A buzzer sounds after three periods of hits, checks, fights, chuck-a-pucks, and roaring fans. As the players file off the ice, one padded figure skates out from the net and takes a knee. He isn’t protesting anything; he’s giving thanks.
Another buzzer sounds and the gate flings open. A rider gets flung almost immediately to the ground for no score. He dusts himself off, walks to the side, and takes a knee in the dirt to pray.
At a time when a growing number of NFL players are kneeling during the National Anthem to protest, there is an equally growing movement in sports of competitors kneeling to demonstrate faith. And to the extent that Tim Tebow isn’t deterred by his detractors, these young men with character aren’t a bit concerned about what people may say.
“There are a bunch of players rising up and showing the public their faith in Jesus,” said Macon Mayhem goaltender Jordan Ruby. “I give glory to God whether or not we win. I’m a Christian who happens to be a hockey player, not a hockey player who happens to be a Christian. That means because of my faith that I do my best to always live in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Whether at home or at the game, I pray and give thanks where its due.”
There have always been those individuals in professional sports who stood out because of their outspoken convictions. One recent example is World Series MVP Ben Zobrist of the Cubs. But like never before, groups of athletes are coming together to express their solidarity in what they believe is most important. There are even Christian social networking sites specifically for athletes.
“Prayer is very important and it has nothing to do with winning or losing,” said Lindsay LeBlanc, formerly of the Huntsville Havoc. “It has everything to do with thanking God and the gifts He has given us. We thank Him for the opportunity to play the game we love and we pray for each other’s safety. Hockey can be vicious, but it’s important to remember it’s still a game.”
“At rodeos you will see cowboys take a knee all night long,” said Scott Hilgendorff, Chaplain of Cowboys of the Cross. “We actually hold a short service before every rodeo, usually behind the chutes. We pray over the loudspeaker with the crowd before the National Anthem. You’ll see riders pray alone or sometimes with other cowboys before a ride, and usually see them praying afterward.”
Protest, on the other hand, has had a difficult time finding its way into sports that are increasingly populated with players that worship. “If a player from another team showed disrespect for our nation here in this military town, he’d probably have an encounter with our enforcer,” said a Pensacola fan.
Mary Kay Montroy of Nashville has performed both the USA and Canadian anthems for several different minor league teams. “I’ve noticed how polite crowds are for the Canadian salute,” said Montroy. “Many of them honor the Maple Leaf simply because of what it may mean to someone else. What does that tell you about hockey?”
“No one should ever show disrespect for the great men and women who have served our country,” said Billy Love, rodeo rider and former hockey player. “Some sports are setting a terrible example to future generations of athletes. If you’re going to take a knee, it should be to pray. Period.”
“Hockey and faith are not contradictory,” said Andrew Harrison of the Elmira Jackals. “God gave us all gifts and wants us to use them for His glory. As athletes we can use our platform to bring attention to God and that is really important.”
In a time when everything sacred is under siege and the world can’t get enough of its own self-destruction, it’s good to see the human experience still finding a way to keep the lights on.
Peter DiSalvo of the Mississippi RiverKings
Photos courtesy of PHN staff photographer Christina Wolff
Other photos courtesy of Through Brooke’s Eyes (Brooke Hammel)
Follow the author on Twitter @RonnaReporter
You must be logged in to post a comment.