It's an obvious statement but one we sometimes forget. Hockey players are living, breathing, emotional humans, with lives outside of the game.

This season as LA Kings fans we have been treated to two such examples. I am of course speaking about the passing of Tomas Tatar's father and Patrick Kane's grandfather. Both players were told of said events prior to games against the LA Kings. Both went on to have huge and emotional games for their respective clubs that night.

Here are both Tatar and Kane's reactions and contributions.



Kane, who also added a second goal and an assist in this game:



Then there is this, from Kane's post-game media scrum:



Whew. Doesn't matter what team you are a fan of...just wow.

I know we all like to separate ourselves from the athletes, making them more than human and different than the average Joe. However, I am constantly reminded that these guys are just like us, and they have jobs to do and lives to lead regardless of circumstances around us. We've been treated to great examples of things like this throughout the course of sports history like the noteworthy Michael Jordan Father's Day Game. It's moments like these that make sports something great that collectively connects us.

Much respect to both Patrick Kane, Tomas Tatar, and any and all people who have had to get the job done despite dealing with loss and hardship. We are all the same in that regard.

Follow me on twitter for news and notes about the Kings and the NHL

Follow @SirJDL


++++I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR SPONSORS! If you, or anyone you know would be interested in sponsoring our blog here at HockeyBuzz then send me a PM!+++++

Join the Discussion: » 39 Comments » Post New Comment

» Kings recall/send down Scuderi after Brayden McNabb injury (UPDATE)

» From Denmark to the Ontario Reign, Patrick Bjorkstrand's roots stay strong

» Home opening Ontario Reign weekend recap

» Zatkoff injured, Jack Campbell up, what now?

» Kings finally getting on the right track