rem the gem

I don't follow hockey. I don't really understand the sport other than it being an excuse for having massive fun being rowdy and drinking beer at the pub. Perhaps it's my aversion to being on ice (clumsy) or my poor coordination with tool sports (ie. racket, stick, baseball bat), but it just isn't one of those things that really sticks with me.

I was browsing my FB when I noticed a friend who had a chance meeting with an ex-Oiler great. I ho-hum'd then decided I'd look this guy up because I have no idea who he is or how prolific he was. Obviously I found him worthy of talking about, because
a. I don't like hockey and
b. Why would I talk about a hockey player if I don't like hockey unless it was an interesting story? and
c. It is an interesting story.

So:

"Rem Murray's one of two guys in this photo who have always personified the Edmonton Oilers to me (the other was Smith, I left the photo out). He was never an overly-skilled guy, but he made the most of his modest talents. His love for the game is also undeniable, something that he proved beyond doubt when he was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. I'll let USA Today explain:

Murray, 33, didn't skate for a year as he explored his treatment options. Eventually, Botox injections provided the best relief. He received a $1 million disability insurance payment because doctors thought his career was over.

But last summer he began to feel good enough to wonder if he could play.

"I remember saying to him, 'Are you sure you want to do this? Because it's going to cost you money to play in the NHL,' " agent Tom Laidlaw says. "But he said, 'I just want to play again.' "

Every dollar he earns must go to the insurance company until he pays back the $1 million. In addition, Murray must still pay his taxes on earnings, which means it costs him money out of his pocket to play for the Oilers this season. At $450,000 a year, he would have to go three seasons to stop losing money.

Murray's played for four seasons since his return; one with Houston of the AHL and the Oilers (the 2006 Cup run), two with HIFK Helsinki, and one with Innsbruk EV in Austria. He's been an impact player over in Europe, and now he's signed on for a fifth season with an Italian team (the Val Pusteria Wolves). He'll be 37 this season, and I hope he squeezes every drop out of his hockey career. He's also one of the few "old boys' club" additions that I'd be fine with, once his playing career is over."

Maybe a million dollars is small money for hockey players to deal with, but I still think the story is pretty awesome. You've got someone who has been faced with a disease process that is disabling, yet he fights it off, gets a little bit of luck and pushes on doing what he loves despite the costs. Sure it's inconvenient, but who cares if you have your goal and you pursue it?

So alright, hockey looks pretty good to me today.
Here's to you, Rem the Gem.