I still love the preparation of the game. I think that actually helps you heal faster, still being around it; it keeps you motivated. It keeps you engaged, and I want to be around my teammates.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Anytime you play a team sport, the success of the team really makes everything better. It's nice.
There is still so much room for me to get better. Everyone in this sport evolves so quickly. You could take six months off and come back to a totally different game. That's why I'm always in the gym working. Even if I don't have a fight lined up, I'm still in there working to improve my overall game.
I try to encourage all my teammates, and I sure hope that some day all athletes - my kids, high school kids - get the same level of care I get. Because you can play for a long period of time without having knee replacements, without having all the major head trauma that people are dealing with.
It's important that I'm always playing fresh and that I'm ready to go rather than just playing because I feel like I have to.
The main thing is, wherever I play, I enjoy it and help the team.
I just love playing so much, competing so much. You're able to put your losses behind you. One of the greatest attributes a decathlete can have is the ability to forget... to look ahead, not behind.
I am happy to have played a match and break the rhythm of daily training.
Regardless of who you are, what sport you chose, or how much success you achieved, playing the game is all about getting you ready for life.
I still love playing the game, and it's amazing we can do this as a so-called 'job,' and it's amazing we can come to the rink every day and play the game we love.
It's important to just kind of get away from your sport until you miss it. It's about taking time to enjoy other aspects of life or learn new things. It helps rejuvenate.