I've been asked by a lot of people about the story that has gotten a lot of press lately of our organization taking a day to attend the wake of our general manager Dale Tallon's father.
During the first intermission of the Winter Classic, NBC ran a feature on it, so I've started getting more questions again! I will take time to give you my thoughts and comments on it. I am writing this not to grandstand about what we did, because that is not why we attended. Nobody talked about it until a media member caught wind of it a month later.
Yes, we delayed our flight out of Toronto on a day off and came home a day later. And yes every member on our team attended, along with a good amount of folks from our front office who flew in from Chicago. But we did not do this for recognition. When somebody shows you the respect and care that Dale Tallon and his family shows our team on a daily basis, it is a no-brainer to show that same care and respect in return. I'm sure all of you would do the same for somebody and their family who you care about.
So why am I choosing to write about this? I recently read something from a writer along the lines of: "This is a great story because you very rarely hear about the good that athletes do. It is often over shadowed by the trouble athletes find themselves in."
I don't agree. When Dale Tallon was asked about our attendance at his father's wake he said, "hockey players are different than other athletes, they are generally hard working, honest people from small towns that care about people." I agree with that.
As hockey players we are obviously grouped into the category of "ATHLETES." With that comes a stigma. Some of that stigma includes being "greedy," "trouble," and "selfish." But as Dale said, "hockey players are different."
You will not see a hockey player call his own press conference in his front yard with his shirt off, doing sit-ups, and saying how great he is. You will not see a hockey player tell the media how stupid practice is, and how stupid his coach is for not starting him. And you will not see a hockey player bring a gun into a club and accidentally shoot himself.
I know some people will say, 'well what about Sean Avery.' Sean Avery recently said he doesn't understand why other players in the league seem to take his "sloppy seconds," in reference to another hockey player who is dating his ex-girlfriend. Stupid, I know, but is that the worst thing you've heard an athlete say? I don't think so. In no other sport will you see a team hand out the type of punishment Sean Avery received for it.
He will not play another game for the Dallas Stars this year, a decision made by his teammates and organization. Hockey players are different. What would happen in other sports if a player ran his mouth like this about his teammates or other players? He would probably put his pads on the next game and play catch with the guy he just ripped.
I know you can argue that hockey doesn't receive the same coverage other sports do. On one hand, hockey players don't create the same "drama" other sports do to get that coverage. Hockey players would rather have no coverage than this type of coverage. If there were a Sean Avery on every team would hockey get more coverage? I'll guarantee it! His story was the first thing reported on ESPN when it happened. Everybody wants to see and read about athletes screwing up. In hockey that behavior is not accepted. Hockey players are proud of the reputation we have created of being good people. Sometimes that means less coverage. Hockey players are fine with that. If you were to go down by the locker rooms after a hockey game, you will not see players walking out with wild jewelry, crazy clothes, or hats. Just your normal, black-and-gray suits, and players stopping to make sure a kid receives his autograph.
There is a code amongst hockey player that you hear in all sports, but it's at a higher standard here. When you are on a team, you are a part of a "family", and you do not do anything to put yourself above your family. You don't blast your teammates to the media, you don't dress for attention, and you don't get yourself in the media for reasons outside of your job, and if you do it is dealt with.
This does not come from the management, they don't tell you what to say or what to wear, players just know, and have that respect for one another and their organization. Now trust me when I say I'm not writing this to rip other sports. I probably watch more of the other sports in my free time than I do hockey, and I don't write this to say hockey players are angels, just ask my mother, she will tell you we aren't! But hockey players are different, and we are proud of the reputation that we have tried to uphold, as Dale called," honest and caring."
Would other sports organizations attend the wake of one of their family members? I'd like to think so. Our organization did not attend Stan Tallon's wake for recognition, we did it for the same reason you would, because we cared for our friend. We didn't change the world by attending Stan Tallon's wake, but we sure didn't hurt it either.
Adam Burish, 25, is a native of Madison, Wisc. and is entering his second full NHL season with the Blackhawks. The 6-1, 189-pound winger scored four goals and four assists last season, but his role as an enforcer was reflected by a team-high 214 penalty minutes, which ranked third in the NHL. Burish is not one to mess with on the ice, but he's known to have a great personality and sense of humor off the ice.
Adam.
