Hard Hawk Hockey

Thanks for the Memories JR

It’s official. 20 year NHL veteran, and my favorite NHLer Jeremy Roenick officially announced his retirement Thursday August 6th. I cannot begin to say how much this is going to suck for me, even though he was a shadow of himself the last few years. Knowing that I will have to rely on you-tube and video’s that I have at home, and the NHL network classic games doesn’t ease the pain of this retirement.

Drafted 8th overall in 1988 by the Chicago Blackhawks, Jeremy instantly became not only a favorite of mine, but a favorite of Chicagoans, and many many NHL fans. Yes he was opinionated, yes he was brash and was sometimes too outspoken for some people, but bottom line, he could back it up with his play. Not many players and possibly none can match the heart and soul that this guy had and showed throughout his career. Watching the press conference, and hearing him thank all the great players that he played with, seeing him tear up made me think of all the good times and thrills he provided me throughout his career.

Like when he took a stick to the mouth in a playoff game against the St. Louis Blues and skated over to a ref and handed him the teeth that were knocked loose. Or when he scored the overtime winner against Toronto in the ‘94 playoffs. The hat tricks, the multi-point games, the hits, the leadership. I could go on and on.

Early in the press conference Roenick talked about that crazy SOB Mike Keenan (JR’s words), and how during a preseason game in Roenick’s rookie year Keenan grabbed Roenick by his sweater and told him, if you don’t finish your checks, you will never play for me in the NHL again! He talked about how that one incident, that one situation and how Mike Keenan molded him into the player that he ultimately became, and how much he owed to Mike for doing that. That was priceless. The tears flowed, the voice sputtered, and the emotion told you just how much that meant to JR’s career.

From then on, he just became like a ping pong ball on ice. Hi hit you when he needed to, he hit you when your head was down, and he took his hits too. And guess what? He didn’t care. He played the game the way it is meant to be played. Fearlessly. Passionately. With grace, gusto and tenacity. And he had some flashy moves on the ice as well, and scored some awesome goals that were not only timely, but made for highlights.

His very best years of course were with the Hawks no doubt. Those teams he played on were so exciting to watch and the stadium rocked and rolled when Roenick got things going. He always had me at the edge of my seat. Two consecutive 50 goal seasons, three consecutive 100 point seasons. He took over where Denis Savard left off, and had some great linemates and teammates to go along with him. Those years in Chicago were his absolute best.

Unfortunately, his outspoken behavior got him traded to Phoenix for some forgetable russian, and he was basaically never the same. That combined with some serious knee injuries contributed to his losing a half step, and his scoring drop a bit. He did alot of good for Phoenix though, and helped build their fan base after they moved there from Winnipeg. Then on to Philly, where they just loved him and his style. He was perfect for them. I’ll never forget his overtime playoff winning goal against former teammate Eddie Belfour. That was so cool! Then the Flyers asked him if they could trade him to bring in Peter Forsberg and JR said yes. I hope that everyone who thinks that Jeremy was such a punk remembers that. There are not too many people who would leave Philly and be in the playoffs every year, and go to LA, which at the time was struggling. (Dany Heatley are you listening?)

His year in LA and back to Phoenix for another year were not that good, as a matter of fact they sent his career backwards. Finally, his first road roommate, Doug Wilson GM of the San Jose Sharks called him and they agreed to a one year deal, and JR was respected again. Not only by his mates, but by the fans. He owes alot to Doug Wilson. As Wilson mentioned, it takes a great player to reinvent himself, which Roenick did. After being the center of attention, and playing on the top lines, JR was just as happy to be on the 3rd or 4th, and provide leadership and fill in where needed.

Ultimately, he knew that it was time however to hang them up. What a career though. 513 goals, 703 assists for 1216 points. A career +/- of 153. 92 game winning goals. 9 all-star teams. The only thing missing is a Stanley Cup. And that is quite a shame, as one of hockey’s best players ever deserved to have won it at least once. Regardless though he should end up in the Hall of Fame.

I am going to miss Jeremy Roenick very much. The NHL is going to miss Jeremy Roenick also. It needs more players like him not only for his play, but for his heart on his sleeve attitude. 20 years is a long time for any athelte to play, especially in hockey. I don’t know if there is anyone out there right now that can fill his shoes.

Thank you Jeremy for all the thrills, all the highlights, and all the wonderful things you did for the greatest game on earth.

There will never be another like you.

Congratulations on a great career. Best of luck in whatever you do. Just figure out a way to stay close to the game!

Thanks for reading.