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Jonathan Toews was provided one last opportunity to shine under the lights in Chicago to wrap up the nearly two decades he spent as the Centre for the Blackhawks. The ceremony at the end of the game was something even the Flyers waited around to see. The short tribute video was a fitting end to an otherwise remarkable career.
Toews was a staple of the offense for nearly two decades. The Blackhawks drafted him third overall in 2006. He was tough as nails. Even after diagnosed with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome he played in more than his low of 47 games in the 2012-13 season.
The Canadian born player represented his home country in the Olympics. He won seven gold medals in hockey to go along with a single silver one.
He was skilled and blessed
Toews was gliding across the ice under the lights of the United Center in Chicago during his prime, and throughout the best of times. He was skilled and blessed enough to hoist the Stanley Cup a stunning three times.
There was one last goal from Toews to resonate with the fans.
Then there are the not-so-fitting parts. The losing final score. He had a chance to close out the game in overtime in a breakaway one-on-one effort against the goalie, but instead it resulted in a near miss.
That pales in comparison to the fact that he was forced out of Chicago before he had a chance to decide if he wanted to play another season.
So there’s nothing left to decide. The Blackhawks’ staff at the United Center showed us the final reel and shined a spotlight on him. The team’s determined GM has declared Toews won’t play another season in Chicago. It’s over.
Toews could be heard during the ovation telling his teammate “I’m not worthy of this” but nothing could be further from the truth. After what he did for the city of Chicago, he’s worthy of at least that.
