Jaroslav Modry: A Tower of Strength (NHL)

[rinkrat]

Flyers defenseman Jaroslav Modry is a gentleman in every sense of the word.

I suppose that’s what made the news of his father’s passing all the more saddening. The 13-season veteran was all over the ice last night for Philly, just one day after his dad succumbed to cancer. He played with passion. He showed a tremendous amount of guts and he played a vital role in that 4-3 double overtime victory over the Caps that put the Flyers on the brink of winning their first playoff series in four seasons.

Modry saw 37 shifts last night and totaled 23:55 of playing time. He also notched his first point in the Stanley Cup playoffs (a first-period assist) since the 2000-01 season when he played for the Los Angeles Kings. Sure, there are many story lines to choose from in an overtime thriller, but my eyes were fixated on Jaroslav every time he stepped on the ice; how could they not. It took a very strong individual to do what Modry accomplished last night on the heals of family tragedy.

I can still remember speaking with Modry after he had been nominated for the Masterton Award last month. At the time, he didn’t even realize he was up for the honor and we had a good laugh over the fact he actually looks like the lead singer of his favorite group, Dire Straits.

``Hey Jaroslav, did anyone ever say you look like singer David Knopfler?,’’ I asked him.

``No, actually, no one has ever said that,’’ he jested.


NHL | Blogs

[\_==o IxxI]

I hope the LGK community takes back every negative thought they ever had about Jaroslav, myself included. I wish him the best.

[ChilledAgua]

Nice story...

He has always been a class act; Lynne and I first spoke to him at FF back before the lockout (he was with Tomas Vlasak) in the MGMGrand, and he was extremely personable.

Our condolences go out to him, and his family.

[KingsFan19]

Originally Posted by _==o IxxI

I hope the LGK community takes back every negative thought they ever had about Jaroslav, myself included. I wish him the best.

This situation is very saddening. No matter how prepared you think you are for the death of a parent, you are never as prepared as you think you are.

I think given the circumstances surrounding Modry this year, he is a great inspiration and a great Masterton nominee. I hope he wins the award and gets a Stanley Cup this year.

[taz42]

Originally Posted by KingsFan19

This situation is very saddening. No matter how prepared you think you are for the death of a parent, you are never as prepared as you think you are.

I think given the circumstances surrounding Modry this year, he is a great inspiration and a great Masterton nominee. I hope he wins the award and gets a Stanley Cup this year.

Agree with that. Went thru the dreading and preparing. As you said, it's still a shock and hard to deal with.
Modry deserves all the respect he can get now.

Might also add our own LGK hero. X-Wing went thru much the same thing and never, ever complained; just kept up with the happy,hopeful sounds.
He's found his well earned peace and happiness and I'm sure Mo will also.