The Penalty Box

Who doesn't love a good hockey fight? The answer is those who don't like any type of fighting and those who don't like the sport of hockey; those folks are holding their hands high. A portion of the readers, especially the uninformed who lack any knowledge of the sport, believe that the only reason fans go to hockey games are there only for the fights, much like those who believe that fans of auto racing only go to see the wrecks. That is unfortunate since most people in attendance at the "minor" are usually very knowledgeable about their sports.

Nevertheless, there are two individuals who rarely fight and for good reasons. The first, obviously, is the goalie. Much like an armadillo or a porcupine, the goalies can merely curl up in their armor and, for the aggressor, finding a spot to breach is more trouble than it's worth.

Likewise, but for vastly different reasons, there is a second person who rarely brawls, the team captain, the guy with the "C" on his sweater (Canadian for jersey). The why is no accident.

- He is the on-ice leader. Fighting keeps him off the ice where he is needed.

- He knows what the skaters in every position do and where they are at all times.

- He is one of the toughest men on any team, but he has proven his toughness and most

opposing players know to avoid challenging him.

- He is not always the most technically skilled person on the team, but he has proven his

skating, shooting, and defensive prowess. He has nothing else to prove.

- Often, he is a quiet humble leader who cares about his players and who treats each one with the respect he deserves and defends them when necessary.

- He knows the strengths and weaknesses of every person and uses that knowledge to

accomplish the goals of the team and to support the coach's priorities.

- He is almost always the last person off the ice at practice and at games.

- He seeks no special treatment and gives none.

- He is an encourager. He mentors rookies and players new to the team.

- He is the on-ice leader, the leader in the locker room and he leads by example. In a recent Stanley Cup contest Zdeno Chara, tough 6'8" Captain of the Boston Bruins, took a shot off the stick of an opposing player that shattered his jaw. He could not speak; he was taken to the locker room to be checked by team doctors, and he returned to the bench a short time later. He could not play; he still could not speak, but his mere presence affected his teammates tremendously and they accomplished a brilliant victory. He was on the ice for the next game two days later wearing a special face mask; he still could not speak, but he played his regular shift on the ice. A true inspiration to his team and to anyone watching.

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IF YOU ASPIRE TO LEAD, DON'T BE A PUCK! LEAD LIKE A CAPTAIN!