#NHL fan choice awards

[annieqattheperipheral]

Long post. It's a heartbreaking read from Rodion's father's pov about his son's life. Truly worth the time if you have the emotional space and energy. I've posted a few links as you may want to share in others' thoughts and feelings after reading.

Original interview (Russian site Google translated to English)

Reposted by a reddit user (excerpts + Leafs mentions)

Linked to on Twitter

Interview excerpts transcript (I've edited for clarity) and a few of the photos:

My main motivation for giving an interview, as a father and a witness to everything that happened to my son, is to thank people from the bottom of my heart. Thank you from our family and from Rodion, although he himself can no longer express it in words.

We thank you for the attention and participation that the hockey community, clubs and organizations, and fans have given us. Thanks to the Toronto Maple Leafs, personally to Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas. For the way they accepted Rodion, empathized and participated in his fate.

I was generally removed from financial and organizational issues: “Ruslan, take care of your son, don't even think about it. We will solve everything." The club was always in touch 24/7. Both the doctors and the team management. Dubas, who made the draft choice, was very fond of Rodion. They corresponded a lot, supported each other both before and during the illness. In recent days, Kyle even wanted to fly to Munich - Rodion left on August 14, and Dubas already had a ticket for the 11th.

I told agent Dan Milstein: “Rodion is in such a state, he can't see anymore, he's heavy. Well, is Kyle coming just to raise his weak hand and shake it? They won't even communicate.”

- “Ruslan, he wants to do it. This is his personal desire."

Dubas wrote and called, but my son could no longer see his messages. I was worried and was eager to go to the airport. The doctors stopped him: “There's no need to fly anywhere anymore...”

Toronto has released 100 medals that will be awarded to the most respected people who have made significant contributions to the history of the club and the NHL. So, Shanahan himself came to Rodion at six in the morning, when it became known that the disease had worsened and he needed to fly home from Toronto, and presented him with this medal - the very first of a hundred. Rodion brought this award to Ufa and was very proud of it.

The agent in Russia, Stanislav Romanov, provided great assistance, solving many everyday issues and refusing to take a commission for the contract when he learned about my son's illness. From business people, he and Dan Milstein transformed into caring and loving fathers.

Separately, about Dan Milstein. I said at the funeral when I gave the speech that Dan is with my family for a reason. For everyone, he is a great agent, a professional. His actions speak louder than words. But he is also a man with a huge heart. When Rodion was fine, Dan did a tremendous job. The draft, the agreement with Toronto, advertising contracts with CSM and Bauer - all these pleasant and useful things, uniforms, budgets...

And when Rodion Amirov ended as a hockey player, we came to know Dan Milstein as a father and friend. I told everyone: “For us, this is not an agent, but a member of our family, a close relative.” He flew to Russia two or three times a month just to visit and support our son and bring some things. All everyday issues and treatment were resolved immediately. No questions like: “Why? For what? How much?”

- What do you need? Please.

All accounts were closed. When Rodion's body left from Germany, and a bunch of organizational matters piled up - how to negotiate with the embassy, how to deliver the body, what to do with hanging documents - Dan said: “Ruslan, you are not touching on this topic . I take everything upon myself."

I can't imagine how long he slept. No matter how you call, he is always in touch. After all, my son was brought from Germany at night, three hours before the funeral. The flight was through Turkey, the plane cost a lot of money. But Dan solved a million questions.

* * *

Moscow clinic in Skolkovo - doctors and all the people who took part in Rodion's treatment. We were there from November to July. I would like to thank all the medical staff - who cared, treated, tried to save the child and did everything in their power. The bills were paid alternately by Salavat Yulaev and Toronto.

People in Ufa helped with warmth no less than the Maple Leafs. It touched the soul when the leadership staff of “Salavat Yulaev” visited their son in full force - it was very important and valuable for us.

General Director of Salavat Yulaev Rinat Bashirov was available day and night - at any time when you needed help. Without their help, it would have been very difficult for us to live these two years.

People on both sides of the ocean took a huge part in the fate of our boy. In such a difficult time there were no borders, no politics. There is just a person. And many good people who united around him, supported him, and showed attention. Humanity, help, mutual assistance and unconditional love for a young boy from Ufa who was in trouble. It's so touching when all the contradictions fade into the background. All that remains is the fate of man.

Ordinary fans sent pies, wrote letters, sent pictures, gifts, met him on the street and said kind words. And in Russia, and in North America, and in Europe, when we were treated in Germany. Children and adults wrote how they prayed for Rodion. Humanity, kindness, love, relationships between people - and no disagreements between countries.

I remember how many guys came to our Moscow clinic with whom my son played in the national team, in the club and in the youth team. I didn't even know many of them. Physical training coach Pavel Markidan was a constant participant in these trips. Rodion was either taken to a restaurant or taken to the river bank. “My brothers,” as my son called his friends.

At such moments, it is important to show concern, care, and unconditional love. It is very valuable when you donate a piece of your time and yourself towards a person who is going through this valley of the shadow of death.

And all the brothers who took Rodion and communicated with him gave him a breath of fresh air. And for a few hours my son became just like everyone else. Healthy, beautiful, strong, joyful. Forgetting about the terrible days he spent in the dark.

* * *

Until the last day I talked with Rodion. We were sitting at the dining table in a Munich hospital.

- Son, I'm wondering... Do the blind dream? You've been blind for eight months now. What do you see?

- Dad, I dream.

- What are they like? Who's there? Me and mom? You've probably already forgotten what we look like.

- Dad, I constantly see ice. And there's a match. I play hockey.

- Listen, Rodion, you had another life besides hockey. Nature, sun, forest, friends. You can and should see something different, right?

- I'm always in the game. I see ice. You know, dad, it's probably because I've been playing hockey since childhood and love it very much. When you have love for something in your heart and you really want it, you see it in your dreams.

I am a grown man, I have seen a lot of things in my life. But I learned many things from my son during these two years. Rodion matured a lot during his illness.

