The Professional

Being further away, I have to actively look for Canadian news. And I do. CBC and the Globe and Mail are the first hits, along with people sending emails about the latest topic of interest. Sometimes, Cdn news even makes it over here like the recent apology to aboriginials and the loss of our Hockey Night in Canada song. (The Colbert Report's take is my favourite).

As I checked into CBC yesterday though - I noticed the biggest news of all (for me!) in sports. Trevor Linden's retirement. I'm not knowledgable on many sports (being a bit of dandy and doing ballet and gymnastics (and suprisingly rugby for one season) as a child) but I know the Canucks. When I was 11, I was able to watch many of those amazing games to the race for the cup in a friend's box. While she was in love with Bure, I loved Linden. He was 25 at the time and the heart and soul of the Canucks. And the best part, or the saddest, he still is. Despite a four year stint with the Rangers (he was traded, he didn't want to) he's been with the canucks the rest of his 20 year career. And what made him a professional - that he was loved as much outside of the game than playing. He dedicated his time to the community, making kids smile and Vancouver a better place. He took his job as an athlete seriously and made sure that he was a role model that every person was proud to look up to and tell everyone else to. I admit I teared up when he announced the retirement and the comments from everyone. He was the greatest Canuck in my eyes and I'm going to find a way to watch when they retire his number to the rafters next season.

Image looking a bit younger in the rocking yellow C jersey.