A Chance to Give Back to a Giver: by Eric Engels
Yesterday, Saku Koivu stoically delivered well-considered answers to questions that forced great introspection on the events that shaped his development; not only as a player, but as a person.
As he recalled his experiences in Montreal -- the city he still refers to as home -- he essentially framed the event of his return as the culmination of his era as a Canadien (even if it is to occur with him on the opposite side of the ice, wearing a jersey he won't be celebrated for).
He had prepared a statement, though not in writing.
It was delivered from the heart, flowing as if it were memorized; expressing thoughts that may have been too overwhelming to fully consider before he and his new teammates arrived in Montreal.
But here, on his first day back since leaving the Canadiens two summers ago, it all seemed to have crystallized for him.
Koivu's stoicism, his humility in admitting he felt undeserving of the potential for his legacy to be grouped with those that shaped the Canadiens' history with the richness of Stanley Cup bounty, and his retrospective analysis on how he approached his role and how he'd like to be remembered served as instant reminders of human qualities that should be revered in society.
As for the wish he expressed, that he be remembered as a Montrealer first, and a Canadien second, it will most certainly be granted.
As a Montrealer, Koivu made an indelible contribution to the city through his charitable foundation. His PET scan machine, at the Montreal General Hospital, has been used by thousands, all of whom would've been forced to make the two-hour trek to Sherbrooke, Que. under the discomfort and duress of dealing with terrifying realties.
He's also the man who captained nine editions of the Montreal Canadiens, most of which overachieved as a direct result of his contribution. Considering he never made it out of the second round of the playoffs in this town, that says a lot about his legacy as a player. But it doesn't say enough.
To know the story of Saku Koivu, is to know that time, and time again, he battled and beat circumstances that most wouldn't have bothered with; whether it was winning a loose puck from a player twice his size, or fighting for his life and his career when both were put in serious jeopardy.
Quite simply, as a Montrealer, and as a Canadien, he was a giver.
He was also a leader, not only for his teammates, but for the people of this city that recognize the similes between a hockey game and the arduous path of life.
Fans and media members alike may have never unanimously supported Koivu, but if you asked all parties to come to a consensus on what they hope to see from a player that is privileged enough to represent a franchise like the winningest Canadiens, Saku embodies it:
Relentless, respectful, incredibly aware and incredibly loyal to representing the franchise as it's meant to be represented. As I said, he gave.
These were qualities Koivu wore so openly on his sleeve. You'd have had to have been blind not have seen them.
And if you were blind...
Tonight marks an occasion to give back to a giver. It will be another special memory among a litany of ones that ultimately define the most recent era of Montreal Canadiens hockey-- an era that would've been classified as the darkest of the franchise's history had it not been for Koivu's brightness.
Don't miss it.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»