Unselfish Players Reward

UNSELFISH PLAYERS REWARD their teams and teammates by putting others first. In 1999, Detroit Red Wings center Steve Yzerman achieved a personal goal while attempting to unselfishly assist another.

The Red Wings entertained the Edmonton Oilers at the Joe Louis Arena. On a power play opportunity midway through a scoreless first period, Yzerman won a face-off to the right of Oilers goalie Tommy Salo. He circled and took several purposeful strides behind the goal line. The Red Wings captain then headed toward the net, searching for a teammate with a better shooting angle.

The 34-year-old center spotted Slava Kozlov cutting toward the crease and flipped the puck toward him. But instead of hitting Kozlov’s stick, it struck Salo’s glove, bounced off the goalie’s left skate, and scooted into the net, putting the Red Wings in front 1–0.

Stunned by the unusual goal, the 19,983 fans sat silent for a moment before standing in thunderous applause. Teammates rushed to Yzerman’s side. After fist-bumping his friends, Yzerman stood in the bench area, punched his right arm into the air, and raised his stick to those in attendance. With his goal, Yzerman became the 11th player in National Hockey League history to record 600 goals and only the fifth to total both 600 goals and 900 assists.

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POINT How ironic that a player with more assists than goals found the back of the net his 600th time while attempting to make a pass. Yzerman’s unselfish play not only benefited the Detroit Red Wings, but gave him personal gain as well.

Everyone enjoys playing on a team with selfless teammates. Games become easier for everyone, and often the squad’s record shows the generous attitude. But not everyone enjoys being a team player. Some athletes think only of themselves and try to be the star.

But that’s not what Jesus wants us to do in athletics or in life. We should follow his example. Christ came to earth with all the power in the universe, yet he served others—even giving his life for us.

GOAL! Watch a game in person or on television. Look especially for unselfish players. Notice the selfish ones too. Which athletes help the team most? Ask God to help you serve your teammates.