GOODBYE JR!

Got a good one for you today. Ive been meaning to touch on this subject but other things came up. Its about Jeremy Roenick. Some of you might not know who he is. I would list him as the greatest American born hockey player in the history of the sport. I'm not writing this to talk about all his accomplishments you can look those up on NHL.com. I want to tell you why hes probably the best role model for anyone.

JR is a great player and an even a better athlete. He told a story in his retirement press conference about about when he was 7 yrs old and watching the Hartford Whalers practice. Gordie Howe one of the best to ever play the game was at the end of his career skated up to JR at the glass picked up some snow on the end of his stick and dumbed it on JR's head. Howe then skated across the rink looked over at him and winked. Roenick said this was the coolest thing anyone had ever done for him. He was shocked that a man of Howe's celebrity took a few second out of his day to recognize this youngster. JR said from that day forward if he was to ever become famous he would acknowledge every fan. He said Howe influenced the way he played the game and why he played so hard.

JR talked for about an hour about his career and the people he played with. He was the 9th overall pick right out of high school. Not many American born players come right out of USA high school into the NHL. He did it and he also became a voice in the Chicago locker room when he was a rookie by standing up to Iron Mike Keenen.

What was so cool about this press conference is that players who played with him actually called in and a talked about what a great guy JR was. Chris Chelios told a story about him being a young guy in Chicago and Chelios was a vetern and he actually learned to be a better player because of him. Not often do you see a veteran learn from a young guy. Mike Modano and Keith Tzkauck both called and told stories of JR with fans.

Through his career he was always a character. He never bitched about a contract. He never complained about ice time. He taught younger guys to play the game and make it better. He taught them to mature and be men.He would joke with the fans by either dancing on the ice in between timeouts or taking there popcorn through the glass. He would sign every autograph and it didn't matter where he was. He said he loved to be in the streets and get a pat on the back or a "JR your the best," when he was out. He said that meant he was doing his job. He was loved in every city he played in.

This is what you never see anymore with athletes. They retired they say a few words they walk away I have never seen a retirement speech like this. Where the players call in and tell stories and the GM and good friends tell stories. He was a great player and great athlete. He was very outspoken and wanted it the way he wanted it but never complained about it. He played 20 seasons in the NHL and was a All-Star almost half of them. JR is a great ambassador for the sport of Hockey but athletes in general. I would love my kids to grow up and have this type of guy to idolize. All athletes should take note that this is the way you should give back to the fans. Go out there play 110% and make sure your pleasing the fans who come to see you and make your pay check.

Thank you JR for a great career. You will be missed!

SIMSZEE