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.
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.
I found this bit interesting. Who knows if he ever would have become a great player with all else aside, but if he could become an ambassor or advocate of sorts for raising awareness of prejudice in hockey culture, he could well end up becoming an iconic figure in the history of the sport. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out, hopefully for the betterment of traditionally marginalized minorities.
The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to mrdonkey For This Useful Post:
I found this bit interesting. Who knows if he ever would have become a great player with all else aside, but if he could become an ambassor or advocate of sorts for raising awareness of prejudice in hockey culture, he could well end up becoming an iconic figure in the history of the sport. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out, hopefully for the betterment of traditionally marginalized minorities.
I agree — you can tell from the article that he’s still just a guy that wants to be a pro/NHL hockey player. It seems unlikely that will happen at this point in his life and career, but the Plan B that this is starting to evolve into — something that he probably never envisioned — may end up being much more impactful.
The Following User Says Thank You to tvp2003 For This Useful Post:
I found this bit interesting. Who knows if he ever would have become a great player with all else aside, but if he could become an ambassor or advocate of sorts for raising awareness of prejudice in hockey culture, he could well end up becoming an iconic figure in the history of the sport. It'll be interesting to see how this all shakes out, hopefully for the betterment of traditionally marginalized minorities.
When he joined the Flames i was genuinely excited. I thought he was exactly the big fast sand paper player we needed. He looked good in the late season game or two he played. I’m a sucker for reclamation projects.
I looked at the Windsor Spit Fires roster for 2005-06 and Bickell was the only guy that went on to play.
Yikes.
EDIT: Nope Steve Downie ... I over looked him because he only played one game that year for Windsor ... way at the bottom of the list. Relieved, after the Bickell good feel story a few years ago.
When he joined the Flames i was genuinely excited. I thought he was exactly the big fast sand paper player we needed. He looked good in the late season game or two he played. I’m a sucker for reclamation projects.
Yeah same. The guy was rough around the edges, but had some skill and grit.
It's easy for some people to say he wasn't good enough in the end, but who knows how good he could have been if he didn't have to deal with the racism.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
The Following User Says Thank You to FlamesAddiction For This Useful Post:
Yeah same. The guy was rough around the edges, but had some skill and grit.
It's easy for some people to say he wasn't good enough in the end, but who knows how good he could have been if he didn't have to deal with the racism.
I was thinking about that this morning after reading the article. Aliu had potential but perhaps didn't have the best attitude (or at least was perceived that way) based on all of his prior experiences. Had there been more awareness/acceptance at the time, I wonder if Aliu might have been viewed differently and/or gotten a better chance at sticking with the Flames (or any other NHL team for that matter).
I think regardless of fandom, personal history, biases, etc - one thing that everyone in the universe can agree on, Steve Downie is a piece of garbage
Probably, but I seem to remember Downie's father died when he was a young boy, and he was also deaf in one ear. Everybody has their own battles. Hopefully he's changed since he was a teenager. I know I have.
Good on Aliu for bringing these issues to light. Hopefully it leads to some changes.
Akim Aliu - Dreams and Nightmares (Athletic)
