Thought it warranted a fresh thread. Powerful article by Dan Robson in the Athletic about the past, present and future of Akim Aliu:
Quote:
“When I’m on the ice, it’s the only time I’m at peace,” he says. “That’s my sanctuary. That’s my happy place.”
But for all the peace the game has given him, it’s tormented him plenty, too. It’s a relationship filled with ups and downs — from a kid who viewed ice time as a way to find acceptance in a new community, to a young man who was shaken violently from the comfort zone he’d built at the rink, to now: the somewhat reluctant heart of a movement that could change the game forever.
At 30 years old, Aliu is the most famous man in hockey still trying to prove that he can play. He doesn’t have millions of dollars or kids clamouring for his autograph. He won’t make the Hall of Fame. But he’s arguably done more to change the culture of the game than any other player in his generation.
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https://theathletic.com/1477996/2019...ange-the-game/