LBS Top Commenter SpinMax always likes to say that hockey players are the toughest athletes around. After reading about what happened to Panthers defenseman Bryan McCabe, I might have to agree.
McCabe took the ice against the Devils Saturday with a broken pinkie, and then a puck hit him in the face during the first period. He missed one shift to be examined, then returned for the rest of the period. At the first intermission, X-rays revealed he had a fracture in his jaw, but the team captain continued to play despite the injury. That’s some serious balls.
McCabe played the rest of the game with a mask that covered his face, logging 21 shifts and over 16 minutes of ice time. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, which brought my attention to the story, points out how much respect McCabe gained for his courageous act. “He is our captain, our general. It speaks volume about not only his pain tolerance but his competitive desire,” goalie Scott Clemmensen said.
The good news is McCabe’s efforts were worth the trouble; the Panthers won in overtime 3-2. Florida isn’t anywhere near a Stanley Cup contender, but you wouldn’t know it by McCabe’s play. That type of heart and desire must be commended, especially after learning he’ll miss two weeks after undergoing surgery Sunday. Now that’s toughness.
