| "And we know, that in all things, God works for the good of those who have been called according to his purpose."
I talked to my family and my wife about my struggles. They reminded me that in all things, God works for good. I mean, even if I have no points, God is still in control of everything.
When I finally started to grasp that, it kind of took the pressure off, because it had been building to the point where I didn't enjoy playing as much anymore. So I decided that even if I score no more goals for the rest of my career, God is still working for the good of those who love him and seek his purpose."
"In a captain, you're looking for someone with ... the skill-level to back up comments with ruggedness to support his teammates," says Michael Barnett, Phoenix GM and formerly Doan's agent. "I've known him since he was 16. [Doan's] a by-product of a family of character, a family man ... He has developed into a leader (both) on and off the ice. The decision was unanimous."
Barnett's praises of Doan were seconded by his coach, Bobby Francis. "We are proud to name someone with the character of Shane as our new captain," Francis comments. "Shane is a rare and unique player in that he has a high level of skill, along with the utmost respect from his peers, both on and off the ice."
So how does an 18-year-old kid develop into such a "unique player?" Doan would be the first to credit his skill to a God-given ability, combined with plenty of hard work and discipline. His character resulted from the same recipe, but -- according to Doan -- it began with a personal decision to enter into a living relationship with God.
"As a young boy I made a commitment to Jesus Christ, accepting Him into my heart," he explains, "and I have never doubted that personal relationship. It changes how you see yourself."
Young hockey players advancing in the minor ranks also face an increasing pressure to perform. By the time they reach the junior level (for Doan, this meant the WHL's Kamloops Blazers), success is measured by whether or not they make it to the NHL.
"The downside of hockey is that it's a game of mistakes -- all goals are scored because somebody made a mistake," Doan comments. "That's the way it works. It's a depressing thing to have only hockey, because you are guaranteed to make mistakes."
In light of the pressure to succeed, many adopt the mantra, 'Without hockey you are nothing.' However, Doan disagrees whole-heartedly with this philosophy. "Nothing compares to knowing Jesus!" He exclaims. "I didn't feel the same kind of pressure as a lot of the guys (playing in the minor leagues). I knew without a doubt that I was more than just a hockey player."
Doan further comments, "When I thought about not making it (to the NHL), I still had a peace. I had learned early on that my worth was not in hockey."
So, if it's not in hockey, where does Doan find his value and purpose? He answers, "Jesus Christ is the centre piece of my life. He's why I do what I do."
For Doan this translates into making family his ultimate focus. "I am a husband to my wife Andrea, and together we want to be a godly example for our children, Gracie (almost five), and Josh (21 months) -- not just by our words, but by how we treat each other and them. My next priority is to enjoy my kids. I love being their Dad."
After family, then comes hockey, a game he continues to play with joy and passion. In May, Doan was gifted a life-long dream when he was invited to play for Team Canada in the World Hockey Championships. "To play for my country was always more important to me than to play in the NHL," Doan acknowledges. "To get to play with that group of guys this spring -- amazing! And to win gold for Canada was an incredible experience."
Yet whether he's playing for Canada or the NHL, he remains true to God. "My desire is that the fruit of Jesus Christ living in me should be reflected in every part of my life," he says.
Shane Doan has traveled far, both in distance and in character since the initial draft of 1995, yet the journey isn't over. And although he wasn't chosen by the Oilers, years ago, he is delighted that two of his greatest Oiler heroes, Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey, have now joined the Phoenix organization!
No matter what the future holds for this hockey star, he will always play for a heavenly Captain. "The greatest comfort I have as a Christian is knowing I belong to God," Doan expresses. "I am His, and nothing else matters."
by Shannon Cherry, "Living Light News"
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