shifter

I was a young man once.

Another young man of 19, born in a Southern Russian city in the late Eighties, had been excelling in his chosen field. His work was due to take him places in the near future, in fact a prominent company in New York had taken a liking to him, and impressed with his skill and work ethic, were prepared to offer him a position.

The young man was well liked, impressing people near and far with his ready smile and the gleam in his eye. He began playing ice hockey at an early age and represented his country, Russia, at international under 18 level. During his rookie season in the Russian Superleague he scored more goals than NHL superstars Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Ovechkin.

Late on Monday the 13th of October, this young man had completed a shift on the ice and was chatting affably with a veteran team-mate when he collapsed and died due to heart failure.

I have no connection to this young man other than that I am a fan of ice hockey, but his story saddens me and reminds me to cherish existance lest it be taken away in a heart-beat.

Rest in peace Alexei Cherepanov.