Courage, willpower, patience, perseverance. I don't understand where this came from! I always saw him as a teenager - young, immature, not knowing everything in life.

But I'm a father, I have to put my son on his feet and inspire him by personal example. Our family is a believer, and I must teach my son strong faith, which helps in the most difficult situations.

You know, at the age of 10, Rodion wrote on paper in uneven handwriting what he dreamed of.

“To become the best hockey player in the world and glorify God. Win the Olympic Games, Gagarin Cup, Stanley Cup. Glorify God. Become a good person."

Twice - “glorify God.” And in the end, the most important, most important, valuable thing is “to become a good person.”

How deep... My taught son me simple and important things.

And I think: Lord, my God, what would I do in such a situation?

I probably wouldn't have been able to stand it.

The Bible says that God does not give a person more trials than he can withstand. I don't know how embittered I would be, who I would reproach—the doctors, fate, the Almighty, I would throw stones at the sky, cursing everyone...

But this boy showed an example of perseverance. And he taught me to live.

* * *

In general, I was tough on raising my son. I was principled and did not allow praise, avoiding pompous words. In our family, we believed more in principles such as modesty and hard work.

“Dream. Pray. Work hard” is a motto that Rodion knew from childhood.

I asked him: “Son, what are we doing? How are we living?

- Dream. Pray. Work hard.

When our son was six years old, we sent him to hockey. Somewhere 15 km from Ishimbay there is the city of Salavat. An ice arena was built there, and we came to see it.

The first group of hockey players was just being recruited there, and I asked: “Are you going to train?”

I used to go in for sports myself. And all men want their sons to be strong and strong. Rodion watched hockey and liked it. We agreed with the coach and brought the child straight from kindergarten. And they started studying.

In spirit, his son is a gamer. He didn't like to fight or grapple. I wanted to run with the ball and the stick. He was very interested in hockey.

At first everything was difficult. Another city, we traveled constantly by car, life was on schedule. When we started school, the loads became heavier. Not only hockey appeared, but also chess and checkers, volleyball, basketball, and football. Of course, a couple of times a week. But this is how we worked on game thinking.

He also played tennis and practiced swimming with coaches. Acrobatics, gymnastics, figure skating, trampolines, stretching, work on the musculoskeletal system. The preparation was very powerful; we laid a very good functional foundation for Rodion. This helped a lot when we moved to Ufa at the age of 10, and later, when my son started playing for Salavat Yulaev.

By the time he was 17-18 years old, we continued to work on the base, and it gave results. His hockey career developed rapidly. But in our family one postulate remained unshakable - modesty. I said: “No matter what happens in life, son - and you will definitely succeed, I'm sure of it - you must always remain a worthy person with a big, honest and sincere heart.”

My son's favorite toy was a stuffed albatross that his younger sister gave him. An albatross is a bird flying against the wind.

So his sister said: “Rodion, I wish you to always go against difficulties and be a winner, without giving up.”

Difficulties arose, like all young hockey players. But Rodion always followed our motto.

Dream. Pray. Work hard.

Our family had evening prayer hours. My wife and I opened the Bible, I chose one of the chapters, and read it to the children. We analyzed it, I explained the meaning of the phrases. And then we all prayed, thanking the Lord for the past and tomorrow.

I said: “Son, in order to achieve something, you need to dream about it. You need to visualize your desire. Let this be born in your heart. You must want it and be absolutely sure that it will happen in your life. To do this you need to pray. Everything we have - life itself, breath, our talents and abilities, gifts from birth - is a blessing from God.

Pray about what you want in life. And you definitely need to work.”

We talked a lot about this since childhood. Rodion knew this, and it was always in his heart.

* * *

Everyone understands perfectly well what a brain tumor is. To date, there is not a single case in which a person has been cured of this form of cancer. At least I don't know about it.

But Rodion told me: “Dad, we will still defeat the disease. With God's help, we will do what no one has done before.”

And this faith held him until the last day. Not a word of self-pity. There is no question of what will happen next or how everything will turn out.

There is only one absolute and clear confidence that all this can be overcome, and the disease will end.

...As doctors in Canada and Germany told us, Rodion played with the tumor for six months.

Somewhere closer to the New Year, my son went to a training camp in Novogorsk - preparations were underway for the 2021 World Youth Championships in Edmonton. We talked, and Rodion told me:

- Dad, I can't understand. Something happens to me on the ice.

- What's happened?

- I can't catch myself on the ice. I'm shaking. It happens that I lose the puck out of the blue.

He started having problems with coordination. And I attributed this to the fact that my son began to actively grow. He was of late development, he didn't even have stubble. And I said that this is normal, it happens.

But other symptoms also arose. At the World Championships it was enough for three matches. He pulled out the last game of the group stage against the Swedes with all his strength.

And then... “Dad, no matter what shift I have, I'm very tired.”

Rodion ended the season in this state. And you remember those moments. Either he makes an incomprehensible loss, then he goes to take a penalty, and the puck comes off the hook, or crashes into the goal from scratch. Rodion flies into the frame and sits, not understanding what happened to him.

I didn't recognize my son on the ice. He was always composed, with good coordination and a clear sense of the puck, movement and skating. Everything we've been working on since we were six years old. And suddenly it was gone.

Already before the next season, in one of the test matches, the son was hurt on the side. He just crashed when no one was stopping him, hitting his shoulder and head. Couldn't even dodge the heavy collision.

“Rodion, what's the matter?”

- “Dad, I couldn't pull myself together.”

* * *

The pressure jumped periodically. We did an MRI. But if there is a suspicion of a tumor, a tomography with contrast liquid is needed.

A month after the injury, we had an MRI in Ufa. Some doubts were attributed to the consequences of a concussion. Then my son recovered, played, traveled with the team. But after each shift he said: “I can't, I don't have the strength.”

Closer to November 2021, we flew to Germany. We went to a good professor and did an MRI with contrast. And then he told us for the first time: “Guys, you have a tumor. Moreover, I think you've had it for a long time. Do you agree to a biopsy?"

