"After 20 years in the game, I was fortunate to get away from the game and enjoy my family, which was great for me"

In this quote, Joe Sakic reflects on the transition from a long and effective profession in expert sports to a life far from the game, highlighting individual growth and newly found appreciation for family life. Sakic, a legendary ice hockey player, invested twenty years in the National Hockey League (NHL), mainly with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise. This duration of his life, which was unquestionably marked by extreme competitors, rigorous training, and enormous pressure, also brought significant accomplishments, including 2 Stanley Cup triumphes and various personal honors.

By stating, "I was lucky to avoid the game", Sakic indicates a sense of appreciation for the opportunity to retire on his terms, which is not constantly the case for expert athletes. Many players struggle with forced retirements due to injuries or declining efficiency and can find it tough to adapt to life after sports. For Sakic, "avoiding the video game" suggests relief and satisfaction, suggesting that he managed a smooth transition far from his career.

Even more, Sakic emphasizes how essential it was for him to "enjoy my family", highlighting a shift in top priorities. During his hockey profession, the needs of training, travel, and efficiency would have taken substantial time and focus, often at the expenditure of individual relationships and family life. Retirement used him an indispensable chance to reconnect with and invest more deeply in his household, delighting in the moments that he may have missed out on throughout his playing days.

The quote concludes with "which was excellent for me", indicating personal satisfaction and a sense of completion. Transitioning out of such a devoted, high-pressure environment into a more nurturing and less consuming way of life provided Sakic with balance and happiness. In general, this reflection catches a successful pivot from expert commitments to personal enrichment, highlighting the pleasure and fulfillment discovered in familial bonds and life beyond athletic achievements.