Some things are bigger than hockey. Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Matt Murray proved this prior to Thursday night's game against the Vancouver Canucks when he skated out to centre ice to share his condolences with Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom and offer his support for the rival backstop following the loss of his father recently. Class act, through and through.
This may seem like just a small on-ice gesture, but the display of, not only good sportsmanship, but of overall good human decency is absolutely heartwarming. Whether you're a Pens fan, a Canucks fan, or even just a casual hockey fan who just happened to catch the 9 second clip on the highlights, Murray's gesture to Markstrom has to hit you right in the feels.
Matt Murray had lost his father in January of 2018 and as a result, had taken a personal leave from the team, just as Markstrom had recently done. This is just a case of two men who share the same pain, coming together to pay their respects to one another and showing what support within the hockey community is really all about.
I think amid all of talk of "abuse culture", this story should get some recognition for being what hockey is really about. Bonding through the game we all love.
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