When it’s always about dragging yourselves into the fight, it’s easy to lose sight.
Especially at this time of year. We all get so caught up in the daily drudgery of grinding away to make ends meet, and ensuring health and some level of happiness remain priorities, that we forget gratefulness.
And shouldn’t that be the priority as Christmas Day approaches? There’s nothing wrong with hoping for a particular pricey present, or the perfect lavish festivity to mark the occasion, but there’s everything right in being at peace with what you have.
Which brings us the Vancouver Canucks.
Their fishbowl existence in a hockey-mad market where everybody knows your name and especially your game is taxing. It’s easy to get sidetracked instead of being appreciative for the game, the city and being grateful.
There’s always going to be a ripple of something that’s astray and the key is to not turn it into a tsunami.
“For me, I’m blessed,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said Monday. “There are so many people out there who aren’t going to have a great Christmas. I feel for them. That’s why Canucks charities really hit home when you see families get gifts. I love that stuff.
“And when we come to the rink, we have to be grateful. We get to play hockey. The waves aren’t 12 feet, they might be five or six feet and my job it to get the players to understand that.
“In this market, everybody thinks it’s a 15-foot wave and, sometimes, players go out there and act like it is. We just have to relax and play.”
There’s always the focus on the moment but Tocchet has done a good job in forming a partnership with his players. It’s being tested, especially with struggles on home ice, and is vital to remedy the shortcomings.
“Relationships mean everything to me and everybody’s career means something and you want to be part of that,” stressed Tocchet. “Everybody is important and I want them to have a great Christmas.”
The collective list of wants and needs for players is pretty obvious. Complete and confident games, everybody pulling on emotional and competitive rope, avoiding injury, gaining coaching and management faith, and advancing beyond second round of the playoffs.
When players pause and reflect, there’s much to be grateful for in their quest to be at their best. Inspiration comes from stars, grinders and hockey-lifers. Here’s a list to consider:
1. Quinn Hughes
We’ve run out of adjectives to describe the captain’s dizzying game, production level, leadership qualities, addressing pressing issues, contributing to the charitable community and maintaining an even keel when storms roll in. He’ the ultimate consummate professional.
2. Kiefer Sherwood
Undrafted and undaunted. His seventh NHL stop and only the second two-year contract at bargain cap hit of $US1.5 million annually. Expected to irritate and invigorate as fourth-liner, often moves up. Has career-high 12 goals, including hat trick, and NHL best 200 hits.
3. Kevin Lankinen
Always smiling. Always grateful. Didn’t have a job in September, despite good backup numbers in Nashville. Signed one-year, $US875,000 deal as insurance with Thatcher Demko mending and Arturs Silovs needing support. Set NHL record by winning first 10 road games.
2. Kiefer Sherwood
Undrafted and undaunted. His seventh NHL stop and only the second two-year contract at bargain cap hit of $US1.5 million annually. Expected to irritate and invigorate as fourth-liner, often moves up. Has career-high 12 goals, including hat trick, and NHL best 200 hits.
3. Kevin Lankinen
Always smiling. Always grateful. Didn’t have a job in September, despite good backup numbers in Nashville. Signed one-year, $US875,000 deal as insurance with Thatcher Demko mending and Arturs Silovs needing support. Set NHL record by winning first 10 road games.
4. Brock Boeser
Whether in a goal funk or putting up 40, his upbeat demeanour never changes. Has handled family tragedy and trade rumours with great aplomb and willingly worked with life coach to ensure body and mind remained in sync. Has become complete two way and responsible player.
5. Derek Forbort
Joining a new team is an adjustment. But when your father succumbs to cancer at age 62, there’s no playbook for returning from a leave of absence. Forbort was then sidelined by a knee injury and battled the flu bug. He’s just grateful to be playing again. Let that sink in.
“Forbort is a great point and a great story,” said Tocchet. “He’s has a tough year and he’s one of the best locker-room guys for a coach. When you’re a player, things can be taken away from you really quickly. Enjoy the game and have fun.”
The Canucks don’t play again until Saturday , when they host the Seattle Kraken. The break can be advantageous to unplug and unwind.
It’s like all teams — it’s re-set,” said Tocchet. “It’s been a sprint and then another sprint until the 4-Nations Face-Off in February. You want to refocus. I always felt as player if you’ve been struggling, you come back and everything is at zero.
“You don’t think about anything, you just start again and it’s almost like a brand-new season.”
Especially when you remember to be grateful.