Random Thoughts from an Empty Head December, 1997

by Wade Fennig

Thanksgiving has come and gone quicker than its own first helping. Being a Canadian, this was my first American version. Back home we celebrate it a month or so earlier in October.

Both the Canadian and American themes are essentially the same, so the only strange occurrence for me was how close this country's version falls before Christmas.

I was fortunate enough to spend it at the home of Cal and Kim Ingraham. As we feasted on the tremendous meal that both prepared, my empty head drifted to how truly thankful I was this year.

There are times I suppose when a hockey player, such as myself, takes for granted some of the very things that should truly be appreciated. Were it not for this great game that I play, there is zero chance I would have been sitting at the Ingraham's supper table here in Tallahassee. That in itself is something none of my friends back home who are moving ahead with their careers will ever be able to identify with. Let alone playing in front of 8,000 screaming fans or getting the opportunity to sign autographs and meet the fans that cheer me on every night.

This is not to say hockey does not have its share of heartaches and headaches. It is truly a game that can wear on every single emotion that an individual has. That's because it's played with emotion. Heart and soul. Blood and guts. Fear and Arrogance. Within a twenty four hour period you can be wondering why you continue to play and then be picked up by a wave that makes you feel like you could go on forever. It tests every mental and physical fiber your body has and then asks for more. It does not always give back as much as it takes away.

But it's the days when it does that keeps you striving in pursuit of excellence, the chance to live out your dreams, even if it's just for one more day.

For the last nine years I've lived away from home playing this game. Throughout the countless highs and lows one thing remains, constant. Every day I wake up in love with the game. No matter what.

Unconditionally.

It's given me the opportunity to meet my best friends in life, provided me with a college education, and taught me the life skills that are going to bring me success down the road after my career is over. It's given me the opportunity to see places and meet people that I could have never dreamed meeting if I wasn't playing. As a professional, it's given me the opportunity to make a contribution to society and make a difference, even if it's only to one person's life.

The phrase that might best describe our lives is "day to day". That's how you have to live it. Just ride that roller coaster until it stops. Some times you have a blast, some times you get sick. One thing's for sure, you're in for a hell of a ride.

So it is this holiday season I'm thankful to be playing a game that has given me everything. A game that has allowed me live out my dreams, even if it's just for one more day.

I LOVE THIS GAME!