Tragedy comes, as always, as a surprise. Whenever someone's children predecease their parents, it creates the sense that something is completely askew in our world. It is out of the natural order, it is a fear that finds root in a parent's stomach, it is a reminder to hold dear every moment we have in this plane of existence.
Brendan was not unlike any other 21 year old. He was a senior at University of Miami in Ohio. He was involved not only in the culture at the school but he was also a student manager for the NCAA Div. 1 hockey team. Brendan was also the son of Brian Burke, the GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs and also the US Olympic hockey team.
But these are not the reason Brendan was on my radar. As tragic as his death is, I know him for his bravery.
In November, he announced to the world that he was gay. The amount of support that was generated within the hockey community on all levels was outstanding. Brendan had quit hockey in high school because he was uncomfortable in a homophobic locker room. But while at University of Miami, he found a home. Not only within the community of the school, but in the welcoming arms of the hockey team there. His coming out was supported not only by his family but by the Div. 1 team he helped manage.
As proud as I was for being selected to work a big game last Saturday night, I wish I could have attended the Av's game. They held a moment of silence for Brendan prior to the game and I would have been honored to have had a chance to stand and take part.
Brendan will be remembered for his courage. He started down a path that I am sure many more will follow. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, other players like Brendan will be remembered not for their sexual preference but for the save they just made, the goal they just scored or the penalty they just helped kill off.
Brendan's legacy will live on. His name, his coming out and, unfortunately, his death have inspired conversations with some of my friends in the hockey world. All good conversations, all in support of Brendan at all levels and all admiring his bravery.
Godspeed Brendan Burke. Godspeed.
Brendan was not unlike any other 21 year old. He was a senior at University of Miami in Ohio. He was involved not only in the culture at the school but he was also a student manager for the NCAA Div. 1 hockey team. Brendan was also the son of Brian Burke, the GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs and also the US Olympic hockey team.
But these are not the reason Brendan was on my radar. As tragic as his death is, I know him for his bravery.
In November, he announced to the world that he was gay. The amount of support that was generated within the hockey community on all levels was outstanding. Brendan had quit hockey in high school because he was uncomfortable in a homophobic locker room. But while at University of Miami, he found a home. Not only within the community of the school, but in the welcoming arms of the hockey team there. His coming out was supported not only by his family but by the Div. 1 team he helped manage.
As proud as I was for being selected to work a big game last Saturday night, I wish I could have attended the Av's game. They held a moment of silence for Brendan prior to the game and I would have been honored to have had a chance to stand and take part.
Brendan will be remembered for his courage. He started down a path that I am sure many more will follow. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, other players like Brendan will be remembered not for their sexual preference but for the save they just made, the goal they just scored or the penalty they just helped kill off.
Brendan's legacy will live on. His name, his coming out and, unfortunately, his death have inspired conversations with some of my friends in the hockey world. All good conversations, all in support of Brendan at all levels and all admiring his bravery.
Godspeed Brendan Burke. Godspeed.
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