King’s Reign Comes To An End
Nick King announced his retirement from hockey today. The right wing for the San Jose Guardians has had an illustrious career spanning almost a decade and a half. In that time, he’s scored an almost record-breaking 1,800 points, coming in just under Gordie Howe. Starting his career with the Vancouver Canucks, he’s grown up on the ice, playing for the New York Rangers before being traded to the Guardians.
King had been suspiciously absent from several games at the end of last year. In a press conference given after his firstgame back (incidentally, his last game), he spoke honestly and vulnerably about dealing with some mental health issues.
The physical, emotional, and mental strain on players of all ages is something not talked about enough in the professional sports world. King held a press conference today at the Guardians’ stadium with Coach Derrick West at his side. West, who was visibly emotional, commented on King’s career.
“Nick King is a legend. It’s been an honor to coach him, to watch him grow and flourish on our team. He embodies the spirit of the game and the meaning of sportsmanship. He will be missed by everyone but we wish him well on the next step. He’s earned it.”
—Derrick West, Coach, San Jose Guardians
After sharing what hockey has meant to him and how it changed his life for the better, he was vague about those next steps in his life. He did, however, confirm that he won’t be staying in California.
Whatever King decides moving forward, the game of hockey, and those of us who watch it, are better because he played. Some players mark your heart and King was one of those guys. A King among men.
Tears traced down Maisie’s cheeks as she read the online article about Nick’s retirement.
Like he knew she was thinking about him, though it was a pretty good guess she would be, her phone rang. She swiped her thumb along the screen, accepting his FaceTime call. It’d been two freaking days and she missed him more than she knew was possible. Maybe because she knew he was coming back soon and also because she hated not being by his side through it.
“Hey, baby,” he said, his gorgeous face filling the screen. His eyes looked tired, his hair like he’d run his hands through it.
“Hi. How are you?”
“I’m good. A bit tired. How was your day?”
Maisie caught him up on mundane things like filling out the paperwork for the university position, editing photos, and setting up her schedule for the coming months.
“Ellie texted to tell me she got the pictures you sent. She loves them and is very proud of me for, and I quote, ‘not keeping my head up my ass where you’re concerned.’”
Maisie laughed. “I love her.”
“You love me,” he said. There was awe in his voice and even though she could see the fatigue in his gaze, she saw happiness too.
“I really do. I can’t wait to see you,” she said. She wanted to talk to him about whether or not her place was too small for both of them. Did he want his own place for a bit?
“I love you too. About tomorrow,” he said, adjusting his phone so his image wobbled a bit.
“What about it?” She had a couple of appointments but could pick him up at SeaTac if needed.
“My agent managed to get me a last-minute meeting with the executives of our local news channel. They’re looking at adding a more in-depth sports segment.”
Her throat went dry but she spoke around it, trying to keep her tone even. “Does that mean you’d stay in California?”
Nick tilted his head. “Maisie. You’re there. Of course I’m not staying here. Well, I am for tomorrow. I don’t feel like I should close the door on any opportunities right now. Plus, with the news just coming out, there are a lot of people reaching out and I just want to deal with all of this so that when I get there, I don’t have to turn around and come right back.”
Work was part of life. He wouldn’t be an active player anymore but he still had a life, and hockey was part of it.
“Right. Okay.” Her phone buzzed with an incoming message.
“I’ll be there Friday night. Okay?”
She nodded. It was fine. No reason to worry just because the first time he said he’d be back, he wasn’t coming.
“Talk to me.” His concern was evident in his expression and tone.
“It’s fine. Really. You have to do those things and if you get a broadcasting job, traveling back will probably be part of it, right?” Did he feel like he had to move here?
Nick shrugged. “Maybe, but since the pandemic, there’s a lot more flexibility to do things remotely. It might mean outfitting a home studio. But we’re not there yet.”
