CBC-Sports

Learning from the best

October 1, 2008 03:32 PM | Posted by   P.J. Stock  

Before you start reading this, expecting a Shakespearean take on hockey from an ex-NHLer, let me explain to you my role as a hockey player and my unique experiences with the game.

I was fortunate enough to don the skates in the greatest league in the world, the National Hockey League. I had the opportunity of being a teammate of Wayne Gretzky, wearing the “Bleu, Blanc et Rouge” of the Habs (a childhood dream that didn’t go as planned but we’ll save that for another day), facing off against the likes of Mario Lemieux, Joe Sakic, Stevie Y and many other greats, and of course, scoring a goal like every Canadian kid has ever dreamed of … on Kelly Hrudey.

My hockey experience was a little different from the other guys at Hockey Night in Canada. While they were participating in the game, I was participating in my own type of games.

Yes, I was a teammate of the “Great One,” mostly in practice or warmup and I did get caught on the ice with the likes of Lemieux, Sakic and Yzerman. But as soon as my coach noticed the opposing team’s first line against our team’s fifth line you’d hear, “Stock, get off the ice! Quick change!”

Most of my games were spent hanging out with the backup goalie or other “utility” players. You think 82 games a year is a lot from a fan’s perspective? Imagine getting all dressed up in your hockey equipment, sitting on a piece of plywood for three hours and not being allowed to go to the washroom or eat anything.

Don’t get too teary eyed for me just yet because there is always an upside … for instance, getting to visit every major city in North America and having the best seat in every NHL rink is a start. Getting to hang out with Gretzky, Graves, Leetch, Koivu, Thornton, Tocchet, Primeau, Stevens, etc., during the season also has its bonuses. No, it’s not that they have big wallets and often bought lunch (they did - that’s why their names are on the list and some others didn’t make it), it’s because they all know the game and I had an amazing time learning from them.

While I spent most of my career’s games on the bench playing scoreboard blackjack with the backup goalie or “I spy with my little eye” with a trainer, I was within earshot of the actual players and have learned plenty from them.

You are the lucky ones because throughout the year I plan on divulging some of their thoughts (making them look like my own, of course) to you.

Where to start, where to start …

I live in Montreal where the Canadiens are to Montrealers what paint swabs are to Martha Stewart.

People’s days are illuminated by wins - cheery at work, bring flowers home to the wife and bones and treats for their pets. But after a loss, it’s a completely different story. People can’t concentrate at the office, have no patience for their kids and kick their dogs down the stairs.

I remember Darren Langdon (with the Rangers) sitting me down after I got really excited about a win (I touched the puck in the game so I was a tad keyed up).

“PJ, listen son (he didn’t say that but I thought it would add to the story), the game of hockey for a player is like an emotional rollercoaster. You’re going to have your ups and downs throughout the season, but the way you handle yourself during them is going to be the key. Never let your emotions get too high during the highs and never get too low during the lows.”

I am passing on the words of Langer to you to be used as guidelines for this upcoming season. If your Habs or Leafs or Canucks or Sens or Oilers or Flames do well in a game, don’t go booking your hotel near the parade route just yet. And if your team loses by a few one night … leave the puppy alone!

Enjoy the season.

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