GENE’S BLOG: Family Day

Since it was first implemented and brought into being by the Government of Alberta led by former Premier Don Getty, Family Day is really a reminder of what’s important.

It’s right in the title; in our social media, everyday and evening activity-filled lives. Sometimes, it’s a gentle reminder that we need to focus or refocus our attention on those closest to us — a day meant to shelve everything else, or at least most of everything, to concentrate on family.

My plan was to ask my three kids (who are now in their 20s) what each of them wanted to do and then try and keep the trio happy by accomplishing a hat-trick of ideas. What plans do you have? 

For Edmonton, the plan was a CBA-mandated day off. The NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that four days a month are to be built into the season-long grind and spent away from the rink and a plane. A hotel might still be part of the equation, as there are times the day off occurs on the road, but in this case it happened at home and even if it was a coincidence, the timing was great for it to fall on Family Day.

By working my way through the lineup, I came up with these unofficial numbers for players and coaches that are married (18) and the total amount of kids (28). One of those that’s married and has a son named Leo is Tyson Barrie. “We spend so much time on the road in a fast-paced lifestyle,” explained the defenceman. “So it’s nice to get home at a reasonable time (following the afternoon game in Colorado) and just have some quiet time.”

This doesn’t apply to just those who have a marriage license and a child or two to go with it. Family Day also resonates with those who have girlfriends and fiancées. The future could also involve baby bottles, strollers and cribs, but for now, they will just enjoy their significant other.

“Coming out of the All-Star break, it’s great to have a day,” Warren Foegele said. “That will be a down day I can just enjoy with my girlfriend.”

Now, let’s not pretend by saying that an off day is always a complete down day. It gives you a physical break, but doesn’t always lead to a mental break. Case in point is the father of two, who serves as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.

“It is a mandated day off, but we’ll (the coaching staff) still be at the rink,” Jay Woodcroft explained. “We’ll be preparing our practice (morning skate) for Tuesday and our game plan that night against Philadelphia.”

Monday might be a day spent doing just about anything. Could be indoors or outdoors; quite possibly, a combination of both. That’s likely the plan for the Barries. “If the weather is nice, we’ll take the dog for a walk and Leo has been liking the pool,” Barrie said. “We also like the Telus World of Science, and maybe we’ll grab something to eat.”

Video: EDM@COL: Foegele sends a shot into the net

For Foegele, he remembers very well the many of the days his family did spending time together. “Growing up with a brother who is two years older, our whole life seemed to revolve around sports activities,” the winger described. “We also had a family cottage where we would spend our summers. We would go out on the water and go golfing.”

Even if he isn’t a parent just yet, the man who scored a pair of goals on Sunday in Denver understands and appreciates what mothers and fathers go through in building their families. “Parents make a ton of sacrifices. They put in a lot of hard miles.”

Here’s hoping there were some easy miles for the Oilers on Family Day. It’s a day that should provide some quality moments. Life is busy, but should never be too busy to forget family. For the Edmonton Oilers, it’s time spent at home before getting back together with their hockey family on Tuesday.

To everyone, have a great Monday and Happy Family Day.