Rodion did not agree, and I was afraid. Because there were risks. When a robot gets into your head and takes a piece of tissue right from the center of your brain, then anything is possible - a blood vessel bursts, a stroke, and you die on the table. You can make a person deaf, blind, paralyzed. No one gives guarantees, and you need to write papers that you agree to such responsibility.

And the doctor was amazed that in the picture he saw a suspicion of cancer, but did not see a sick person in front of him. After all, Rodion played hockey, his legs and arms worked, and everything was fine with the tests, except for the MRI.

Therefore, the professor did not insist on a biopsy. We decided to take a break for a month and take a look. The doctor said that if it is malignant oncology, then it will definitely give symptoms.

We flew home, the New Year was approaching. And in the last matches Rodion already began to have problems with his vision. He lost the puck and couldn't find his way on the ice. Such moments could no longer be ignored.

We called Germany and arrived in January. We went for a biopsy, and we were diagnosed with a malignant tumor in the fourth stage.

Foreign doctors are simple, they don't hide anything. They sit a person, their parents, in front of them and tell them about their fatal diagnosis.

All this was said in front of my son. And I was amazed: he was absolutely calm.

Rodion, do you understand what the point is?

- Yes, dad, I understand. Don't worry, everything will pass.

Can you imagine?! A person is diagnosed with brain cancer. A diffuse tumor, that is, without borders, is inoperable. That's it, the verdict.

But this guy is sitting in front of me: “Listen, dad, let's go. I need to train."

I couldn't understand - either all hockey players are such ignorant, or this is incredible self-control.

I was shocked. I cried. I cried and cried out to the Lord: “My God, why? What have I done wrong in my life?

I didn't show such emotions in front of Rodion. With his family he was confident and calm. But this guy amazed me from the very days when he learned about the diagnosis.

“Dad, let's quickly do a biopsy,”

“let's quickly finish this topic,”

“let them prescribe treatment, but we have a season and the playoffs are coming soon.”

* * *

When he was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy in Germany, my son persuaded me to talk to Dan. He reached an agreement with Toronto, they immediately paid for the ice arena and gym. Rodion skated three times a week, ran small cross-country races, and worked out in the gym.

At the same time, he received radiation therapy. If anyone knows what it is - when they burn out your brains, and everything melts there, your hair falls out.

But after the most difficult chemotherapy, he took two or three days to recover and began training again. “I have to get ready, get into gear, we have playoffs.”

This was the potential of the body! I was very worried about the treatment. But at the same time he spoke with the professor who was guiding him. He said: “If he has such a desire and thirst for life, and the functionality allows him to do this, then let him study. It is clear that without fanaticism. But there's no need to stop him.”

Well, Rodion had already found an amateur team in Germany and wanted to play in it. I couldn't believe my eyes.

He began to train more actively, even gaining weight. It seemed that he was feeling better. His condition looked good. We have already been treated in Moscow and even held a consultation via video link, where there were German and Canadian doctors. After the meeting, they approved the flight overseas.

We talked a lot about this at the family council: is it worth going to Canada? After all, it's a flight, a foreign country... But in Russia everything is nearby, and you can quickly resolve any issue.

But Rodion lived a dream. He comes up to me: “Dad, I had a dream.”

He is generally so interesting, he constantly had dreams.

“And I dreamed that I was in Toronto.”

- Son, you will be there one day, for sure. Now we'll finish chemo, you'll skate for a season, and then you'll go to the NHL under your contract...

- No, listen. In this dream, I am already sitting in the locker room with Matthews, Tavares, Samsonov... All the guys from the Maple Leafs. I'm wearing a light Russian national team jacket. We just practiced. Now we sit together and talk.

Forgot this topic. A medical consultation was held. And my son makes the decision: “I will fly. I want it, dad. I should be there."

We talked with Dan and the Toronto doctors. During the preseason, the Maple Leafs had the time and opportunity to work with Rodion individually.

In the end, we decided to combine good with good. And so that he could take his mind off things by going to Canada to pursue his dream and work on the ice.

The plan was that Rodion would stay there for two or three months, and fly back closer to the New Year in good physical condition. And if he is allowed, he will play on the team.

* * *

But on the third week of training, after one of the exercises, Rodion says: “Dad, I sprained my leg.”

I encouraged him. Massage therapists started working with my son, but his leg got worse and worse. He couldn't do anything during training; he was terribly tired.

I asked questions over the phone, but Rodion never complained. This was my big mistake as a father. But how do you know that your son is really unwell? Only when he collapses on the ice? After all, he was eager to train all the time! And he hushed up the problems, making them a secret. He worked and was silent, clinging to his dream.

In those days, Toronto decided to watch Rodion on the ice. There was even a thought that he could play in the preseason game versus Ottawa. They wanted to give him this opportunity. At least one or two shifts, as long as he can handle it.

Kyle Dubas and the entire club management arrived. We looked at our son... But I don't see what's there in Canada, I don't know. Well, my leg hurts, I pulled it. But he did not talk about his general condition. And it's not clear what's going on in his head until you do the examination again.

And they did it, they hired the best oncologist professor. There was a huge queue to see this neurosurgeon, but the Maple Leafs management took everything upon themselves. An MRI was performed, and Dan called me via video call the same day. Rodion is sitting, Canadian professors. And they translate to me what the doctors are telling me.

“This is the situation,” they say. - Take your son. There's no way to even treat it anymore. We won't keep him. At such a moment he should be with his family. He has three, maximum six months left. And even if it's six, it will be a miracle. We don't give that much.

...I remember that after those words I just fell. Just yesterday the guy showed hope and was training. He had some pain, but they thought about letting him out for the NHL game. And here it is. I was cut...

Then my son takes the phone: “Dad, don't worry. Don't tell mom yet. Everything will be fine."

And he began to calm me down! His voice didn't even waver from the doctors' words.

“Rodion, how interesting you are. Do you have no fear at all?”

“I just believe that everything will be fine. And I don’t even allow the thought of something tragic and terrible.”

