There’s an old man who skates every day on weary ankles. His veteran body, having weathered so many seasons of injury and illness, is a living history book—every ache and every scar tells a story. From youth hockey in Rhode Island to prep school puck at Avon Old Farms to Juniors in New Hampshire and, finally, to college at Wesleyan, the old man has successfully practiced his craft throughout New England over the course of two and a half decades. And all through those years, ever since he was a mite (sometime in the mid-80s, I presume), there has been one constant, ageless feature of the old man’s game: his enjoyment. Every time his skates touch the ice the years seem to fade away and the pleasure of playing ice hockey—the sheer enjoyment of the game—wills away the aches and illnesses du jour. For three memorable seasons I’ve played with the “old man” of the men’s ice hockey team: Christopher Gatemen.
I’m sure many of you know Chris, love him, and are wondering why I’m writing this wespeak about him and why am I calling him an “old man.” Well, to answer the second question first, Chris is 24-years old (25 in April) and in hockey years (especially collegiate hockey years) that’s pretty much knockin’ on heaven’s door.
As to why I’m writing this wespeak, well, the kid deserves it. In the three years I have been at Wesleyan and played for the ice hockey team, I have yet to meet a more admirable or better-natured person than Gates. I’m talking about a kid who will do just about anything for his team and for his friends. He is a dedicated teammate, an inspiring captain and a great friend.
Unfortunately this weekend will be the last time I ever get to play with Chris for Wesleyan. Despite a valiant effort to clinch a playoff berth, our team fell short by mere points and our season will end on Saturday. This means that for Chris, the team’s lone senior, Saturday marks not only the end of the season but the end of his Wesleyan (and competitive hockey) career.
I cannot imagine the feeling to know that the sport to which you’ve dedicated over two decades of your life, the sport that was always there for you and always provided the perfect medicine for all of life’s troubles and pains will all be gone in a matter of days. Sure, there’ll be senior leagues and beer leagues and such, but the competitive strife on which you thrived for most of your life ends on Saturday. That’s probably what you’ll miss the most. I know that when I asked you “What will you miss the most, Gates?” you jokingly replied, “Not you.” Well, I understand why you are, in all likelihood, not going to miss me undressing and dressing right next to you the most. You’re probably going to miss the competition the most…then me second…then shower time with Bins and Peaches and so on.
Well, Gates, I’m not sure what to say to you but “thanks.” On behalf of all the guys from this year, the past four years, and probably every guy that’s ever had the pleasure of playing with you “Thanks.” Thanks for being the teammate and friend you are and always will be. Number two on the ice, number one in our hearts!
So ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…please come out this Friday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. to the newly re-furbished Spurrier-Snyder Arena attached to the Freeman Athletic Center and help us write the final glorious chapter in the hockey history of Chris Gateman by giving him the send off he deserves. Thanks.
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