A player’s contributions to his team and to the community are two vastly different things. On the ice, no goal goes unnoticed; no giveaways are swept under the rug. Fans, columnists and broadcasters analyze every play, and if you missed the game last night, it’s not at all difficult to get filled in on the studs and duds.
Outside of the rink, many times the important role a great deal of professional athletes choose to play in their city becomes second fiddle to the game and frequently goes unnoticed. But seldom does it go unappreciated.
At both ends of the spectrum, Matt Carkner flourished during his time with the Ottawa Senators.