As much we admire athletes for their physical prowess, we can’t help but appreciate them for their heart and character. For the Vancouver Canucks, one of the prime examples of this was the Sedin twins, who were not only known for their remarkable on-ice talent but also for their exemplary off-ice conduct. Throughout their illustrious careers, the Sedins have touched the lives of many people, and one of them is none other than John McDonough, who credits the Swedish brothers for his personal and professional growth. In this article, we will explore how the Sedins helped McDonough become the successful executive he is today, and how their kindness and humility influenced his life in many ways.
Aidan McDonough, the latest addition to the Vancouver Canucks, has been preparing for his debut in the NHL. So far, he has only practiced with the team during their morning skates, where he has had one-on-one time with Abbotsford Canucks’ skill coach Yogi Švejkovský and Hall-of-Famer Daniel Sedin. During these skates, McDonough has been working on protecting the puck along the boards and using quick changes of direction to create space to drive towards the middle of the ice. These are essential skills for McDonough, who is not particularly fast on his feet, but has an excellent shot.
McDonough has also been learning more about puck protection and creating time and space for himself with the help of former players like the Sedins. Throughout his season at Northeastern University, the Sedins have been helping McDonough by sending him clips that break down his game and texting him after games with breakdowns of the smallest details. McDonough values their support and their help in convincing him to stay with the Canucks instead of becoming a free agent.
Although he has raved about the transition from college hockey to the pros, McDonough is still getting used to certain aspects of professional hockey. For example, he has only two suits and three shirts, and he spilled on one of his shirts, so he had nothing to wear for the daily suit requirement. However, McDonough remains optimistic and grateful for the chance to play in the NHL alongside his Canucks’ teammates. Everyone is bigger, faster, and stronger, and it’s a great opportunity to learn from skilled players like Daniel Sedin and Garland. McDonough’s parents will hopefully be flying out soon to see him make his debut, as they have not missed any of his games at Northeastern University.
In the end, it’s clear that the Sedins were not only exceptional players on the ice, but also exceptional human beings off it. Their kindness, humility, and willingness to help others shone through in every interaction they had. And for young players like Ryan McDonough, who had the privilege of learning from them, their impact was immeasurable. As McDonough said himself, “they’re the nicest guys you could ever meet.” It’s a testament to the Sedins’ character that they were not only beloved by Canucks fans but respected and admired throughout the league. As they retire from the NHL, they leave behind a legacy of excellence and kindness, and their influence will be felt for years to come.
