Perspective was never lacking in Roger Neilson. Two years ago, he lost his beloved sister to cancer. He understands what is important in life. He has faced the spectre of demanding owners, critical fans and selfish players. He has seen coaching positions come and go. Throughout it all he has maintained his dignity and self-respect.

Roger Neilson

It was a touching scene, reminiscent of one 20 years ago when Neilson was behind the Leaf bench. Half-way into his second season as Leaf coach in 1978-79, Neilson was fired by the irrational and tempermental Harold Ballard. Only the year before, Neilson had guided the Maple Leaf team to its best season in 15 years. Ballard quickly found out that no one else was available -- or willing -- to assume the reigns. He relented and permitted Neilson to keep his job -- on one condition. Interested in capitalizing on the mystery and rumour surrounding who would be the next Leaf coach, Ballard wanted Neilson to return to the bench wearing a paper bag over his head. Neilson refused. Ballard decided to drop the condition. Roger Neilson resumed his job as coach at Maple Leaf Gardens, to a similarly rousing ovation.

To those who have followed Neilson's career through that episode, through seven teams, more than 900 games and 400 wins, the class Neilson has displayed in confronting his illness is not surprising. His self-deprecating humour only underscores Neilson's preparedness to tackle this most difficult foe. At the news conference announcing his illness, a reporter asked Neilson whether anyone had thought he should stop coaching. His response: "Maybe some fans."

Though he has never won a Stanley Cup, "Captain Video" has won the respect of peers and fans alike. His devotion to hockey is surpassed only by his faith, something in which he finds much comfort. He has been original, creative and innovative during his two decades in the league. As the news conference progressed, it became evident that Neilson already knew a lot about the ailment that afflicted him. Just as he would study an opposing team, Neilson was already preparing the fight against this deadly foe.

Eric Lindros

The Philadelphia players -- led by Eric Lindros -- have expressed full support for their coach. Though relatively youthful, these players as Flyers have a legacy of tragedy to remind them about human mortality. In recent times, they suffered the deaths of defenceman Dimitri Tertyshny (accident) and prospect Yanick Dupre (leukemia). The memories of Barry Ashbee and Pelle Lindbergh are also burned into the Flyer psyche.

This most recent news need not be tragic. Perhaps it may inspire an otherwise underachieving Philadelphia team in the same way that Joe Torre's cancer (and his victory over that illness) inspired his Yankees to the World Series. It would only be a most appropriate result for Roger Neilson.

The holiday season is a time for giving and for reflecting. The partisanship that prevails during a hockey season is fun but it should never be accorded the degree of importance that makes us lose perspective. Other sports have been haunted by death and rioting because there are those fans who think nothing else matters. Hockey, on occasion, faces the same terrible challenges. Fortunately, when a fellow human being is confronted with a mortal enemy, we do acquire perspective. Hockey fans all over the world can give to Roger Neilson the prayers and best wishes that will help him through this difficult time.