Some nights, I was so good that I could have become an egotist.

I watch a lot of hockey. There are some good hockey players and there are some awfully stupid hockey players.

I had the idea that I should beat up every player I tangled with and nothing ever convinced me it wasn't a good idea.

Through the years, I have so many wonderful memories of playing with the Red Wings: winning four Stanley Cups, scoring big goals, going into battle every night side by side with my teammates, playing with every ounce of effort I could muster.

I shall give you hunger, and pain, and sleepless nights. Also beauty, and satisfactions known to few, and glimpses of the heavenly life. None of these you shall have continually, and of their coming and going you shall not be foretold.

But a funny thing happened four years later. I was invited to play for an alumni team against the Red Wings.