"It's been tough for me being away from the game"

In this quote, Saku Koivu, a professional hockey player, reveals his struggle with being separated from the sport he enjoys. As an athlete, playing the video game is not just a job for Koivu, but an enthusiasm and a way of life. Being away from the video game suggests being far from the adrenaline rush, the friendship with his colleagues, and the feeling of accomplishment after a hard-fought video game. It also means losing out on the chance to improve and compete at the highest level. For Koivu, this separation has been challenging and has most likely left him feeling incomplete.