No
one would call Stu Grimson a wimp.
The
hard-hitting left winger, born in Kamloops, B.C. and
currently playing with the Los Angeles Kings, stands
6'5" and weighs 235 pounds (196 cm and 107 kg) and has
accumulated more than 1,800 penalty minutes. But few may
realize that one of the best-known "enforcers" in
the National Hockey League (NHL)--nicknamed "the Grim
Reaper"--is a committed Christian. He currently also
works as a vice president of the NHL Players Association.
Christian teaching doesn't forbid his rough profession, he
says. In fact, he believes that God approves of him trying
to play the best he can.
Former
NHL star Paul Baxter is another Christian known for an
aggressive playing style. His style made him popular with
his teammates and fans in
Calgary
, though understandably unpopular with his opponents.
"People
think being a Christian means being meek and mild, but they
don't realize the courage and toughness Jesus displayed in
his life," says Baxter.
In
the past some managers in the tough, competitive world of
professional hockey worried that if a player is a Christian,
he might lack aggression.
Laurie
Boschman, retired captain of the Ottawa Senators, recalls
being traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs because of his
beliefs. The story made national headlines when former Leafs
owner Harold Ballard said he was going to trade Boschman
"because he had too much religion on his mind."
Ballard even resorted to sending Boschman to a psychiatrist
to see if he had been "brainwashed." The real
cause for Boschman's failing performance at the time was a
bout of mononucleosis and blood poisoning. Despite the
support of his teammates, Boschman was traded to
Edmonton
.
Boschman,
who was born in Major,
Sask.
, says there has been a great change since the Ballard days.
He believes that NHL managers are beginning to recognize
that a player who exercises his spiritual muscles can be of
benefit both to himself and his teammates. An increasing
number of top players profess faith in Christ, putting to
rest any worries about Christianity making players into
wimps. No one questions the career achievements of Christian
players such as Doug Jarvis, Chico Resch, Dean Prentice,
Paul Henderson, Roger Neilson and Ron Ellis.
Even
Don Cherry, the gruff, tell-it-like-it-is hockey commentator
for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, commends
Christian players. "A lot of people expect me to put
down the Christian athlete and for some reason they think
that if you believe in Jesus you have to be a wimp - how
wrong they are."
When
Stanley Cup champion Ryan Walter once faced public criticism
because of his faith, Cherry publicly defended him on
national television. Walter, born in
New Westminster
, B.C., became a Christian in 1980 while he was captain of
the Washington Capitals. He was 22 years old, the youngest
player in the NHL to be named a team captain. His decision
to follow Christ was inspired partly by Jean Pronovost's
Christian life and influence.
Ironically,
Walter had been asked by the coach of the Capitals to
"keep an eye" on the veteran right winger,
Pronovost, because the coach was concerned about his
"religious views." Pronovost went on to inspire
the intrigued Walter both on and off the ice. Now in his
retirement Walter is an inspirational speaker, author of Off
the Bench and Back into the Game,and manager of the web
sites www.ryanwalter.com and www.hothockey.com.
Don
Cherry also has a long view of the game and the status of
Christian athletes. He recalls his early days when he played
in the American Hockey League and players were fighting to
make it to the NHL or struggling to prevent being sent down
to the minors. He describes the group as the "toughest,
roughest, grizzled bunch of guys in any sport ever."
The Christian players back then, Cherry observed, maintained
a solid focus on their goal, were diligent in their prayer
life, and never took the Lord's name in vain. And they're
still that way today, he says.
Some
of those guys are now heading ministries that reach out to
pros, fans and even to children. Many have gravitated to
Hockey Ministries International, a Montreal-based group that
led the chapel service that introduced Walter to Christ, and
which now employs Boschman full-time.
Don
Cherry points in particular to one retired Christian player
who makes him "proud to say I believe in and am a
friend of the Christian athlete." That player is Paul
Henderson, the head of Leadership Ministries of Campus
Crusade for Christ
Canada
.
Henderson
is best known
as the man who scored the "goal of the century" in
the 1972 Canada-Russia series. Despite the fame it brought,
Henderson
experienced an emptiness inside that remained until he
became a Christian two years later. He was one of the first
high-profile hockey players to "come out" as
Christians, along with Dean Prentice, a left winger who
played 22 years in the NHL.
Henderson
's current work
with Leadership Ministries involves taking the gospel to the
business and corporate world through evangelistic dinners
and one-to-one sharing. Discipleship groups, executive
seminars, annual conferences and regional retreats also help
leaders grow in their faith. He and his wife Eleanor also
lead marriage seminars.
Henderson's
personal story, "The Goal of My Life," is featured
on the Campus Crusade web site (www.crusade.org)
and in a series of evangelistic advertising blitzes, called
Power to Change, that Campus Crusade has conducted in
various regions of western Canada.
