Jaroslav Modry: A Tower of Strength

Friday April 18, 2008 @ 08:24 AM EDT

Flyers defenseman Jaroslav Modry is a gentleman in every sense of the word.

I suppose that’s what made the news of his father’s passing all the more saddening. The 13-season veteran was all over the ice last night for Philly, just one day after his dad succumbed to cancer. He played with passion. He showed a tremendous amount of guts and he played a vital role in that 4-3 double overtime victory over the Caps that put the Flyers on the brink of winning their first playoff series in four seasons.

Modry saw 37 shifts last night and totaled 23:55 of playing time. He also notched his first point in the Stanley Cup playoffs (a first-period assist) since the 2000-01 season when he played for the Los Angeles Kings. Sure, there are many story lines to choose from in an overtime thriller, but my eyes were fixated on Jaroslav every time he stepped on the ice; how could they not. It took a very strong individual to do what Modry accomplished last night on the heals of family tragedy.

I can still remember speaking with Modry after he had been nominated for the Masterton Award last month. At the time, he didn’t even realize he was up for the honor and we had a good laugh over the fact he actually looks like the lead singer of his favorite group, Dire Straits.

``Hey Jaroslav, did anyone ever say you look like singer David Knopfler?,’’ I asked him. ``No, actually, no one has ever said that,’’ he jested.

Modry discussed his family life and the important lessons his dad taught him in his hometown of The Czech Republic. He became a role model for his three children and is rightfully regarded as one of the more respected players in the League. At Thursday’s morning skate, I approached Modry, not knowing if he would be up to speaking about the situation. But, he did stop when I began speaking with him. I expressed my condolences and asked him if being with the team was therapeutic in some way.

He expressed how grateful he was to have such a supportive group around him.

``Getting back on the ice definitely gets my mind off of it,’’ Modry told me on Thursday. ``You know, I have too many thoughts racing through my head right now and to have an opportunity to concentrate on something as a team feels good. I need to get away from the sad thoughts.’’

Two months ago, Modry told me a little bit about his father. He told me dad always encouraged him to work hard and become a good citizen because that would take him far in life. I’m sure his dad would be proud of the man he has become. There’s no question his teammates and coaches feel that way.

His assist on Jeff Carter’s goal in last night’s game helped pull the Flyers even, 2-2, late in the first period. But, more than that, he provided some inspiration to his teammates. Prior to the game, the 37-year-old Modry was loosening up with the guys in a little one-touch game of soccer. You know, when a group of friends form a circle and attempt to keep the ball in motion via the use of feet, knees or head.

He was the one skating back to Marty Biron on almost every shift, tapping his goalie on the pads to offer some encouragement. I was surprised to receive several emails from fans expressing their sorrow and sympathy for Modry after I had posted the story on his dad’s passing. ``How can I express my condolences’’ was the tone of almost every email. I suppose just offering a prayer would be the most effective way.

It just goes to show you how much Modry is respected, not only around the League, but throughout the hockey community.

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