Playing for the love of the game

Stefan Legein's recent decision to retire from hockey at the age of 19 comes as a shocker to many fans of the game. How could someone so young, so talented, who had already committed so much to making a career out of hockey, suddenly decide to forgo a lifestyle that would have paid him millions?
It really puts things in perspective for the fans, who dream of living the lives these guys do. But when you lose your zeal to keep playing, what's the point?

The life of an NHL player is not as fantastic as it seems. The way the game is now, players must constantly remain in shape, and train hard even in the off-season. There are immense pressures from both those close to you as well as the fans to perform at a high level, and when one reaches the professional ranks, this pressure increases exponentially. Players spend essentially 8-10 months of the year with the team, travelling, practising, and undergoing the grueling physical tolls of an 82-game schedule. What they gain in finances and popularity comes at a cost of the stability and flexibility of family life.

Regardless of this, I'd say most NHLers absolutely love it. They're getting paid to play a game that they have loved since childhood. You see it in character guys like Ethan Moreau and Steve Staios, as well as kids like Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky. The comradery, the fight, the drive to win, these things all push these guys to play the game hard and with a passion.

But Legein's decision reminds us that as players move further along in their careers, this "love for the game" can wane. You got to wonder how many current NHLers may be feeling the same way. They may be too young to have enough financial security with their current wages, yet too old to suddenly change career paths. Guys like Joni Pitkanen come to mind, someone with all the physical skills to excel in the game, but seems so lost and unmotivated to show up and give it his all.

I respect Legein for his decision, and I wish him well in whatever he does. At the young age of 19, he's got many years ahead of him to decide upon a career. I know fans in Columbus may be upset, and may see it as a wasted pick or a wasted resource investment, but you got to understand that the NHL life may not be as dreamy as it seems.