Dan picks him up and brings him to Moscow. He should have received radiation treatment immediately a second time. All the equipment is in Skolkovo, and the staff is great.

When Rodion arrived, he could no longer see well. Cancer cells have gotten very close to the eye center. The optic nerves were affected, and the tumor reached there too. Metastases have descended to the spine. That's why my son's leg almost gave out in Toronto. And when they started doing radiation therapy, after a week his vision completely disappeared. And since the end of November he no longer saw anything - neither day nor night.

At the same time, Rodion, when he more or less came to his feelings, began going to the cinema a couple of times a week. His little sister or boys went to see with him.

- Son, are you going to the cinema again? For what?

- I'll sit and watch. I want to live like a healthy person. And this will definitely happen. Today I go to the cinema and I don't see. But tomorrow I'll go to the cinema and I'll see.

...He lived the dream, as we agreed with him, visualizing reality. He lived like a normal person who wants to be healthy. As long as there is at least the slightest hope.

What is faith? It is the expectation of what is promised and the confidence of the unseen. My son taught me hope, patience and faith with all his life and actions.

Between chemistry courses, Rodion, in a rented Moscow apartment, when he came from the hospital, did certain exercises, did push-ups, squats, pumped up.

He tried to live.

But it was extremely difficult. Every month he got worse. Not only did the man not see at all, his legs and arms began to weaken. But the goodness of God is that with a tumor, when many functions of the body are knocked out, this began to happen to my son only in the last days - before going to the hospital in Munich.

He walked himself, retained absolute diction, clear speech, clarity of thinking. The Lord preserved the ability for him to think, make decisions, realize what is happening, be in touch with us - and not turn into a vegetable.

Yes, the body was weakening, we were already lifting it up and down, rolling it around in a wheelchair. There in Germany it became very bad, and he could no longer turn over in bed, his legs and arms gave out, his condition was extremely serious.

But at the same time, always: “Son, how are you?”

- “Dad, everything is fine.”

We haven't been apart in recent days. Rodion ended up in intensive care. The clinic made an exception, and the doctors allowed my wife and I to stay in the room.

We sat next to each other and didn't leave. We talked with him, although my son could no longer speak and was breathing through an oxygen mask...

* * *

On September 11 in Ufa, before the match with Metallurg, Rodion's jersey with number 27 will be raised.

We were still in Germany when Rinat Bashirov called. He said that “Salavat Yulaev” was establishing a youth pre-season tournament in memory of Amirov, and the sweater would be raised under the arches of the arena.

I have always taught my son modesty. But when I heard it, it alarmed me: “Rinat Rashitovich, maybe these are emotions? We are all united around this grief, and everyone wants to do something. But maybe it's not worth it?"

I was against it. Just imagine - a young guy. Yes, he achieved something for a young person. He was talented and showed promise. And I told him then: “Rodion, your journey is just beginning.” We haven’t even jumped to a cloud yet, let alone a star.”

And now his number will hang among the legends who devoted decades to the Ufa club, went to the World Championships and Olympics, won gold and cups.

Not a single name raises any questions. And then suddenly among them was a young boy. Years will pass, tears will dry, emotions will subside. And someone will say: “Listen, who is Amirov? What did he do for Russian and Bashkir hockey? What is his merit?"

I really didn't want my son to be associated with such a question. Let the good name remain, everything will be on the sly.

But I was told that the captain of Salavat Yulaev, Grigory Panin, came to the club's management and, on behalf of the team, asked that Rodion's number be raised. And the management itself wants this. And this is what ordinary fans want. And for them, my son is not just a young hockey player, but a symbol of people's struggle against a terrible disease, for which no cure has been found.

A lot of people want this. And how can we be against it? We are grateful to everyone. To everyone who wrote letters, worried in their souls and helped our boy.

A very important point that we told the management of Salavat Yulaev: we gave permission to use number 27 if someone on the team wants to play under it. Even if the sweater is raised under the arches of the palace. But we do not call for the number to be taken out of circulation.

...Rodion often said: “By my example, fight for life and confidence, I want to give hope to everyone who is fighting against cancer.”

You can't give up. We must move on with our lives. And be grateful for every day.

The parables say that children are a gift from God. We are grateful to the Lord for these 21 years and for every moment that we lived with our son.

And when Rodion, at the age of 10, wrote on a piece of paper that he wanted to become a good person...

He must have accomplished something if so many people remember him now in their hearts, sharing our pain.

[hockeynutruthie]

i would like to file a complaint with the NHL fan choice awards that Gabe Landeskog and Erik Johnson was not nominated for best bromance

[allthingsdarkanddirty]

Winning Play by Robyn M. Ryan is available now!

Available on All Platforms

Pre-order and save! Price increases after release day. Author Robyn M. Ryan delivers a light and fresh sports romance where a fake relationship fails into a happily ever after.

When Tampa Suns star David Martin welcomes his younger sister to Tampa to attend grad school, he doesn’t know she left behind a messy breakup with a manipulative ex. Relieved to be thousands of miles away, Kim seeks to find herself again by completing a challenging one-year degree program. And swearing off relationships.

Haunted by making the final out in college baseball’s National Championship, captain Chatham “Spence” Spencer commits to another season, bypassing the MLB draft. The charismatic All-American shortstop vows to lead the team to a second chance at the national title—and take the extra classes needed to graduate. He has no time for extracurricular activities despite the attention of the many who hope to score a date with the popular athlete.

But when Kim literally trips over Spence at a game, they both experience an attraction they’ve never felt before. They agree to stay just friends - without benefits. But when Kim’s ex shows up, and Spence steps forward to declare that they’re in a relationship, lines start to blur.

When ambitions collide with matters of the heart, Spence and Kim must determine what it truly means to win. Can either deliver a winning play that ensures the other’s success, even if it means sacrificing personal happiness?

WINNING PLAY includes a protective older brother (who happens to be a professional Hockey Player), a manipulative ex, and a fake relationship that fails into a happily ever after.

The perfect read for fans of light and fresh sports romances.

