Paul Stewart: NHL Draft: Character Counts

Great read.

"For all his natural gifts and stats, Joe Thornton is an example of someone who is NOT a character player."

Ouch. But sometimes, the truth hurts.

[picture Norm MacDonald]
Joe Thornton: "Note to self: Take Paul Stewart off the Christmas Card list."

Great read Stewie and very true. I know a couple of ppl in the "biz" down here in the Windsor Spitfire area and I heard the same stories. I recall hearing major stories about Kyle Wellwood when he played here. He felt like he didn't need to practice hard and took extra time off because he was so good. I also heard his dad was a huge reason for that and would be telling him he was so much better than his peers that he didn't have to do the extra little things. Well, we know that a big issue with Wellwood was his condition which is usually attributed to work ethic. I heard he also loved a certain powdery substance that smells good to some ppl, but to each his own I guess.

Look at Lindros too. Huge entitled baby and although he experienced some success early his lack of vision and skating with his head down (something we all learn EARLY) did him in. Character is massive for winning teams IMO.

Great blog.