| Hockey legend Gordie Howe has passed away at the age of 88. His son Murray Howe announced “’Mr. Hockey’ left peacefully, beautifully, and with no regrets.” Howe earned the nickname “Mr. Hockey” for his lengthy career that included 25 years as a Detroit Red Wing, four Stanley Cup championships, six nods as the league’s most valuable player and |  |
numerous records resulting from his prolific goal-scoring ability and physical play. He played his last full NHL season at the age of 51 and his final shift in the professional ranks at the age of 69.
Aside from the records which he set and milestones achieved during his career, one bears his name and exemplifies his on-ice presence. “The Gordie Howe Hat Trick” consists of a goal, an assist and a fight in the same game, .
“If you play a little rough,” he once said, “you get respect. And with respect, you get just a little bit more space on the ice”
Now, I don't condone the violence that sometimes seems to infiltrate professional sports, and can overshadows the skill and sportsmanlike conduct that is meant to prevail (that's a topic for sports bloggers to argue), but in this case I look at the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” a bit more metaphorically:
A goal… the accomplishment of personal endeavours;
An assist… helping someone else achieve their endeavours in life;
A fight… that tough decision that takes you a bit out of your comfort zone and pushes your limits. This isn’t necessarily of a physical nature. It’s the stand against a perceived wrongdoing (whether it be to you or someone else), speaking your mind on a particular issue or joining a cause for what you feel is “a greater good”.
As we reflect and celebrate the achievements and life of Mr. Howe, think about a Gordie Howe Hat Trick - “peaceful, beautiful and with no regrets!”
R.I.P. Gordie
Aside from the records which he set and milestones achieved during his career, one bears his name and exemplifies his on-ice presence. “The Gordie Howe Hat Trick” consists of a goal, an assist and a fight in the same game, .
“If you play a little rough,” he once said, “you get respect. And with respect, you get just a little bit more space on the ice”
Now, I don't condone the violence that sometimes seems to infiltrate professional sports, and can overshadows the skill and sportsmanlike conduct that is meant to prevail (that's a topic for sports bloggers to argue), but in this case I look at the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” a bit more metaphorically:
A goal… the accomplishment of personal endeavours;
An assist… helping someone else achieve their endeavours in life;
A fight… that tough decision that takes you a bit out of your comfort zone and pushes your limits. This isn’t necessarily of a physical nature. It’s the stand against a perceived wrongdoing (whether it be to you or someone else), speaking your mind on a particular issue or joining a cause for what you feel is “a greater good”.
As we reflect and celebrate the achievements and life of Mr. Howe, think about a Gordie Howe Hat Trick - “peaceful, beautiful and with no regrets!”
R.I.P. Gordie
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