In the celebrity world of the National Hockey League (NHL), players can easily get caught up in any number of office vices and temptations. But Shane Doan, the 30-year-old captain of the Phoenix Coyotes, decided early on that he would do things God's way and not chase after the "fleeting pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25).
Genesis of a Hockey Star
Shane grew up in an environment of wholesome and healthy activity. Shane took a stand at an early age, deciding not to get into drinking or harmful activities. Shane's greatest role model was his father. "My dad is one of the godliest men I've ever met," says Shane. "I grew up in the best family you could possibly have."
The verses Shane had learned stuck with him and he was able to stand strong in his faith. He refused to yield to the temptations available to a teenager on his own. His efforts were blessed and in 1995 he was signed by the Winnipeg Jets, where he was chosen Rookie of the Year.
"The more often you make the right decisions, the easier it gets," Shane says. "Not to say I've never made mistakes, but when I do I'm thankful for a forgiving God who is there for me."
Another verse, Romans 8:28, is so special to Shane that he writes it on his hockey sticks: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Fighting for Control
That verse has helped Shane ride out the ups and downs of a professional hockey career. After only one year in Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Jets moved to Phoenix and became the Coyotes. "As long as I was with the NHL, I was fine with that," says Shane.
However in 1997 Shane was sent down to the Coyotes' farm team in Springfield, Mass., for half the season. Could he still say, "All things work together for good?".
"I did miss the NHL," he admits, "but the guys in Springfield were great. I also had a cousin playing hockey nearby. Family is important to my wife and me; the time we spent there allowed us to know him and his wife very well. They've been a huge blessing to us. God always has a plan, and that was it."
In an age where players sell out to the highest bidder, Shane has remained faithful to the Coyotes, spending his 11 professional years with the same franchise.
Although Shane missed a few weeks of play this past November as the result of a back injury, he continued to trust God.
"I was back to being able to play again after a short break which is good because I don't like just watching!" he says. "When things like that happen, you realize how little control you really have. The more you fight for control, the more frustrated you get; you need to accept what God is doing in your life. You may have questions but you don't let them consume your thoughts. You have to enjoy the blessings of every day.
"I remind myself that I don't have the hard problems some people have had. If they can still praise God, so can I".
The testimony above came courtesy of More Than Gold. Check out the More Than Gold website for more information on some of things that More Than Gold is doing in preparation for the Olympics.