About the Author:

Chicago born, honorary Atlanta native, Parisienne at heart. Proud 60’s Flower Child. “Fearless” barrier-breaker for female sports journalists and minor league “batpersons.” While at UGA, scored PR internship with Atlanta Flames NHL team, during its first season. Interviewed future MLB and NHL Hall of Fame members, published in a variety of print media. Wife, mom, PR professional, and finally, 35 years later, published author. Two Westie grand-dogs pretty much run our household.

The Clearing the Ice hockey trilogy includes This Piece of My Heart (nominated for the 2016 Summer Indie Books awards), This Piece of My Soul, (2017 Readers Choice and Summer Indie Book Awards nominees), and This Piece of Our Being(2018).

Besides writing, her passions include following NASCAR and the New York Rangers, and splitting time between homes in Atlanta and Palm Coast.

Connect with Robyn!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynMRyan Website: https://www.chicksdigsportsromance.com Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2S0CQbF Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RobynMRyan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robynmryan/

[customizedjersyes]

"Jersey Legends: Celebrating the Best Athletes of All Time"

In the world of sports, a player's jersey is more than just a uniform. It represents their team, their city, and their legacy. Throughout history, there have been countless athletes who have cemented their place in sports history, and their jerseys have become synonymous with their greatness. In this article, we will be celebrating some of the best athletes of all time and the jerseys that made them legends.

Michael Jordan's number 23 jersey is perhaps the most iconic in all of sports. Jordan was a six-time NBA champion and widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time. His impact on the sport and popular culture is immeasurable, and his number 23 jersey has become an instantly recognizable symbol of his greatness. Even today, over 20 years since he retired, his jersey remains one of the best-selling in the NBA.

Another basketball legend whose jersey has become synonymous with his greatness is Kobe Bryant. Bryant wore the number 8 jersey during his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers before switching to the number 24. Both jerseys have become iconic, with the number 8 representing Bryant's early dominance and the number 24 representing his later years as a seasoned veteran. Bryant's tragic death in 2020 only served to solidify his place as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his jerseys remain in high demand to this day.

In football, there are few players who can match the impact and legacy of Pele. The Brazilian striker won three World Cups and scored over 1000 career goals, cementing his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Pele's number 10 jersey has become synonymous with his brilliance on the field, and it is a number that has been passed down to other great Brazilian players such as Ronaldinho and Neymar.

Another football legend whose jersey has become iconic is Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward has won countless individual awards and led Barcelona to numerous titles during his career. Messi's number 10 jersey has become a symbol of his genius on the field, and it is one of the best-selling jerseys in the world today. With Messi's recent move to Paris Saint-Germain, it will be interesting to see if he can continue his legacy and make his new number 30 jersey just as iconic.

Moving to baseball, there are few players who can match the impact and legacy of Babe Ruth. Ruth is widely considered to be the greatest baseball player of all time, and his number 3 jersey has become an iconic symbol of his greatness. Ruth's power and charisma on and off the field made him a legend, and his jersey remains a popular choice for baseball fans to this day.

In hockey, Wayne Gretzky's number 99 jersey is perhaps the most iconic in the sport. Gretzky is widely considered to be the greatest hockey player of all time, and his impact on the sport is immeasurable. His number 99 jersey has become a symbol of his dominance on the ice, and it is a number that has been retired across the entire NHL in honor of his legacy.

Finally, in soccer, there are few players who can match the impact and legacy of Diego Maradona. Maradona led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players of all time. His number 10 jersey has become an iconic symbol of his genius on the field, and it is a number that has been passed down to other great Argentine players such as Lionel Messi.

In conclusion, the jerseys of these legendary athletes represent more than just a uniform. They are symbols of greatness, excellence, and legacy. These athletes have left an indelible mark on their sports, and their jerseys will continue to inspire fans for generations to come.

[honeysfashion]

Ottawa Senators NHL Custom Name Max Soul Sneaker

The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Canada. They are members of the National Hockey League (NHL) and compete in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The Senators play their home games at the Canadian Tire Centre, which they share with the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).The Senators were founded in 1992 as an expansion team, two years after the NHL awarded an expansion franchise to Edmonton. They were the first NHL franchise located outside of the United States. The Senators have won four conference championships: in 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2016. They have also appeared in one Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in 2007.The Senators' name is derived from the Senate of Canada, which is located in Ottawa. The team logo features a Roman senator's bust on a centurion's body and was designed by Chris Ware. The primary colours of black, gold, and white are intended to evoke images of Canadiana, such as a beaver or maple leaf.The Ottawa Senators NHL Custom Name Max Soul Sneaker is a custom sneaker made for fans of the Ottawa Senators hockey team. The sneaker is all black with gold accents and features the team's Roman senator logo on the tongue. The name of your choice can be added to the back of the sneaker for a personal touch.

[kayla1993-world]

Chris Snow makes the most of each and every moment of his life. In the face of ALS, which has plagued him for three years, he has made that positive decision.

So a trip to Tampa on Tuesday evening to present an NHL award elicits the same level of excitement that the Calgary Flames assistant GM has brought to every situation since his diagnosis in 2019.

Snow is referring to the 2022 NHL Awards presenters, who are individuals whose stories of resilience have moved and inspired the hockey community this season.

Popvici, a Seattle Krakens fan, who rose to fame after pointing out a cancerous mole on Vancouver Canucks assistant equipment manager Red Hamilton's neck, will be among them. Popovici and Hamilton will reunite on the show. 

Milton Academy hockey player Jake Thibeault, who was paralyzed by an injury in September 2021, emergency backup goalie Thomas Hodges, who overcame blindness in one eye to play in a game for the Anaheim Ducks this season, and Martin Lafleur, the son of the late Guy Lafleur, will also be honoured.

Then there’s Snow, who, on Friday, tweeted: “It was 3 years ago today that I was told I had ALS, 12 months to live and to do what brings me joy. I’ll walk on stage live on @espn and @Sportsnet on Tuesday night, 40 spinal infusions later, to present at the NHL Awards show. I will feel as vibrant as I have ever felt.”