Indeed hockey players are just different. I am so proud to be a Blackhawks fan. I was a little annoyed at the way the media presented this story. They made it seem as though it were an unusual thing for you guys to be nice. I have always felt that hockey players were just nicer guys all around. Not to say that there arn't nice guys in other sports, but you just don't hear as many bad things about hockey players as other athletes. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting you or any of the guys can attest to what great guys you are. I would have been more surprised to hear that you didn't rally around Dale Tallon when he needed you. It is very apparent by the way you guys act on and off the ice that you really are a great big family. Its very nice to see that. Thank you for being the great guys that you are. You have more than once shown that you don't forget your roots. By the way GREAT game last night and happy belated birthday.
Lisa
Adam - I agree with your comments and commend the BH for the way you responded to Dale Tallon. I have three boys (8-12), all big sports fans....and it is cool to have athletes they can look up to. Congrats on the B-DAY goal and welcome back to the lineup.
Couldn't agree more. Next time Cleary takes a run at Kaner, break his head open like a melon. Thanks and go Hawks.
I have said many times this season that, while I'm thrilled to see the team have such success on the ice, a big reason I specifically love *this* year's team is the personalities you all show on and OFF the ice. Hockey players truly are a classy people (there sure are exceptions, such as Avery and a few other players I've encountered throughout the years) and are in a league all their own. Hats off to you guys for that! I'd rather less publicity in a lesser-known sport (here in the states) with a higher class of people anyhow.
This is why we love our hockey players!! Happy belated birthday, and congrats on your birthday goal and assists! =)
This is one of the better blogs written by an athlete that I have ever read ... if not the best.
Adam,
I couldn't agree with you more! Hockey players have not forgotten where they came from. As a teacher, I've seen firsthand special athletes who are coddled and spoiled as they grow up even in rural areas! Respect for people (other than MAYBE their coaches) is often neglected as well. The entire scenario often creates egomaniacal, greedy and immoral monsters. The fans mostly support their bad act because it's "what happens on the field" that becomes their entire worth.
By the way Adam, may I suggest that you put on about twenty pounds so that you could truly be an enforcer on this team? :-)
Congratulations on your first points of the season against Phoenix--THREE POINTS!
Thank you. You've just said what all hockey fans already know, and that's a big reason why we're all fans - because we respect the guys who play the game as people.
I have a blog that I've just started, and I was wondering if you'd consider posting stuff there when you have the time? It's nothing much, right now, but another writer is always welcome! Let me know if you're interested.
Go Wings
Adam,
Way to snipe Tuesday. Good to have you back. As a hockey player myself, I could not agree with you more. Hockey players are just a different breed. For better and for worse. Some of my best friends I have met through my hockey career. And even though my competitive career ended 10 years ago, I am still very close to many of them and their families. Keep up the hard work.
I grew up following hockey. Every time I tell people I am a hockey fan, they always bring up that the players are goons. What the Hawks did for one of their own, shows that they are compassionate players. Awesome example of being a team and supoort for each other. None of the individuality you see in other national sports.
Adam,
Many years ago, a young son of a friend started an inpromptu fan club for a then-Hawk known more for his fighting prowess than his goal scoring. The "club" went so far as to have a banner that hung from the first row of the second balcony of the old Stadium.
The player actually became friendly with the young man and his family. The family patriarch was throwing a 13th b-day party for the young man, and reached out to the player to inquire as to securing an "appearance" at the party and would he need to talk to his agent, etc.
The player laughed and said, "Give me the details and I'll be there if I can."
The father never believed the player would show up, but he showed up, brought a nice gift, and spent the next two hours with the kid and his friends - signing every last autograph.
After being traded a year later, he called everytime his new team came to town and even invited the young man and his family to attend a game in the new city.
The only reason I don't mention the player's name is that I know he did not befriend this young man or come to the party for recognition.
Hockey players are indeed a special breed.
I enjoyed this post and its subsequent comments. I have found hockey players loyal and trustworthy folk.
What I don't still quite get is why the biter only got 2 games suspension for intent to maim and potential loss of career and Avery got six for words that though brutish and challenging are still only words? If Avery was given a +10 game suspension to honor the hockey code, he then would have been taken care of on the ice after it was over. I just dont get the disparity of penalties.
Not only they are generally from small towns...but it's small town Canada. Blue collar, community.
The drama of overpaid athletes is not appreciated here.
Great article -- seriously, and very well said. And a goal for your birthday. Congratulations from a Pens fan!
