With a combined 2089 NHL games over their careers, Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek are not your run-of-the-mill hockey dads. The two former Sabres are currently without NHL contracts, but for now, neither player seems too concerned with locking down a contract. For the pair of wingers, it has become more about being in the moment with their families and enjoying the opportunity to be there day in and day out to watch their sons enjoy the game that they love so much.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old Pominville has begun coaching his son's Junior Sabres team along with fellow former Sabre Matt Ellis and Pommer seems to be enjoying every minute of it.
“I've been able to teach while he coaches, so I'm always trying to talk to the kids after shifts and trying to see what they did well, what they could do better,” Pominville said. “It's been a lot of fun.”
Vanek, 35, is currently involved in the Minnesota youth system with his twins who are about to turn 9 years old and his eldest son who is now 12.
“I remember my mom and dad being at most of my games and that was great,” he said. “I couldn't wait to get in the car and talk to them about it, at least with my dad, who loves the game of hockey. When you can only make so many games in the winter with your own kids and they've got to explain every pass and everything that happens, it's hard.
“It goes by quick. I left home at 14, so that's the thing. I look at my son – not that I think he's going to go anywhere at 14 – but you just never know.”
Despite being heavily involved with their kids' hockey programs, neither Pominville nor Vanek has closed the door on an NHL return this season.
“I'm still working out and skating as much as I can just to keep myself somewhat sharp,” Pominville said from Buffalo. “I don't know if I'm really doing this for a reason, but I still feel like I owe it to myself in case something happens.”
“Hockey is our passion,” Vanek said from Minnesota. “It's mine and I know it's Pommers' too. I'm still skating and staying in shape and if the right thing – and it would absolutely have to be the right thing – would come along, then I would think about it very hard to come back and give it one more shot.”
While we do not know whether either of these two former Sabres will find a home with an NHL club this season, one thing is clear. Their time away from the NHL is not being taken for granted, as they both focus on what is most important. Passing their love of the game on to the next generation.
Source: The Athletic