The trip is, in some ways, a celebration of how far he’s come since that diagnosis. So bring on the opportunity to present an award Tuesday evening, even if it is not to one of his own players.

While Jacob Markstrom is a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the best goaltender, all indications are that Snow will be the one to announce the winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy for best defenceman on Tuesday night.

Snow will present the award to Roman Josi of the Predators, Makar of the Avalanche or Hedman of the Lightning.

Three years ago, it was Giordano. During a practice run of the event on Tuesday, he will learn more about his responsibilities.

The Snows spent Monday night at the ballpark in Tampa, with Kelsie, Cohen and Willa, watching a New York Yankees-Tampa Bay Rays MLB game. 

Snow, a former Boston Globe reporter who covered the Red Sox, is a diehard baseball fan, so that should be entertaining as well.

Snow, on the other hand, embraces pretty much every moment that is available to him, insisting that “the choice is to be down and fade away or you lean into it. Is it always straightforward? No. There is, however, a choice.”

ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle control loss.

[moohnshinescorner]

RELEASE BOOST

Bridget Bell has spent the past four years at Cedar University trying to find out the truth about where she came from. She's so close that she can taste it. Figuring it all out during her senior year is what she needs to make her past decisions worthwhile. What she doesn't need is for the hot, overly sweet hockey captain and his crazy best friend to somehow end up in her and her best friend's lives-- closer than Bridget would like. Lane Avery has been avoiding the NHL since he was eighteen, but the star hockey player is running out of time to make a choice. When he convinces his best friend to get a new apartment with him, the last thing he expects is for the leasing office to mess up their arrangement, giving them a four-bedroom instead of a two-bedroom. The worst part? He's stuck living with the girl he accidentally spilled his beer all over the week prior. With Bridget's search for answers and Lane's impending decision, neither one can afford to get distracted-- or hurt. They both try to steer clear of the disaster waiting to happen, but will they be able to maintain a safe distance under the same roof?

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Amazon: https://mybook.to/tpa     

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NrKY4H 

Bridget Bell has spent the past four years at Cedar University trying to find out the truth about where she came from. She's so close that she can taste it. Figuring it all out during her senior year is what she needs to make her past decisions worthwhile. What she doesn't need is for the hot, overly sweet hockey captain and his crazy best friend to somehow end up in her and her best friend's lives-- closer than Bridget would like. Lane Avery has been avoiding the NHL since he was eighteen, but the star hockey player is running out of time to make a choice. When he convinces his best friend to get a new apartment with him, the last thing he expects is for the leasing office to mess up their arrangement, giving them a four-bedroom instead of a two-bedroom. The worst part? He's stuck living with the girl he accidentally spilled his beer all over the week prior. With Bridget's search for answers and Lane's impending decision, neither one can afford to get distracted-- or hurt. They both try to steer clear of the disaster waiting to happen, but will they be able to maintain a safe distance under the same roof?

 Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Amazon: https://mybook.to/tpa     

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NrKY4H 

MY REVIEW

This book was so much more than just a hockey romance. It has devastation, comedy, hate and love. The characters have such amazing back stories that you can not help but be drawn into their lives. I love the main characters Lane and Bridget. They were so cute, adorable, loving and kind. And don't get me started on Kota and Crew. Those two had me in stitches with their hate relationship. Each throwing barbs at the other with their "prank wars". I believe Kota should be crowned Queen of the Prank Wars. Crew never had a chance.

There was never a dull moment in this book. I was highly entertained from the very first page and the exceptionally funny meet cute moment. I laughed so much while reading this book, but I also cried like a baby. There were some moments where my heart was ripped out of my chest and shredded. I felt so horrible for Lane.

Overall this book is a strong 5 star read. It has an amazing plot, with amazing characters and a lovely setting. I love hockey romances and Teagan Hunter is my top favorite author in this genre, with that being said Trinity Lemm has knocked this out of the ballpark with a homerun. She is right there with my favorite author exhibiting amazing writing skills and character creation. I am truly a new fan and hope to read more from her.

Meet Trinity Lemm

Trinity Lemm is an award-winning romance author, best known for her novel Home. She's a recent college graduate of Western Michigan University, earning her degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in dance. She began her writing career in college and enjoys writing realistically flawed characters, along with fast paced stories. When she's not writing, you could find her dancing or watching scary movies.

Connect with Trinity

Website | www.trinitylemm.com/

Goodreads | https://bit.ly/3t3OWJP

Amazon | https://amzn.to/3RcQ3Pc

Facebook | www.facebook.com/trinitylemmwriting

Instagram | www.instagram.com/trinitylemmauthor/

TikTok | www.tiktok.com/@trinitylemmauthorNewsletter | www.trinitylemm.com/newsletter

[extratragic]

seggy didn’t win best dog i’m disappointed

[tsegss]

i cannot believe ovechkin won an award for literally just being drunk for an entire summer the nhl is truly something 

[klingb3rg]

Gritty currently has 69% of the votes for Best Mascot in the NHL Fan Choice Awards

Nice.

[nicoleknows-nothing]

Dustin Byfuglien’s Smile 😁

Vote for Dustin for Best Hockey Smile in the #NHLFanChoice Awards!  

[oxi-dizing]

Can I just ask why is there no Bergeron & Marchand bromance in the fan choice awards poll???

[iihfworldjuniors2023live]

World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Live Stream Online

Welcome to my yearly expectations and projections for the World Juniors Live.

Watch Live Here>> http://bit.ly/3hV9kar

The 2023 tournament is now close to the corner. Atlantic Canada is prepared to have. The bustling timetable of U20 camps, shows, and tournament s played by every one of the partaking European nations are as of now in progress. Hockey Canada and USA Hockey are planning for their December choice camps in Moncton, N.B., and Plymouth, Mich., separately.

Here are my program picks (counting lines, pairings, goalie progressive systems, additional items and finished products) for the four superpowers of Canada, Team USA, Sweden, and Finland, as well as my full expectations for the gathering stage and the award round. Russia stays restricted from IIHF rivalry.

