Last night's Winnipeg Jets' game was a little bit special. It wasn't because the Jets were able to win the game in a shootout, but because the team and the organization took the time before the game to honour a veteran of World War Two, a season ticket holder and a fixture at most Jets' home games.
During the national anthem at the MTS Centre the fans get loud when they emphasize the True North part of the song. Another tradition tied to the national anthem before the game is to show Len Kopiaski saluting up on the jumbotron scoreboard.
During last night's game they brought him out onto the ice surface. He needed his walker to stand up some of the time, but most of the time he was using one of his hands to prop up his usual salute.
At the end of the song he was again shown on the scoreboard and given a louder than usual round of applause from the appreciative fans.
Last year I actually sat just a few seats over from where he sits. During one of the period breaks a few of the fans came up to him and shook his hand. They even asked for a picture and he was kind enough to oblige them.
Usually at the MTS Centre, the fans are cheering on their sports' heroes. Although that was the case last night, at least for some time the sports' heroes had to share the applause.
It wasn't just for Len Kopiaski, but for all soldiers who have served.
I'll stand for that any time.
cheers
rymr
No comments:
Post a Comment