Jeremy Roenick breaks down into tears as he thanks a Chicago Blackhawks teammate for saving his life
Jeremy Roenick shared an emotional story during his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
He recounted a time in his career when he was desperate, sad, and on a bender. Former Blackhawk defenseman, and GM of the San Jose Sharks at the time literally saved Jeremy Roenick's life and career.
With what sounded like a case of debilitating alcoholism, Wilson took Roenick into the San Jose Sharks organization on the condition that he give up alcohol, and sign for a league minimum deal.
"And then my angel called," he said of Wilson, who would offer the star a minimum-salary job with a sobriety stipulation. The job would allow Roenick to score his 500th goal and regain his foothold in his personal life.
"I would not be up here - and I don't mean 'up here' - if it wasn't for you. You truly saved my life."
After the emotions subsided from his speech, he would go on to state how much he loved playing the game of hockey.
Wilson is a true friend and stuck out his neck for Roenick. An action that has paid off tenfold.
Just two days ago, 17 years ago on November 17th, 2007, he scored his 500th goal of his career with the Sharks.
He was able to celebrate not only that goal, but the culmination of his life's works in Toronto.
Roenick ended his career with a total of 1,216 points( 513 G, 703 A) and played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
| POLL | ||
Did you ever have a friend who stuck out their neck for you in life, like Doug Wilson did for Jeremy Roenick? | ||
| Yes | 67 | 58.8 % |
| No | 47 | 41.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
