Here is the NEW biography of Ruslan Fedotenko!  If you would like a copy of the old bio, please click here.  Same rules apply, this biography does not contain facts and dates, but it describes why I like Rusty, and again, why you should too!

RESPECT

There are a lot of good things I could say about John McEnroe, world- famous tennis star.  His techniques and form were equally good, he put on a good show, and his strokes were consistantly strong .  But the reason why I absolutely HATE John McEnroe, beyond all athletes in the world, is because he couldn't earn an OUNCE of my respect, even if he tried.  His attitude, gross over-reactions, and nasty personality not only shadow his great talent, they also make him remembered in history for all the wrong reasons. There are quite a few hockey players that could be placed in a John McEnroe (not QUITE as awful, though) category, but they will never be entitled to the fame that Rusty and a few others will have.  These John McEnroes of the world will be or were remembered for their revolting attitudes and lack of reverence.  Who would EVER want to be remembered for reasons like that?

This now, leads me to the main topic of this season's Ruslan Fedotenko Biography.  RESPECT. 

There are many athletes in the world that will be remembered thoughout all time for their grace, sportsmanship, humility, and courage.  Ruslan Fedotenko is one of those players, who in my opinion, will forever be remembered for that. 

So many NHLers have or had great talents.  Wayne Gretzky, Phil Esposito, Martin Brodeur, and Bob Clarke...to name a few.  How many NHLers, though, have personalities that not only eccentuate, but are equal in value to their stunning skills?  Very few. But Rusty, our favorite Tampa bolt, just happens to be one of those players.  Imagine being remembered for the difference you made in many peoples' lives, instead of for your nasty temper or attitude alone.  Imagine being remembered for the skills and sportsmanship, rather than the sourness and sarcasm.  In my mind, Rusty is already in the category of stunning skills with an even more dazzling personality.  He's not even past his twenties. 

My hope for this season, beyond all Stanley Cup dreams, is that fans will see the players for their attitudes and spirit, not just for their skills and looks. I would hope that fans are inspired by their team, not only inspired to root for them more, but also inspired to be humble and just, like Rusty and a few others.  NHL players have a great responsibility to their team and their fans.  They are supposed to #1 do their best and work hard, and #2, although usually a responsibility that is over-looked, they are supposed to set a good example for their fans because of their status in the community.  Rusty lives out both responsibilities, and lives them well. 

Personality is more important than power, skills, and position.  When a hockey player retires, he may not have the skills, power, and position he had once.  But one thing he will never lose is his personality and the reputation that proceeds him.  Ruslan will also retire with a reputation far better than most players.  His positive thinking and drive to do better has not gone unnoticed, and I doubt it ever will. Quite a few media persons in both Philadelphia and Tampa Bay have picked up on his unique and striving character, especially during the season when his career was thrown for a loop with the Flyers-Lightning trade.  He had many options at that point.  #1- he could have given up and played poorly, #2 he could have bashed his new team (and his old one) in the media with pessimistic hopes, or #3 he could have gracefully accepted change and acted with optimism and confidence.  He chose option #3, and not only surprised the already startled media, but also made me and his other fans even more proud to call him our role model.  He acted not only with dignity, but in my opinion, heroically.  A famous woman once said that "we are all the heroes of our own story," but some more than others, I believe.

So, this season, whether Rusty does poorly or strongly, whether Tampa wins the cup or not, I will still almost undoubtedly be extremely content. Just watching Ruslan and the way he handles himself (on and off the ice,) is an honor, and if I can help even just one other person see his amazing inspirational qualities, then I will be quite pleased.   

Good luck Rusty, we're rooting for ya!