An observation about the Vancouver Canucks, who are dealing with another tragedy just 10 months removed from the passing of former teammate Luc Bourdon.
After practice on Friday, I was expecting to hear plenty of sympathy for forward Taylor Pyatt, who lost his fiancée on Thursday when she died in an automobile accident while on vacation in Jamaica, and that sentiment was expressed several times over. But I was struck by how many players knew Carly Bragnalo, Pyatt's late fiancée, and seemingly knew her well.
When asked about Bragnalo, the players shared details and chose some poignant words – “joyful” and “spirit” for example – to describe her. It certainly sounded like she was fine company, and that the players enjoyed spending time with her and Pyatt.
Ryan Kesler was moved to tears and struggled for words when asked about Bragnalo. Alex Burrows talked about how his girlfriend, Pyatt and Bragnalo would go out socially, and that the ladies had become friends in their own right. When Roberto Luongo was asked if he knew Bragnalo, he quickly replied “of course,” as though not knowing a teammate's spouse or partner would be rare.
The truth about professional sports is that teammates can become blood brothers in the sanctuary of their dressing room, or on the playing surface when they are all pursuing a common goal.
But the myth about professional sports is that all teammates get along at all times, and frequently interact with each other and their families outside the workplace. I've talked to athletes – a prominent CFL player comes to mind – who want nothing more than to escape their teammates during an off day, or once the season is over, because professional athletes spend an inordinate amount of time together (games, practices, meals and travel).
The Canucks have long said that they are tight-knit group that genuinely cares for each other. And after witnessing the long faces and hearing the somber voices at GM Place today, I don't doubt that for a second.
