�Just as in any profession, there are heroes. Some are just more spotlighted than others, most notably the ones in entertainment. Professional sports, is certainly no exception.

Although I can have only heard and seen video playback about the old-time greats of Cy Young, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Steve Largent, and since this is a hockey contration, Maurice Richard, Bobby Orr, and Gordie Howe.

Though I will never truly appreciate their talent, and only see them as black and white images on a screen, or their display in the hall of fame, respect has been earned. For all of these players and other not mentioned (such as coaches) have changed the game in their own way.

Perhaps my all-time favorite hockey player is Paul Coffey. He might not be the person for his position, should one take his title literally (defenseman), but as a personal standpoint, I respect what I cannot do more than what I can.

�In a way it is strage. From my observations in life, in sports, a fan will often mimic his/her favorite player's abilities. Without getting into much details, I don't play like Coffey at all, none whatsoever. (How I can go on and on about playing styles, and even though I can do whatever I please on my own web site, I won't.)

Currently, my favorite player is Steve Yzerman (that's his jersey in the picture above). Same situation, I don't play anything like him. A true fan doesn't need to have merchandise, but there certainly is no shame in having any. I do own a lettered jersey, just like the one shown above. (Of course I look smaller than normal (and I'm small enough as is!) since a friend bought it for me in size Men's Large.) But just the pride in what and who it represents is well worth it.