6 The Other Battle
When rivalries are put aside and the hockey world unites’
Written by Hosea C
Canucks Access
This past Tuesday night, Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins faced-off against each other in an NHL tilt. It was a game showcasing one of the greatest rivalries of all-time, which usually guarantees an entertaining contest.
However, the mood at the Bell Centre was somber, the complete opposite of the upbeat, fast-paced, energetic atmosphere which fans were expecting.
The traditions, the history, the memories, were all put aside for this match as both clubs reflected on life itself, rather then hockey.
As both teams stood for the moment of silence prior to the game, they took the time to focus on the importance of life, especially the crisis surrounding their own respectable teams. On one side, the Canadiens suffered yet another tragedy as Laura, the 25-year-old daughter of general manager Bob Gainey, was swept away at sea. She was aboard a tall ship last Friday when the incident occurred, and is now believed to be lost forever as the search has been called off.
The Bruins, on the other hand, are still reeling from news about 19-year-old teammate Phil Kessel. The fifth overall pick in this past year’s draft was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery Monday.
Even through these tough times, which hit so close to home, the game continued.
In the end, it wasn’t a matter of who won, or who loss, but it was a matter of just being there, it was a matter of playing the great game of hockey, in order to forget about everything else just for those few short hours.
There was no better way to reflect and remember Laura and Phil then the effort and battle shown by both teams that night.
You see, Laura Gainey defined ‘battle’ as she overcame a disturbed youth to find happiness. Having to experience the death of her mother and to be involved with drugs at a young age, Laura was able to turn her life around and discover the joys it provided. Phil Kessel was a different story, but when it came to battling, he did not shy away. Once touted as the undisputed first overall pick, Kessel worked hard to achieve his dream of playing in the NHL. Now he faces a tougher challenge as he focuses on overcoming cancer, a disease that has affected way too many lives.
I’m sure many have not forgotten Dan Snyder. Just 3 years ago, this Atlanta Thrashers forward was killed in a car accident alongside then-Thrasher Dany Heatley. The emotional tragedy drew the hockey world together to pay their respect to a great, young hockey player.
It’s stories like these that snap the hockey community back to reality. It unites all fans of hockey because people understand that life is more important. Whether it be the motivational struggle to beat cancer, such as Mario Lemieux or Roger Nielson, or the shock of on-ice incidents like Jiri Fischer or Sergei Zholtok, hockey fans and players realize that the ‘greatest game you can name’ is not invincible from heartbreak.
So as we cheer on our favourite teams and boo our hated rivals, we must keep in mind that hockey is not the number one priority. It is merely an escape, for a brief moment, from the difficulties surrounding each individual’s lives.
As we cherish life first and enjoy hockey second, don’t forget to keep the Bruins and Canadiens organizations in your prayers.
Rest In Peace Laura. Get Well Soon Phil.
