The Selflessness of Hockey

In light of T.J. Oshie's amazing shoutout performance yesterday, I'd like to take a minute to appreciate the selflessness of hockey. After Oshie wins the game for the US and puts the exclimation point on the greatest individual performance of this Olympics, he acknowledges Jonathan Quick down at the other end of the ice. During post game interviews where he was being called a national hero, Oshie insisted that the only heros he knew were the ones in camo. Oshie has grown up dreaming of playing hockey in the NHL, dreaming of being able to compete for a gold medal. Yet when he moment in the spotlight actually happens, he insists that he had lots of help. Why?

Personally, I think this is a great reflection on the mindset of a hockey player. Hockey is a sport that relies on teamwork for success. Having amazing individual talent is nice, but nothing comes together with cooperation between the entire team, whether they be snipers, playmakers, grinders, or goalies. So when an individual performance the likes of Oshie's comes around, the player in question is highly aware of the roles his teammates have played how nothing would be possible without them. 

This isn't as visible in other sports. Lebron James can carry the Miami Heat all the way to a NBA Chamionship. Alexander Ovechkin can't carry the Washington Capitals to a Stanley Cup. That's why a hockey player is the first point out the contributions of everyone from his linemate to the fourth line grinder to the Zamboni  driver. That's also why a basketball or football player can't wait to get to his press conference where he can revel in his individual accomplishments. 

In closing, go Team USA!