Bobby Orr came to Corner Brook last week to show a kid or two a few things on the ice for the Chevrolet Safe & Fun Hockey Festival. From what I can tell, he left those who crossed paths with him with their heads whirling.
That may not be unusual when it comes to regular Joes and Janes coming face-to-face with people they idolize, especially when we are talking about professional athletes. The sad part is, for many people the idolizing comes from their pure ability to dazzle an opponent, rather than be a true role model.
I am happy to admit Bobby Orr is a little before my time. Happy because I am not that old, not because I missed the opportunity to see the slick-skating defenceman who redefined the position. However, as great as he was on the ice, he now has my respect for what he does off it too.
I listened to him on radio for a solid 15 minutes one morning and was amazed at what a down-to-earth guy he came across as.
I am a big professional sports fan and have heard countless professional athletes interviewed. First of all, I can’t ever recall hearing an athlete ask his interviewers if he could keep talking or stay on the air longer. It’s usually, do you have enough yet? I’m busy and have places to go.
Not “Number 4.” He asked the radio hosts if he could stay on the air a bit longer. It was obvious, he believes in the message he had to tell.
After recalling some of the glory days and sharing some insight into his illustrious career, Orr got serious when he talked about the true meaning of sport. I have said it many times — but it means little coming from me compared to a legend like him — sports are about fun.
I agree with so much that he had to say, and I wish I could remember the words of the poem he cited from a young hockey player.
It wasn’t just the radio interview that left me amazed. Orr also sat down one-on-one with The Western Star’s Jamie Bennett, and the reporter walked away with the same sentiment. It wasn’t just the heartfelt words he shared, but his actions towards a small city reporter who he’ll probably never cross paths with again.
Jamie asked Orr for a picture — meaning he wanted a photo of him for the paper — without a hesitation, Orr got someone in his group to take the camera from Jamie, put his arm around his shoulder, and posed for the shot.
It was fitting the hockey festival had a session for parents. Much of Orr’s message about having fun revolved around them. Far too many times, parents have their noses in too far and their breath down the backs of their children. There is way too much pressure for anybody to have fun.
So, don’t take my word for it, take Bobby Orr’s. Next time you go out to play a game of anything, remember why it is you play. Next time you take your kid out for whatever sport they are involved in, remember why it is they play.
Sit back and relax, put a smile on your face, and have some fun. That’s how it is meant to be.
Cory Hurley is a reporter/photographer with The Western Star newspaper. He can be reached via email at hurleysports@hotmail.com.
