Elliotte Friedman recalls the important role Jeremy Roenick played in his weight loss journey

By Vignesh Krishnan

Modified Nov 14, 2024 21:59 GMT

Among the Hockey Hall of Fame's latest inductees was former Chicago Blackhawks star Jeremy Roenick. The maverick center who played for 20 seasons in the NHL impressed scores of young hockey fans over the years with his magic on ice.

Roenick also played a big role in the life of noted NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, but not as one would expect. In his "32 Thoughts" column published on Thursday, Friedman opened up about his struggles with weight loss and the pivotal role Roenick played in helping him overcome them.

Years ago, Friedman found himself increasingly dissatisfied with his weight. He cited a lack of time as the main reason for not prioritizing his well-being.

"One note about Jeremy Roenick. Years ago, when I was unhappy with my weight, I complained I wanted to get in better shape, but didn’t have the time," he said.

However, Friedman revealed that it was an important message by Roenick that helped him turn his life around.

"You know when someone grabs you, firmly but powerfully around the elbow, to deliver an important message? He (Roenick) did that, and said, 'If it’s really important to you, you will make time,'" Friedman continued.

Roenick’s words stuck with Friedman and helped him set off on a journey of self-reflection and ultimately, transformation.

Friedman has been vocal over the years about leading a healthy lifestyle and has also actively advocated for autism awareness.

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Jeremy Roenick had a special thank you for ex-Sharks GM at HHoF acceptance speech - "Saved my life"

Jeremy Roenick is often regarded as the greatest American player of his generation. However, his battle with alcoholism and depression had brought his hockey career to a standstill in 2007.

"In the summer of 2007, my career came to a standstill. Four goals shy of 500. No calls came on January 1. No calls came on August 1. Depression and heavy drinking had set in," Roenick recalled.

Soon after though, he met then San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Wilson and Roenick were teammates during their time in Chicago. Being his former teammate, it was Wilson who was willing to give Roenick a shot at redemption.

"He could see the desperation on my face while on the golf course and asked me if I wanted to come play for the Sharks. I said, 'Hell yes.'"

Wilson, however, set three rules as part of the deal. Roenick would have to play at the league minimum wage, no media interviews, and, most importantly, no alcohol.

"I scored my 500th goal three months later. Thank you, Doug Wilson, for being a great friend, but more importantly for being a friend when I needed it the most. I would not be up here, and I don’t mean up here (on stage), if it wasn’t for you. You truly saved my life," he continued.

Roenick eventually hung up his skates in 2009 with 513 goals and 703 assists to his name.