Henderson
wishes he had
had the "heroes" to look up to who are now
available to young players. He acknowledges the importance
of positive role models; young athletes require spiritual
nourishment in addition to physical training, he says.
HOCKEY
WORLD IS SPIRITUALLY NEEDY
Many
observers clearly recognize the need for a Christian witness
in the world of hockey: players and coaches sometimes
celebrate violence and wild living (e.g., alcohol abuse,
profanity and promiscuity); life on the road can offer
endless temptations and put distance into love
relationships; and players can face the sudden despair of
going from rising star to injured and useless in moments.
That's not to mention the demanding spiritual challenges
faced in junior leagues.
Violence
within the game has actually decreased in the last decade,
say professional players. They also defend the ongoing
presence of fighters and enforcers in the league by arguing
that they are necessary to protect the "skill
players" and to prevent dirty play.
But
any decline in violence is not apparent in media coverage.
Many say that the media magnify the everyday necessary
roughness in an effort to indulge the public's appetite for
melodrama. It has reached the point at which spectator
violence has become a problem, even in Little League.
Here,
for example, are several recent stories:
HOCKEY
LIFE CONFLICTS WITH FAITH
Coaches
and parents who pursue dreams of prestige and profit often
pressure children into following extremely rigorous training
regimes. The allure of making it to the big leagues often
blinds players and their families. The fight to reach the
top and the focus on winning at any cost can stunt the
character development, family relationships and faith life
of young athletes. Many reach adulthood with a selfish,
survivalist attitude not conducive to team building.
For
Christian parents, there often exists a dilemma in making
choices between minor league sports and worship. Games and
practices often take place on Sunday mornings, taking
important time away from family and church.
Besides
these families needing Christian help, the pros need it too.
The rewards associated with successful careers in sports
often contribute to the very downfall of athletes who have
made it to the top of their game.
Many
who are seen as "having it all" actually
experience a great sense of emptiness whether they are
winning or losing. For others whose careers may end
prematurely due to injury or performance, the slippery slope
to a "normal" life can be devastating. Extreme
pressure, euphoria followed by desolation and back again,
fame and fortune all disappear, and young players suddenly
find themselves without purpose and employment, facing an
uncertain future outside the limelight.
ROOTS
OF SPORTS MINISTRY
Decades
ago, in this tough world of hockey, Don Liesemer envisioned
Hockey Ministries International (HMI). Liesemer's name is
not a household word, even to diehard hockey fans. By his
own confession, he laboured in the 1970s as a journeyman
player and was in no way a superstar. But God apparently had
something else in mind.
During
Liesemer's minor and pro careers in
Michigan
, he sensed "a great need among his teammates,
opponents and their families to know Christ in a personal
way." Like them, he was frustrated at how the demanding
schedules for practices, games and travel "made it
almost impossible for hockey players to have consistent
worship opportunities in a local church."
Liesemer
was exposed to sports ministry in the
United States
through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The hockey
world, he noticed, lacked the spiritual nourishment that was
beginning to blossom in football, baseball and basketball.
Finally, he began to see a solution to the spiritual
frustration: bring the church into the rink. Eventually the
vision would aim even higher: to reach the world of
hockey--"every player, every fan, every arena,
everywhere."
In
the mid-1970s, Liesemer retired and went back to school. He
earned a master's degree and became a teacher for two years.
During this time he assisted football players like Wally
Buono, Chuck McMann, Don Sweet, Pat Bonnett and others in
establishing a chapel program for the Montreal Alouettes, a
team in the Canadian Football League.
A
hockey ministry finally became reality when he began an
outreach with Dave Forbes of the Boston Bruins and Doug
Jarvis of the Montreal Canadiens known as "the Iron
Man" for playing 964 consecutive games without injury).
Since
then Liesemer has become a highly respected and admired
mentor, friend, spiritual advisor and confidant to many in
the world of professional hockey. Stu Grimson describes him
as a "spiritual cornerstone" in his life, standing
by his side through "triumphs, tragedies and
blessings," one who is always available as a support
and for counsel.
Liesemer
himself, when he wants spiritual direction and guidance,
often goes back to some of his contacts from the early days.
In particular, the footballers McMann and Buono continue to
mentor him and support HMI, despite their busy work as
professional football coaches with the Calgary Stampeders.
CHILDREN
SEE ROLE MODELS
What
began as one summer youth hockey camp in 1977 has grown into
an organization that stands out as a credible and
influential ministry to hockey players. The first camp, in
Montreal
, was almost canceled due to low registration until
organizers hastily raised scholarship funds, allowing more
boys to attend.
The
youth outreach has flourished, and today HMI conducts 29
live-in Christian Athlete Hockey Camps in
Canada
, the
United States
and
Europe
, each five days long. More than 2,000 players of age 10 to
17 participate each year. HMI is staffed by 20 employees and
hundreds of volunteers, including many current and former
NHL players and coaches.
