It really is hard to believe that Dan Snyder has been gone for six years. Yet that memory still resonates in hockey circles. Why? We know how speed kills and we know how reckless driving kills. This was not a case of drunk driving like Rob Ramage. Simply it was a case of young players with fast cars who do not know how to drive them. Tragically it cut a life short and forever haunted another. First a short tribute video to Mr. Snyder.
Rest In Peace….
I have made my thoughts clear on what they should do to Dany Heatley or should have done. Clearly however, nothing will bring Dan Snyder back but we want people to at least remember Snyder in life and not so much in death. Last night I realized that we probably have dwelt on the latter way much than the former. Maybe it is time to just let the latter go for a bit.
It is not a secret how mad I get about a player like Heatley who has been fortunate enough to get more second chances than most ever get in this system of things. Yet he continues to squander them. Maybe today will serve a reminder to him of how far he has to go as a person because the person that he took away from this world was so full of life.
Anyone who knew Dan Snyder realized just how special he was off the ice. A hard worker always but a friend first. I met Snyder at a Devils-Thrashers game in 2003 and was amazed at how fortunate and happy he was just to be in the NHL. I did not ask for an autograph but just talking to him for a whole 90 seconds felt like a 3 hour conversation that left me amazed.
He was so full of life and yes the hands were going like an Italian. Yes I know Snyder is not Italian but you would never know it. There was a happiness and passion that you see in hockey athletes more so than most other sports. To then watch him get taken away months later hit a little close to home.
Since then I have lost many loved ones along the way but there is one thing I took from that conversation and it still rings true. “Always remember the ones who truly love you…they will never forget you.” Truer words were never more eloquently spoken Daniel and no we will never forget.
