This article isn’t to bash Ryan O’Reilly, Jarret Stoll or even Mike Richards for their (alleged) actions involving the law, drugs and alcohol or even to discuss the morality of the situations. People will have their own opinions and judge them as they see fit.
Really, this is more of an open letter to the 2015 NHL draftees, many of who signed entry-level deals, explaining what not to do and what to remember when they make it big.
So to Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner and the rest of the 2015 draft class:
I am sorry to say this but you are no longer the only one affected by your actions. That’s right; you represent your team, your community and the League as a whole. Whatever you do, good or bad, can influence the way people view the game, the League’s culture and the sport in general. While the lights are on you, everything is not about you.
Whether you like it or not, you are a role model. What you do influences those around you. Little kids will want to be you, grow up to follow in your footsteps and become one of the NHL’s greatest. Don’t you want to show them the correct way to do that?
I am not saying you have to act like a choir boy every hour of ever day, but remember that you are no longer an unknown. People will recognize you and, even if they don’t come up and ask for a picture or autograph, the people around you will be watching your every move (yeah, it’s a little creepy).
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So for Pete’s sake don’t break the law! To me, that doesn’t seem like that unfair of a request. Yes, we all make mistakes and things don’t work out the way we planned, but make a conscious effort to stay away from things that could not only harm your reputation but kill you (or others).
Here’s the thing you all might not realize: fans are invested in you. And your reputation either validates or destroys that investment.
What I mean by that is we take the time and use part of our hard-earned money to come see you play. We spend countless hours scanning your social media sites and tweeting about you. We buy jerseys and merchandise with your name on it.
Yes, these aren’t large investments, but investments all the same. We take the time to care about you; you can return the curtsey. How do you do that? By showing us you appreciate and respect the game you are so lucky to play. Many people would kill to be in your shoes, so do not squander the opportunities you are given by experimenting with drugs, drinking in excess and doing anything that would endanger the lives of others.
Be responsible.
It is really not that hard to do. That is all we ask; that you show us why we should be rooting for you, caring about you, investing in you.
There are those rare legends whose feats erase their indiscretions, but for the most part, you will be defined by your actions—both on and off the ice.
Don’t have your name become synonymous with scandal, but with being one of the NHL greats!
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