The "special" ones: an opinion piece
Tonight at The Aud the Kitchener Rangers hosted the Guelph Storm. The final result was an unfavourable 3-2 overtime loss for the blue shirts, but despite that, I still had the opportunity to capture some great video footage. I spoke to players, fans, staff, and the rest of those who come together to fill the arena with an average attendance of over 6,000.
Kitchener has one of the best fan bases in the league, and this is certainly something to be proud of. Each and every person at the rink has a role – just as players each have a role on their team. It starts with the coaching staff and a vision, eventually executed in the assembly of players to form a team, the fans then come together to support their team and their city – and they no doubt enhance the atmosphere for the players – and finally, the countless staff and employees ensure the event can actually come together. Everyone from the head coach, to the guy that sells you your pretzel is equally as important.
When dealing with athletes on a regular basis, there are unmistakable personalities you come to know. Each team has “the smart one”, “the focused one”, “the tough guy”, and “the hero” – just to name a few. But the ones who really stick out in my mind, and who I’ll never forget are the “special” ones.
I had the opportunity to sit alongside Sidney Crosby’s first coach – who is now an NHL scout – over coffee before a Rangers game last week. He remembered how “special” Sid was before he even made it to the big leagues. And talent is really not even half of what makes a player “special”.
The special ones have a drive and determination that is so deep-seeded, you cannot help but get passionate about whatever it is that they are. The special ones care – genuinely care – and every person they are connected with feels that they are in some way important to that individual. Special ones have unmistakeable talent, but remain humble. They have an undeniable commitment and hard work ethic; they are loyal, honest, and well mannered – just all-around classy individuals.
Big names like Steve Yzerman and Wayne Gretzky epitomize “special”.
Last year on the Rangers Jeff Skinner defined “special”. The golden boy had a 50-goal season, and is now playing in the National League as an 18-year old. What everyone remembers about Jeff, apart from his skill, is how nice of a guy he truly was. This goes a long way for a player.
Writers and journalists recall accounts of players in their work, coaches know who they can rely on, and scouts just develop a knack for picking out good personalities. Above and beyond all this, it’s the word-of-mouth chat that defines a player.
In my mind the “special” one on the Rangers squad this year is Gabriel Landeskog. I’m not quite convinced he’ll be the next Gretzky, or Lemieux, or whoever – but he will, without a doubt, succeed in his career. You will be hard pressed to meet someone as committed, hardworking, or dedicated.
Gabe is smart and reliable, and his talent on the ice is there. He’s a leader on and off the ice, and that’s what puts him above the rest. Gabe goes out of his way to accommodate interviews, sign autographs, or simply just say hello – and people remember these things. For me personally, he’s been nothing but an absolute pleasure to get to know, and I’ve heard many others attest to this as well.
