were running high as the Oshawa Generals parted ways with John Tavares and Michael Del Zotto during a Friday press conference at the General Motors Centre.

Del Zotto, a surprise addition to the blockbuster deal with the London Knights completed the night before, was particularly outward in his emotions, with tears visible in his eyes from the outset and spilling over at one point.

Tavares, long rumoured to be headed west, was better able to contain his feelings, but looked as though he had little sleep and was much more subdued than usual.

"This morning's been difficult, just saying good bye to everyone," said Tavares, four days removed from winning gold with Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. "It's not easy. This place (Oshawa) means a lot to both of us. Obviously for me it's been an emotional roller-coaster."

Del Zotto, who became part of the trade at London's request on Wednesday, the same day the Generals were thumped 8-2 in Belleville, admitted he was caught by surprise at his inclusion.

"I didn't get too much sleep last night and saying goodbye to the boys was pretty tough," he said. "Saying goodbye to people you've had relationships with for two and a half years is really tough."

In parting with their two most prized possessions, the Generals have all but given up on this season, in which they currently sit fifth in the Ontario Hockey League's Eastern Conference at 18-16-1-4.

But, getting three young players (forward Christian Thomas, defenceman Scott Valentine and goalie Michael Zador), and six high draft picks (four in the second round, two in the third) should set the club up well for the future.

"We had to make a choice between surrounding our current roster with players that could maybe give us an opportunity to compete at the level we needed to compete, or looking at some of our players on our team, make a decision to look towards the future and we chose the latter," said Chris DePiero, head coach and general manager of the Generals.

"When you make a decision of this magnitude, it's not a decision that comes lightly."

Team owner Rocco Tullio, who twice had to halt his talk in order to contain his emotions, emphasized how difficult it was to trade the two, not so much because of their hockey ability, but because they are quality individuals off the ice.

Tullio hopes the deal with help pave the way for the Generals to ice a team that will contend for championships on an annual basis down the road.

Ironically, the Generals are in London to face the Knights tonight, although Tavares confirmed he will not play and Del Zotto still wasn't sure.

Tavares said he will wear No. 61, worn previously in London by current NHL superstar Rick Nash, while Del Zotto will keep his No. 4.

Nazem Kadri, one of London's top players, currently wears No. 91 for the Knights.

Although the Knights have already made their one trip to Oshawa this season, fans here will get another chance to say goodbye to Tavares, who will be the feature attraction of the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Wednesday at the General Motors Centre.

Chris White, Game Day and Special Events Co-ordinator for the Generals, said early thoughts were to honour Tavares during the Tuesday skills competition.