More To A Day Than The Game

I sat at the edge of my seat last night, utterly dumbfounded by what I had seen — as I’m sure many hockey fans had.

Somehow the Canadians won. Somehow the Capitals choked. Somehow all those Capitals I picked in my hockey pool were eliminated. Somehow one of my least favourite NHL teams was the toast of the league.

It’s still sinking in. Of course I’m functioning, but if I feel this stung about the loss it’s unimaginable how the Capitals themselves must feel.

Except at least one of them is a shining example of unbelievable, kind-hearted inspiration.

Brooks Laich, who scored Washington’s only goal in their incredibly disappointing Game 7 loss, pulled over on the drive home after the game to change a woman’s tire. After being at the game with her 14-year-old daughter, Mary Ann Wangemann hit a pothole and got a flat. They called Triple A, but Triple A said they weren’t sure how long it would take to help.

Then, an SUV slows down and pulls over. It’s Laich. He insists on changing the tire, all the meanwhile talking hockey, apologizing for the loss and when he finishes up, he insists Mary Ann drive slowly and safely on the way home. Apparently he was very sombre, but he showed so much more character than many others would in his situation.

“I’m sure you’ll do something nice for someone in the future,” Laich said, hugging Mary Ann and her daughter and driving off.    

You can read the full story here.

We often say there’s more to life than a game, but when so soon after heartbreak an athlete can be a Good Samaritan, it’s inspiring. Many can’t even hold the door open for somebody after a hard day at the office. Millions across North America had just witnessed Laich and his teammates suffer utter embarrassment and he changed the woman’s tire.

I’m not saying he should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but it’s a philosophy the world could probably use a little more of. There’s rarely an excuse to not do a good deed, no matter how sour you feel about something — especially if it’s over work or a game. 

— Josh Bailie