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When I first read the poem, "In Flanders Fields," it was a verse written about people who go to battle and lose their lives. The senseless aspects of war continue to prosper even as we speak. Even those who return, able physically, often bear the deepest of internal scars. I enjoy studying military history for both the strategic and technological changes over time, but the human cost is never lost upon me.
I do not think it is accurate to equate sports to bonafide warfare. No matter how competitive, emotional or physical, it's still just a game. Thus, it has always seemed incongruous to see the aforementioned poem inscribed on the wall of The Montreal Canadiens dressing room, essentially equating battles in Flanders Field with sporting competition between Les Habs and the Bruins or other NHL teams.
I never want to trivialize the experiences of our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Nevertheless, it is hard sometimes as a retired official and retired player to feel like there was a time for me on the ice and a time for me to help the next generation.
The game has changed. Yet, for me, I have found a certain personal sporting poignancy to the verse that adorns the Habs dressing room. My day has come and gone. I am 66 years old. I can no longer skate with the authority, the speed and power that the modern game demands.
That's OK. I had my time, and I had a blast. Even so, as long as we have breath in our body, we all need to retain a purpose in life; a reason to get up and to keep going. As well,there is a need in me to share what I have been given from great teachers and the experiences that I had chasing pucks all over the world.
This is why I feel particularly proud that I have helped two young officials find their way to the next step in their career. This is not a means to take credit other than opening the door for these young men: Mike Zyla and Jim Curtin Jr., who recently worked their first American Hockey League game. They did the work, and continue to do so as they work toward the ultimate dream of promotion to the NHL.
To you, from failing hands, I throw the torch: Be yours to hold it high.
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A 2018 inductee into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, 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.
Visit Paul's official websites, YaWannaGo.com and Officiating by Stewart.
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