Slap Shot Jesus

I really dig it when reporters explore religion in sports, not only because it usually produces a provocative reaction but because it can provide valuable insight to an athlete's motivations, personality and integrity (or hypocrisy, depending on the scandal). Looking back at when I interviewed Brian Pothier of the Capitals for a feature story last season, I regret not exploring his spiritual side: He is, or at least was, involved with a sports ministry called Champions for Christ, started by former Bruins sieve John Blue.

Today, Joanne C. Gerstner of The Detroit News has an interesting look at religion in the NHL, using the Red Wings as a case study. Pavel Datsyuk, for example, has a small religious shrine in his locker. But the interesting news come from Newark's unofficial crime czar, Barry Melrose, regarding hockey's private nature and one of the most feared brawlers in recent memory who's actually a Jesus freak:

"One of the most religious guys you could ever meet was Stu Grimson," Melrose said of the former feared enforcer, who played for the Wings and six other teams. "He didn't run around telling people about it, but he's one of the deepest Christians you can meet. The thing is, hockey's tradition is all about maintaining your privacy. Guys don't go around talking about religion, or a fight they had with their wife, in the locker room. It's like a zone that you respect that way.

"So I just don't think hockey's made it so a guy like Reggie White or a (Jon) Kitna would just show up declaring their love for Christ. But maybe that's why hockey doesn't get the attention like other sports. Maybe we are too private about everything."

H/T to George James Malik and his Snapshots blog.