Written Option 2
Off the ice, a hero leads by example. But leading when things are easy doesn’t make a leader a hero. A hero leads by example even when the example isn’t popular. Sometimes you don’t know someone’s a hero until you reflect years down the line. They stand up for what they know is right, even when they stand alone. They do the little things that others may make fun of them for. They don’t engage in behavior that conflicts with their morals, even when everyone else is doing it. They are steadfast in their values and beliefs, even when the outward pressure is great. When I think of hockey leaders, tons of names come to mind. But when I think of a hockey hero, I think of someone like Brent Sopel. Supporting your values when surrounded by people who don’t align with those values is very difficult, but so important for those who don’t have as loud of a voice.