Now that I’m finished wallowing in the sorrow of knowing my childhood is officially over, I can get back on track. I’ve picked myself up by my skate laces, fixed the damn website, and can proceed with telling you all about my perception of the Joe Sakic retirement.
When I was a kid and hockey made its triumphant return to Denver with the Colorado Avalanche, I was more concerned with the career of Patrick Roy. I’d wonder aloud why he wasn’t the captain. Why did Sakic have to take all the glory? I found myself mad at Joe for not letting Roy, my idol, to be the best. My curiosity and sudden die hard love for the game mixed with my resentment. This led to a lot of research and some sudden realizations:
- Goalies can’t be captains (Screw Luongo, he doesn’t count).
- Joe Sakic is 1000 times the man Roy will ever be.
I found myself torn for a little while. Yes, I loved the quirky style and dominating play of Patrick Roy, but Joe Sakic was the kind of guy that was better suited to be a role model. Here was a guy that not only showed incredibly loyalty to his team, but also incredibly determination to himself. Patrick Roy became my on ice hero, while Joe Sakic became my real life hero.
Denver quickly realized how great it was to have Sakic in town as well. There are countless ways he has helped the community in Denver, but none as much as the Food Bank of the Rockies, which I can guarantee every Avs fan knows about thanks to Joe.
Joe Sakic is leaving the game as one of the premier class acts of his time. Thanks Joe, for giving my generation such a great role model.
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For those of you that didn’t happen to catch the retirement announcement, I would recommend doing so. Listen carefully to Pierre Lacroix (it’s the most candid you will ever hear him), skip over Woody Paige’s speech, and try not to cry. Save that for October 1st when the Avs send #19 to the rafters. Just head over to the Avalanche TV page to check it out.