Who Are Your Favorite Hockey Idols?

This article was submitted by NHL Digest columnist Kyle Roussel.  Feel free to catch up with Kyle at http://twitter.com/kyleroussel.

The Importance of Idols

We all had idols. We probably still do, no matter how old we are.

When we were kids, we wanted to replicate their feats on the ice. They type of person they were rarely factored in to the equation. In fact, we barely knew what these people were like off the ice. If we were fortunate enough to meet them in person, you could barely contain yourself.

However, in the days of the internet and 24/7 sports coverage, we now sometimes know more than we’d like to. Or ought to. It makes it that much harder for some guys to stand out when there are so many in the media salivating and waiting to dig up dirt and to get a headline.

Now that were older, and clearly not skilled enough to ever play a minute of pro hockey, we instead look to other qualities our idols have. Instead of hoping to some day surpass their stat totals, we now try to live our lives by the qualities we see in them.

My Hockey Idols

I’m going to list my 5 hockey idols and associate them with 1 word that I think they have, and that I try to add to my life.

1. Jean Beliveau – class
2. Bob Gainey – integrity
3. Saku Koivu – determination
4. Steve Yzerman – commitment
5. Wayne Gretzky – vision (not just for his on-ice vision, but as a coach, GM, executive and “entrepreneur”

Other Sports Idols

Honorable mentions from other sports: Robert Smith, Marv Levy, and Tony Dungy. 1 player and 2 coaches that I have lots of time for. In the case of Marv Levy, I would recommend that you pick up his book “Where Else Would You Rather Be?” by Levy. A terrific read.

Who are your 5 idols? Or even 3?  Maybe you have a 10 person list. Whatever that list is, let’s see it!