Love this.
https://theathletic.com/1350951/2019/11 ... ed-articleQuote:
As a young hockey player growing up in Czechoslovakia and later in Slovakia, Zdeno Chara was hazed and bullied. Acts occurred that he does not want to discuss in detail, but he decided then that he would never treat anyone in a similar fashion — ever.
That’s one reason Bruins newcomer Cameron Hughes did not skate a lap or two on his own at the start of the pregame warmup Monday night, something that has become a rookie ritual on many teams in the NHL. Not in Boston. As funny, juvenile or harmless as it may seem, Chara believes it’s unnecessary.
“I’ve been through some stuff and had to do certain things as a young player, and I didn’t like it,” Chara told The Athletic. “Right then I made up my mind if I was ever in control of that kind of environment and could make a change, I would do it.”
Regardless of age, accomplishments, status or titles, Chara believes in the one-team mentality. The 42-year-old Bruins captain, Stanley Cup winner and future Hall of Famer respectfully describes newcomers as “first-year players.”
“I don’t use the word ‘rookie’ because it just doesn’t sound right,” Chara said. “Little things go a long way and make a big difference for these young men who are trying to stay and establish themselves in the league. If we can help them out in any way, then that’s great.”
Public incidents of hazing have declined across the major sports in recent years, as the culture at large has begun to shift its feelings on the uglier forms of the practice. But in most quarters, the “harmless” types of hazing like the solo skate still persist. The reality is, however, sending a newcomer onto the ice by himself doesn’t help the nerves he’s already dealing with when making his NHL debut before family, friends and thousands of strangers. Chara believes younger players appreciate the professional culture in Boston.
“How can you expect something out of a young player on the ice when you treat him differently off the ice?” Chara said. “I believe in certain acts or behaviors, and it’s a standard for me that we’re not going to be using anything against anyone.”