Laurie
Boschman and another former NHL player, Bill Butters,
currently lead the on-ice instruction in individual and team
skills. Certified kinesiologists designed the "dry
land" training, which combines participation in various
sports, balancing fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
The
physical training blends both spiritual and mental training,
preparing players for challenges on and off the ice. Morning
and evening chapels feature youth-oriented music programs,
spirational testimony and intimate contact with the pros.
Humour, practical jokes and fun are common.
The
young players build lasting friendships under godly
influence.
The
professional players and coaches at Christian Athlete Hockey
Camps spend most of the week in residence with the young
players. In many cases the influence of these positive role
models remains with the young players long after camp ends.
Jonathan
Layman of Beachburg, Ont. learned first-hand about his
hockey heroes when he attended his first such camp this
summer. Layman attended as a recipient of the Tim Adlam
Memorial Fund, a bursary fund initiated by Mike Gartner in
memory of a former HMI goalie instructor.
Layman
had the opportunity to improve his hockey skills in addition
to hearing the message of the cross from pros Laurie
Boschman and the Ottawa Senators' Mike Fisher. Layman was
very pleased with training both on and off the ice. His view
of hockey players has changed dramatically since he met
Christian athletes. They have helped him forge a new set of
personal goals.
MINISTRY
HAS UPHELD FAMILY FAITH
Twenty
years ago the Bassen family spearheaded the first HMI
Calgary camp. The Bassens are a true hockey family. Hank
Bassen had a successful run in the NHL, and his sons Bob and
Mark carried on the tradition with careers in the NHL and
European leagues. Hank and his wife Shirley were with Don
Liesemer on the weekend when he decided to step out in faith
with his dream of creating a Christian hockey program.
Through
the lives of their children, these families have seen the
results of HMI influence on two generations. The Bassen
family credits the blessing of HMI in their lives as a
significant contribution to the strong faith of their
family. They believe the organization has played a crucial
role in guiding them as they raised their family.
There
are many others besides the Bassens. Glenn "
Chico
" Resch, born in
Moose Jaw
,
Sask.
, was a popular goaltender with the New York Islanders. At
one time he was the oldest player in the NHL. Later he
became a coach.
Resch
puts it this way: "HMI has been my primary church
during these last 20 years as I've moved from player to
coach to broadcaster in the NHL. HMI's presence has been the
only spiritual constant in my life. I know I join with
thousands of others who have been touched and ministered
to" by HMI.
According
to retired goalie Bob Froese, organizations like HMI are a
"beacon" within the world of professional hockey.
Froese's hockey career took him from the nets to the coach's
corner and has led him into full-time ministry. He has been
a pastor in
New York
for the past four years.
At
age 75, hockey legend Howie Meeker continues to instruct and
inspire young players. He knows hockey camps well, because
he operated his own for several years. Meeker describes the
HMI camps as a "top rated, great program that's much
needed in the hockey world." He explains that the game
of hockey often emphasizes speed, skill and aggression more
than fun and the quality of the people and professionals
involved.
When
Don Liesemer felt called to begin his hockey ministry 24
years ago, he had no idea that HMI would grow to include
youth camps, clinics, breakfasts, chapels, pro conferences,
videos, literature, discipleship and counseling. Thanks to
the HMI web site at www.hockeyministries.org,
its videos and literature now have a worldwide reach.
HMI
has successfully initiated chapel programs in nine leagues
in North America and a recent expansion into
Europe
. In the
Czech
Republic
, Liesemer's daughter Christy has been instrumental in both
the summer hockey camp and a new project involving
missionary outreach to young players.
For
the past 14 years HMI has also conducted a Christian
conference for pro players, coaches and their families. HMI
also hosts an annual Christian Athletes All-Star Breakfast
during the NHL All-Star series.
For
the future, HMI leaders intend to promote the establishment
of hockey missionaries. As an organization, HMI aims to
connect local churches across
Canada
with tools and training strategies that would enable them to
reach the hockey community in their own areas.
HMI's
mission is to reach hockey players and fans for Christ and
to serve the hockey community by providing counseling,
positive role models and support to families as they make
decisions about their children.
Critics
might fault HMI for its uncritical acceptance of the way
hockey is currently played, for assuming there is little or
no conflict of interest between following Christ and playing
in a physically aggressive style. But the life-change
experienced by Stu Grimson and others testifies that God is
working through HMI.
Stu
Grimson came into a relationship with Christ 13 years ago as
a result of a publication produced by HMI, he says. His
faith has since received so much support from HMI that he
refers to himself as a "product of HMI." He has
since served as an HMI instructor. He continues trying to
fight the good fight of his faith while playing the game in
the traditional, hard-hitting style, both to the very best
of his ability. His enthusiastic and competitive style has
not lost its intensity.
Like
an increasing number of other Christian players, he gets his
"edge" on and off the ice from an unexpected
source: his faith.
