Star Qualities and Leadership Abilities

Picture this if you can… It is cold in the arena and the sound the skates on the ice is crisp and clear. Outside the building it is minus 22C degrees – inside it feels like minus 35C. The teams are warming up as they fly through the cold arena air. There is a swirl of young bodies as they warm up for the first puck to be dropped. The half dozen pucks they are using make bullet like sounds as they ricochets off the boards. The faithful fans, parents and supporters are moving from side to side to keep their feet warm. They shake their feet once in a while to get the circulation back from the biting cold. This is hockey at its roots – one community playing another in a quarter final game. The winner moves on to play an Ajax team next.

Last night I was one of the foot shakers – I am a supporter of the “Nationals” – a Peterborough team that has a number of dynamic young men mixed together to operate as a machine. They were playing Clarington “Torros” an equal match for the “Nationals”. Coming into the game last evening they were tied in their series – this match is the tie breaker. To add some small tensions to this mix of swirling bodies… the Nationals beat the Torros on Sunday night 4 – 0. This was to be a good game.

Ouch...!
Fast forward to the last 5 minutes of the last period, the Torros have wopped the Nationals at this point. The score board shows 7 for the visitors and 1 for the home team. The penalty box has been full at times. The Nationals team has had up to four guys in the penalty box at one time. The Torros maxed out their penalty box at 2 at one point. For you non-hockey people – penalty boxes are for the guys that did not so good stuff while playing – and even for not so good stuff when they are not playing.

In the last five minutes two Nationals were tossed from the game – back to the dressing room before the game was even over. For non-hockey people even understand – that is a no-no.

As the final buzzer went the Nationals had two guys in the penalty box and two men off the bench and into the locker room. The score stood at 7 – 1. The team had been pulverized to say the least. Not the highest moment to remember this season. At the buzzer signal about half the Nationals headed to the locker room whacking sticks on the side boards. The pain was all too evident. This was a sharp contrast to the hoards of Torros that spilled on the ice to surround their goalie.

One of ‘our’ parents behind me said “Come on guys – Where is the handshake?” I looked down and there were about six Nationals left on the ice to meet the Torros for the skate off and handshake. This is the hardest moment in any game when the loser has to say to the winner – “Great game buddy – thanks…”

It was at that moment that I confirmed the pick of the “Stars” of that game – the MVPs. I saw the most valuable players – the ones that will go the furthest in life. One in particular stood out head and shoulders above the rest… his name is Michael Taylor.

Now I have a problem with describing Michael in an unbiased way – he is the reason that my wife and I came to this hockey game on Valentines night Feb 14, 2007. We wanted to support and encourage this young man.

There on the ice, with the Nationals hockey shirt on with a large black “C” on his left shoulder area, stood Michael. He waited for the Torros to finish their victory huddle. Michael was alone at first and then about six more Nationals joined him. Michael took off his glove and shook the first Torro’s hand and then proceeded to congratulate the winners, smiling at each one.

Earlier, sometime just after the seventh goal for the Torros I saw Michael in action again. The referees were dealing with a series of penalty where two of Michael’s team mates were heading to the penalty box. Michael was standing beside one of the Torro players and talking in a calm fashion. They smiled at each other and play began again.

I want the whole world to know that Michael Taylor is a star of the Nationals and in my books an MVP (Most Valuable Player). Through an agonizing defeat and a game that makes everyone want to forget hockey – Michael remembered that it is not about winning but it is a great game.

How do you shout from your keyboard, “THIS GUY IS NUMBER ONE…!” How do you say to the waiting and unsuspecting world, “MICHAEL TAYLOR is a born leader – watch out world!”

Well I just did and I am a proud fan of a great young man.

You may wonder at a Minister getting so excited about hockey and a player – showing favouritism as well. Well I am one of Michael’s pastors. His dad is his first Pastor – I fall into number 2 position, as his assistant. Both of us are amazed and happy as we watch Michael keep his spirituality as a key element in his busy young life.

Hey Michael – I am proud of you – right along with your mom and dad. I am praying for you buddy!

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~