NASHVILLE – Hockey was still hockey.
When the puck dropped, defenseman Zbynek Michalek wanted to do his best and help his team.
That didn’t change.
What was different, though, was the backdrop.
On the heels of 11 consecutive seasons in the NHL, Michalek was starring in the minors with the Tucson Roadrunners after getting trimmed from the Coyotes’ roster as a veteran late in his career.
He missed the fans, crowded buildings and the ability to compete at the sport’s highest level until, eventually, he didn’t have to miss them anymore.
“I couldn’t be any happier, and I just want to enjoy it,” he said.