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Amid the drama and emotion of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Memorial Day is a good time to return to the reality of what is truly meaningful in life: remembering those who died while serving our armed forces and, in the broader context, honoring the memories of those who touched and shaped our lives. We can never our freedoms from granted nor should we ever forget to preserve the legacies of those who make the ultimate sacrifice for others.
It is when we take pause to reflect on what really matters that we realize the fleeting emotions over things like who won a hockey game or a call made or missed by an official are trivial in the grand scheme of things. I have always found it humbling to think about the gifts we've been given by those who have shown true valor and selflessness.
Today's blog is a thank you to these folks before we return to the business of talking about officiating-related topics.
For today, I want to give thanks to some of the people whom the public may not know but who were part of what made life as a professional hockey player and referee so enjoyable while toiling in the background of the game. Over the years, many of the people whom I most looked forward to seeing at the rink as I traveled around the circuit were the trainers, equipment managers, security guards, team employees and arena workers.
I am a talkative and inquisitive sort of person by nature, and these folks almost always had interesting stories and loved the game every bit as much as those of us who were privileged to be on the ice. I always enjoyed my interactions with them. That was every bit as true -- perhaps even more so -- in the minor hockey, junior, collegiate and minor pro levels as it was in the NHL and WHA.
Moreover, I could often tell a lot about the character of players by how they treated the equipment guys and others around the rink. I had no respect for players like that, either when I was playing or officiating. Inevitably, the ones who treated those folks like servants were also difficult players to deal with as an on-ice official.
The other day, I learned of the passing of Bill Gilchrist Sr., who was a longtime NHL security representative at the Igloo in Pittsburgh. Like so many of his peers, Bill was a caring and devoted person who was always kind to the officials. My condolences go out to his family.
Security staff like Bill, longtime hockey trainer Sudsy Settlemyre and veteran equipment man Robert "Rip" Simonick-- to name just three of dozens of names I could tick off -- might not have name recognition to the general public, but they are among those who have helped shape the culture of our sport. These were the sort of people who made coming to the rinks at the various locales around the circuit such a great experience, year after year.
As someone who grew up at the rink and has worked just about every job possible in and around hockey, I always appreciated their devotion. They don't often get public thank yous so I am taking the opportunity today to do so.
Next week, I am going to dedicate a blog to the memory of my friend and mentor John McCauley on the 25th anniversary of his passing. Along with my father and grandfather (a World I veteran before embarking on his dual careers in hockey and baseball), no one had a more profound influence on my life that John.
Enjoy tonight's Western Conference Final game, everyone. But at some point today, please take a moment to think about those who have sacrificed for your country, recall the memory of others who have touched your life and perhaps even surprise someone who is still alive with a thank you for an act of kindness they've done for you.
Along with a good hockey game at night and some time to relax with family and friends, I can think of no better way that one can spend a Memorial Day.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
Today, Stewart is an officiating and league discipline consultant for the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and serves as director of hockey officiating for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.
In addition to his blogs for HockeyBuzz every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Stewart writes a column every Wednesday for the Huffington Post.