Team Canada

My Canadian program here accepts that three NHL players — Bricklayer McTavish, Dylan Guenther, and Wyatt Johnston — won’t be made accessible. It does, nonetheless, incorporate Shane Wright and Brandt Clarke, both of whom have attempted to get into their particular NHL setups on a night-to-night premise (in some measure more than the three that I’ve discarded here have). I believe there’s a sensible opportunity both Wright and Clarke spend the full season in the NHL and are as yet loaned to Canada to assume driving parts (with Wright as a leader for the ‘C’ with this age bunch one final time subsequent to having recently worn it at both U18s and U17s).

On the off chance that Wright is accessible for Canada, I truly like him between his old Wear Plants Flyers colleague Brennan Othmann (a returnee who is a lock for a main nine remaining wing job) and Connor Bedard. I have Bedard at traditional rather than his regular community position basically in light of the fact that they will need every last bit of him Wright, and Logan Stankoven in the main six, Wright has never played the wing, and Stankoven was a beast for them down the center in the mid year tournament (where he drove in faceoff rate).

Flanking the dedicated Stankoven, I genuinely wanted to stack the Team’s purported second line with players who can coordinate his hard working attitude and play with the sort of nagging style that functions admirably around him. The speed rounds of Fantilli and Savoie would positively possess all the necessary qualities. Fantilli is an uncommon lock as a draft qualified and keeping in mind that Savoie’s great yet not extraordinary beginning to the season in Winnipeg will mean he must procure some work in their determination camp, I like his chances of working his direction onto that Team (particularly on the grounds that this Team Canada is more slender at traditional than left wing and he can easily assist on draws when required in addition to play in both unique Teams).

The third line I’ve assembled just to go along with Habs fans. I believe there’s an opportunity Riley Kidney, even as a returnee, is all the more a fourth-line/additional person once more, and I believe there’s an equivalent opportunity that returnee Joshua Roy gets a new line of work on one or the other wing inside the main six some place, yet I’d likewise simply very much want to see this triplet together and that would be a genuine rush for every one of them I’m certain. Beck isn’t a lock to make Team Canada as a 18-year-old yet he ought to be a leader after his play in Montreal and Mississauga to begin this season. He’s the very sort of up-beat, diligent, two-way focus that Team Canada normally desires in its base sixes at this occasion.

The fourth line has two natural countenances, with returnees Nathan Gaucher and Zack Ostapchuk probably made tentative arranges for there by Hockey Canada as of now. Gaucher’s solid in the faceoff circle and they’re both a great deal to deal with along the cycle and on the forecheck. I have Gaucher’s Quebec Remparts colleague Zachary Bolduc with them to balance that gathering (however he and Gaucher play on various lines with the Remparts). I believe Bolduc’s more probable a center six person given his ability level however, and I’d most likely trade him with Kidney in the event that I weren’t taking special care of the Habs swarm here. Bolduc-Beck-Roy could be an amazing third line.

My two additional items front and center are Halifax Mooseheads hotshot Jordan Dumais, who is on one of the greatest warmers in the QMJHL in an age and could play all over the setup as an expertise fellow or a diligent determined worker (he’d likewise assist with their conservative profundity if a player like Savoie doesn’t make it), and the physical, harsh scoring round of Reid Schaefer. Schaefer is the ideal fourth-line winger for a meet up tournament like the World Juniors and it’s not hard to envision him joining Gaucher and Ostapchuk to frame a phenomenal really taking a look at line.

Getting to those 14 advances required a few troublesome cuts. Eminently missing from this program are Zach Senior member (another player who they’ll unequivocally consider for a last six job), Beck’s Mississauga colleague Luca Del Bel Belluz, and Savoie’s Winnipeg partner Conor Geekie. I figure wingers Zachary L'Heureux and Ryan Winterton would be in the blend as base six up-and-comers had they not missed such a lot of opportunity to begin this year. L'Heureux, specifically, has performed very well at Team Canada’s under-20 camps over the most recent few years.

The choices on guard were somewhat more simple for me. I think returnees Ethan Del Mastro and Olen Zellweger check out as Canada’s most memorable matching, with the steadying, actual presence of Del Mastro permitting Zellweger to play his splendid, meandering style (however Zellweger’s a lefty, he played on the right side for Canada in the late spring and ought to play there once more). Clarke, assuming he’s made accessible, ought to be the No. 2 person on the right side behind Zellweger in the main four and I like Carson Lambos, the Team’s just other returnee on guard, to balance that gathering.

The third matching could go a couple ways, however I expect it will be comprised of College of Wisconsin righty Corson Ceulemans close by one of the lefties Kevin Korchinski, Nolan Allan and Denton Mateychuk. Assuming they believe that that matching should be more protective leaning, the 19-year-old Allan will have the advantage for the left side there. I’d favor Kevin Korchinski, however, and his amazing beginning in Seattle would surrender him the leg for me. Mateychuk’s down seems OK as an additional person this year who assumes a greater part in the 2024 Team in Gothenburg (however he might get a greater amount of an open door in the event that Clarke isn’t made accessible).

The goaltending position, as has frequently been the case universally across levels for Canada, will be the Team’s greatest question mark. I think Fiends goalie prospect Tyler Brennan is the number one for the 1A work, with undrafted Seattle Thunderbirds goalie Thomas Milic (who has been quite recently Acceptable for them following a magnificent season a year prior) as a reasonable 1B or No. 3 person for them. Sharks prospect Benjamin Gaudreau, regardless of unfortunate numbers to begin the year in Sarnia, will likely be in the blend given his history with Hockey Canada (he backstopped Canada to gold and was named the top goaltender at the 2021 U18 universes in Texas).

I do ponder, however, whether either of 19-year-old undrafted Q champions William Blackburn and William Rousseau could get a determination camp welcome. Team Canada has jumped at the chance to name their goalies from the get-go lately, but since none of the laid out names have snatched it right off the bat this season, the exhibitions of Rousseau in Quebec and Blackburn in Val-d'Or might warrant thought.