Thanks for the good words. After growing up playing hockey among numerous other sports, I can agree that even in the highest levels of competition the notion of team is held high above the individual in terms of respect and importance. When my dad died about 3 years ago, teammates from 10 years back made it to the wake along with numerous coaches and parents befriended through the years on the ice. Needless to say, we all helped out my friend when the same happened to him. I think it goes beyond small town ethics (as I played in the NW suburbs of Chicago) and a lot of that loyalty and work ethic comes from the sport itself--5 am practices, 11 pm games, constant communication and trust on and off the ice; such things are not meant for the selfish, but for the tough and devoted. Thanks again.
I could not agree more! As a college athlete and coach, I could not agree more about many of the things you said. It's truely great to see professional athletes be such wonderful role models. I have advised many of my athletes to come and read this blog, knowing there is so much they will gain from reading it, especially this entry! Keep up the great work and let's get that cup back to Chicago!!
Detroit sucks... that is all
hi adam im a huge hawk fan and if you get a chance can u tell eager thank you for the slap shot off the glass when they were practicing?? go blackhawks DETROIT SUCKS!!!!!!!
Adam,
Having played hockey my entire life I couldn't have said better what you said about hockey players in general. It's something I have tried to explain to people over the years how hockey players in general are just a different breed. In my business career I can say that people I have come across who were hockey players growing up or in college there is an immediate trust and bond that is formed that comes from being part of that "family" you spoke of. Clearly as a pro hockey player you guys exemplify that on a greater level as it relates to other pro athletes in different sports. This is something that has frustrated me as far as the NHL not doing a better job of marketing the players and telling the stories about how many great guys there are in the league. I know you guys didn't do what you did for recognition, but I am glad the story was told so in this day of arrogant selfish athletes people will realize what hockey players are about.
Thanks also for truly "restoring the roar" here in Chicago. Growing up here a huge Blackhawks fan I can remember how great the games were at the Old Stadium and the electricity walking into the building. That was gone for so long and it was like a long lost family member you weren't sure you were ever going to see again. I can say that in a short period of time what you guys have done to bring that back is amazing. The marketing of the team with Mr. McDonough has been off the charts, but it begins and ends with the players on and off the ice. Your class and effort have made it very easy for this city to embrace the Blackhawks again.
Best of luck the rest of the way,
Rob
You have written the truth, and that's why we are fans not just of the game, but of the players too. You guys have class -- and an incredible amount of talent. No one team has cornered the market on this; it's league-wide. You have reason to be proud.
p.s. Canadians are proud of the game's roots, but we're also glad the game's fan base continues to grow south of the border. The more, the merrier!
Could'nt agree more on this story.Very recently I was sitting on the glass at a home game with my 5 year old who is just starting to become the Hawks biggest fan,when the first period ended.Brian Campbell skated over and flipped a puck over the glass to my son.To Brian's surprise some adults reached over my son to grab the puck,which they had success at.Brian skated around back and hit the glass to inform the group that the puck was intended for someone else,they handed it over happily.As he skated off the ice,he did not know that he just aquired his biggest fan.What a great thing to do!Here is to a great group of athletes who stand WAY apart from other athletes.
Before anyone makes the grand proclamation "DETROIT SUCKS," I think you'd better check to make sure your team is winning most of the season's games against them. It doesn't say a whole lot for our team.
It would be great if the NHL could learn a lesson from how the Olympics engages people. If there's a sport or athlete that NBC knows that few people care about, then they do background stories on those sports and/or people. I found myself often times sticking around in front of the TV to watch a particular event that I would have otherwise switched off. I think this could be the logical next step in marketing the NHL, especially when at least 95% the hockey players are people for whom most would support.
You're a class act, Adam. For me, my love of hockey goes beyond the play. I've always thought you're the most humble people in sports.
This is something I hold very dear. My dad has been an appliance service technician for nearly 30 years. I love and respect him just as much as if he were a lawyer.
Hard work and simplicity are great things. We were never poor. We didn't have everything growing up, but we had enough. I would rather have my folks teach me how valuable relationships are than have all the latest toys or video games. They laid a great foundation of how I'd like to raise my kids.
It seems the dramatic individuals in sports always take the spotlight. If we as a society didn't give it so much attention, they wouldn't act out as much.
The celebrations in football irritate the hell out of me. It may have happened, but I've never seen any hockey player do a dance after a big hit or a turnover.
People can learn a lot about hockey and even life from guys like you. Please keep writing.
Take care & GO 'HAWKS!
im a huge hawks fan and im looking for a way to get adam and the blackhawks a copy of my sons cd they are a metal band from crystal lake ill. called thyateira im thinking they might get that mosh pit going on the ice after getting pumped to there music, im not looking to get this posted anywhere im just wanting to get this in adams hands to pass it along to the boys in the locker room thankyou suntimes for being a vessel and i hope to hear back from you.
