Eklund's Note: I was talking to Jeremy Roenick tonight and I could feel
"it." If it possible for determination and passion to bleed through a
phone line it was pouring through tonight as JR talked of just how much he
wants to play hockey this year and prove everyone wrong. This is a man
on fire. We have seen him play with concussions, broken bones, and
play double overtime playoff games when most players would not have
gotten out of bed. Last year was not JR's year, but I sure wouldn't
bet against him next year. He sounds like a kid on Christmas Eve to
me. It is unbelievably refreshing. He can't wait to get started. He
wants to play at his highest levels again. He wants to do so in a city
that breathes hockey night and day. The more we talked the more I
wanted all hockey fans, and players for that matter to hear this
passion directly. So I told JR that I didn't want to do an interview.
I wanted him to write a letter to all of hockey and share that energy,
and let you in on that pure passion and determination...I will simply
say that some team is going to get a steal in JR this year, and I now I
will get out of his way and let him tell you directly....
Hey everyone,
First thanks for taking the time to read my letter. The fans interest
and opinion has always been important to me, whether you like me or
not, it's all good. Sorry for my typing but I'm not the most educated
person in the world as computers go. Eklund asked me to type a quick
note to let you all know how I'm viewing free agency this year.
As in past years the excitement is immense however for different
reasons. As many of you know my season last year was truly
embarrassing and one that I need to put in the past. There were reasons
for it but that shit is not important and I hate excuses. I truly
believe, scratch that, I KNOW I can still dominate this game and play a
very physical brand of hockey that the fans enjoy to watch. The kind of
game they are accustomed to watching me play for the last 18 years.
Yes, I know it has been that long but I'm not old and have a lot of
gas left in the tank.
Anyway, it's very important that I get back to that, so this summer
I've rededicated myself to being in the best shape of my life. I'm in
LA working out with the trainer guru TR. he trains many players but
he's committed to kicking the shit out of me to get that drive back.
Boy it has been there. I'm in the gym at 5:30 every morning six days a
week. Double sessions three days a week.
I had a meeting with the Kings newGM Dean Lombardi earlier this
summer. Dean is a good friend who I've known for years and he put my in
my place and made me realize that I haven't been dedicated to the game
of hockey the way I should be. Too worried aboutTV appearances,
interviews etc. Not about being the best. That is very hard for a pro
athlete to hear, but believe me I needed it and my doors were blown off
by our meetings. Enough about that.
This weekend is going to be fun because it's a new chance to find a
team that I have a shot to win a cup with and also prove to all the
people who have thrown me to the wolves. and see me as washed up, that
I can I still play this game.This is my chance to make then all eat
their f....... words.
That is huge for me because I am a proud person and have had a great
career and I think it sucks that people jump ship so quickly. I will
have the last laugh or word on that subject, I know that doesn't
surprise you...( yes I do have a big mouth. ) but I also do love people
and I personally wouldn't do that to anyone.
It has always been in the back of my mind to play for a Canadian city,
and really see what it would be like to be around true hockey loyalty.
People who live and breath hockey as Canadians do, I've always
respected that. I don't know if it will be this year but I do have a
couple teams high on my wish list for that to happen. I'm hoping there
is interest by these teams in mind, cause as you know, they have to
want ME as well.
As far as salary goes and what I'm looking for...I think it's very
important that I prove to myself and everyone else that I can demand
the high salaries that can still be made. So this year my contract will
be modest so to speak but I would like to have bonuses that I can earn
more money based on my production. I think that's a win/win situation.
Who knows? I just know that I've wondered if this was time to retire,
but since this new birth of motivation and dedication to myself and to
the game, I now know it's not.
However, if I work this hard all summer prepare myself the best way I
can and I still fail then I know it's time to go with no regrets. But
until then whether it's in Canada or the States my goal is to give back
to my fans the player that once was and still is the best Jeremy
Roenick has. I think I owe that to myself, my fans,my team and to the
game of hockey. I pray it works out the way I envision it, but if it
doesn't, I know I've had a good run. But I'm not afraid of trying, I
embracethe challenge.Thanks for the time, I know I'm long winded, but
I do care. It's going to be a blast trying to get that cup and a thrill
if I can show all my nay sayers which one of my fingers is the longest.
I wish I could tell youthe teams I'm interested in but that wouldn't
be politically correct. Wait, did I just say that? See I have changed
already, ha ha.
LOVE THE GAME
JR
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