Team USA

This American Team will appear to be a great deal unique than the one that overwhelmed bunch play however was disturbed in the quarters this late spring in the wake of maturing out the vast majority of its center (Thomas Bordeleau, Carter Mazur, Matthew Knies, Matt Coronato, Brock Faber and co. are currently excessively old).

The greater part of the returnees they in all actuality do have returning assumed restricted parts in the mid year. Sean Behrens and Jack Peart traded all through the arrangement for one another on safeguard, and every one of Charlie Stramel, Red Savage, and Sasha Pastujov were utilized for the most part as profundity advances.

That will leave a ton on the shoulders of three vital returning players at three unique positions: first-line focus Logan Cooley, No. 1 defenseman Luke Hughes, and beginning goaltender Kaidan Mbereko.

I have Cooley rejoining with Jimmy Snuggerud and Shaper Gauthier, who played together as the primary line at the U.S. NTDP. There’s no sense playing with that science.

Savage and Stramel will both be back, with the previous likely wearing a letter the last option still probably making the Team a second time in spite of a sluggish beginning in a terrible Badgers Team. I considered opening them as the third and fourth-line focuses (in a specific order) however I like the possibility of them playing together on a hard-and-weighty fourth line that has two faceoff choices, with actual Congresspersons first-rounder Tyler Boucher as a characteristic fit on a line that is styled that way.

The center six is less unsurprising. I anticipate that Chaz Lucius should be loaned by the Manitoba Moosa/Winnipeg Planes to play as one of the two habitats there. I anticipate Pastujov and another Planes first-rounder, Rutger McGroarty (the skipper at the U.S. NTDP last year), to be two of the wingers in the center six, as well. That left two additional positions on the wing and one more community task to consider. I chose McGroarty’s Michigan colleague Dylan Duke and his around-the-net game, Sharks second-rounder Cameron Lund as a popular person and can play all over the setup at numerous positions, and U.S. NTDP star Will Smith.

Smith will be a fascinating one however this Team USA won’t have a lot of playmakers and I believe they will require somewhat more offense (folks like Gauthier, Lucius, Duke, McGroarty and Boucher will all complete plays, yet they truly have no puck-predominant advances past Cooley).

I have OHL driving scorer and Maple Leafs prospect Ty Voit as an additional here for that equivalent explanation: He can play with the puck on his stick and infuse some offense (however their profundity at left wing in the program I’ve drawn up here might neutralize him).

However USA Hockey doesn’t make a propensity for bringing three draft eligibles to this tournament , Ryan Leonard seems OK as an extra. He’s the sort of flash fitting you need accessible to embed into the setup on the off chance that the folks play a terrible game or somebody’s failing to meet expectations, in addition to he can play every one of the three forward positions when there’s no other option.

However, the strength of this Team USA ought to be on the blue line. I’m not persuaded Quinnipiac lead trainer Rand Pecknold, who will man the seat for the Americans, will play Path Hutson and Hughes, the two most capable players that anyone could hope to find to him, on a similar matching (they’re bound to be isolated). Yet, Hutson ought to be a lock to make the Team right now and I’d very much want to see those two gloss over of each other insofar as the advances realize that they need to swing and support them when they’re out there.

The cosmetics of the other four positions on protection will intrigue. Behrens and Peart ought to be back as returnees, and that will give their main six, four portable and exciting puck movers. Thus, I picked Behrens’ Denver partner Shai Buium and USA Hockey most loved Ryan Chelsley to balance them (as a righty, Chesley has handedness on his side).

That would leave Seamus Casey, who has been gigantic as a green bean at Michigan, and Ryan Ufko, a 19-year-old star sophomore at UMass on the outs. Assuming that is their eight, I anticipate that each of the eight should get looks. I will not be shocked if Ufko, another righty, is a major piece of the main six by the same token. So don’t add something extra to those pairings and additional items to an extreme. However, that is an incredible gathering.

As I suggested, the net will probably have a place with Mbereko. He was an unexpected treat for them this late spring and has played well to begin his green bean season at Colorado School. They will require him, as well, since Jaguars prospect Tyler Muszelik (who I have likely as the No. 2 on account of position over my No. 3) has battled at the College of New Hampshire.

My No. 3, the 17-year-old draft-qualified Three pointer Augustine, is opened there essentially on the grounds that he’s the most youthful of the bundle (however he might be the most capable goaltender of the pack, as well). He’s amazing and could shock as an underager to challenge for begins. USA Hockey has never appeared to be especially partial to Everett Silvertips goaltender Braden Holt, and undrafted goaltender Andrew Oke has never really acquired one of the positions with his play to begin the year in Saginaw, so they’re left on the outs here.

[sharksfannatalie4life]

PSA!! Make sure to vote!

PSA!! Make sure to vote!

[lakings9]

Some Fan Choice Awards Nominees 👑

Credit: NHL

[jiggyloveshockey]

Dear NHL,

the next time you pick finalists for the NHL fan choice awards, maybe check with hockey tumblr first, eh? We could have told you why all your choices are bogus!

- “Top Bromance” and you don’t include Auston/Mitchy, Tyler/Jamie, Sid/Geno, Barzal/Beauvillier, etc.? You give us Thornton and Burns? Really?

- “Best Dog” and you give us king of domestic violence Evander Kane with a puppy (nice try, NHL. Nice try. He still beat up a woman.) and none of Tyler Seguin’s three labs? You can get Seguin voted “Best dressed” all you want but he’ll climb the stage at the awards and start his speech with “MY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN ALL OF YOU!” and that is a promise!

- Your GIFs of the year are pretty solid. Gotta give you that.

- But don’t fucking push the rapist from Chicago down our throats. Even if it’s just as a minor character in the category “Best Chirp”. You wanna see good chirps? Hand one of the Ontario boys (Strome, McLeod, Bastian, Marner, McDavid, etc.) an Iphone and let them post something. There will be chirping like you wouldn’t believe!

Wanna know what your weird fan choice poll is?