Anyone whom I have become friendly with, knows that hockey players are different. I was a 12 year old boy who befriended Cliff Koroll in the 70's. When I wasn't at Gate 3 1/2 after a game, my dad informed him that I was to have surgery on my hip. Surprise!! Cliff shows up at the hospital the next day with a Stan Makita stick signed by all the players with a note on the stick from Cliff wishing me well. He then sat there at Children's Memorial Hospital for what seemed like an hour or so just visiting with me and my mom(dad had to get back to work).
I still have that stick 35 years later and I tell that story to anyone who visits my house. We all know that hockey players are different. I had seen him from time to time but I wonder if he really knows the impact he had on a 12 year old boy.
Bur, you bring up a great point about Sean Avery and how it was the team that kicked him off because of his actions. Hockey players are a differet breed and I think that is what makes this team so enjoyable because they are the same guys who you want to have a drink with after the game. Hockey players are just hard working guys that appreciate and respect their sport and peers. This is why you will see Chicago become a hockey town again becaue we love blue collar guys who appreciate the fans. Great job this year on and off the ice. Forget the rest of the teams in this town. Commit to the Indian.
Dear Adam,
Not only articulated the spirit of hockey and hockey players, you have shown the type of teammates hockey players have. You do the city of Chicago proud with the way you talk about your team and teammates. Just another example of a class act from the world of hockey.
Hey Bur, it's Gary, you met me after a game once and my dad's the guy who works in the Hawks penalty box, so you've met him quite a few times. I just commented to say you're definately my favorite player in the NHL right now, and to let you know that fans don't just look up to you because you can throw a punch, but because you play with more heart than anyone on the ice and that's probably what leads to the fighting. There's nothing wrong with having passion for the game. Also, my dad wants to know why you haven't paid him a visit in the box since you've been back off injury. And you right about hockey players being more down-to-earth guys, because I've met my share of professional athletes and there's a lot of jerks out there, but every time I've sat outside the lockerroom at a hockey game, the players have always loved to sign autographs and talk hockey or bullshit with their supportive fans, especially the Hawks. Lastly, ingore the stupid comment from the guy who wants to know why you haven't won some of your fights because he's probably just a fat, smelly 40-year-old man who sucks at hockey and hasn't gotten into a fight since the 3rd grade, which he probably lost. And if there's anything I've learned from growing up in a tough,southside neighborhood, it's that it doesn't matter if you win or lose a fight as long as you participate in the fight.
Hope you respond!!! Gary Steff
Looking forward to seeing how tough you are tomorrow night.
Colton
Hi, Adam,
Well written. Being a softball gal myself, I always thought our athletes were just different, but I'll clear some room for you hockey guys.
I've told anyone who'll listen for years that hockey players live by a higher code of standards than other professional athletes. Maybe the small-town Canadian aspect is a factor, but there are plenty of American and European hockey players who do the sport proud, like you, Adam.
This will probably get me killed, but I live near Detroit and have been a Wing fan since I was a kid. The Hawks' resurgence has totally sucked me in, though, so I've had a seriously hard time figuring out who to root for during head-to-head matchups.
We fans in Hockeytown got to celebrate the Cup last year. It would be nice to see Chicago and the Hawks' group of young, hard-working and humble players lift Lord Stanley over their heads this summer.
Good luck, Adam. Thanks for keeping up with your blog. It's always a good read!
Shan
Michigan
I love reading stories like this, it truly shows the class and integrity of our "hockey athletes".
While we play hard and fight hard we go home and share a bubbly pop and reminisce of the good times we had together.
Nothing says family more than that, while respect may be misplaced at times it is never lost.
Adam,
I know exactly what you're talking about. I couldn't agree more. Hockey players are a special breed of people who work hard and appreciate everything that they receive because they know nothing is ever handed to them. I play hockey myself and I know how a hockey family really is. When my grandmother died three years ago, we were currently in a tournament an hour away from the funeral home, and we had an early game the next day. When I was talking with my family, the doors opened and all fourteen players and coaches and family members came in to support me. They stayed the whole three hours, and after we all went out to eat. Every team I've been on, we have all got been a family, but you guys are what it truly means to be a family. I've been a Hawks fan all my life and I'd like to congratulate you guys on a great year, and goodluck in the playoffs