Craigs Corner: Fathers Day Memories

Walter and Wayne Gretzky. Tie and Max Domi. Keith and Matthew/Brady Tkachuk. You and your dad. The list can go on for the iconic father/son duos in hockey. Quite often, Dads - or those serving in fathering roles - have been the necessary motivation when needed. Your rock when you falter, your guidance when feeling lost, and quite often, your biggest fan in the world. Sometimes dad was the one who got you out of bed early in the morning for hockey practice. Sometimes dad was the one who drove you home from a game that was three hours away. Sometimes dad was your coach. Sometimes dad tried his best to make it in time for the third period. Whatever it may have been, he did it proudly. When I was playing junior hockey I was traded to a different team in Manitoba. It was a scary time for me. Being traded is never easy, and joining a new team in the middle of a season is difficult. Through it all, my dad decided that he needed to be there for my first game, no matter what. Needless to say, I was relieved and felt a lot more at ease during that game. This is only one of many stories that I could tell. So, to Tie, and Walter, and Keith, and most importantly my dad, Happy Father’s Day.