Subject Iraqi Hockey Player ... this is for the hockey nuts While stationed in Baghdad with the US Army's 5th. Infantry, a soldier watched, spellbound as a group of Iragi teenagers played ball (field) hockey in a bombed out street. One of the older boys was absolutely sensational. It was impossible to describe his skills with his stick and his unbelievable moves and scoring ability. Since the soldier was from Detroit, and being anavid Detroit Red Wings hockey fan, the soldier wrote a letter to the Red Wings scouting office encouraging them to take a look at the young "phenom".
The Red Wings did more than just access his ability. They offered him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join their organization. They hired a private power-skating tutor to teach him how to skate. They hired a former NHL scoring champion to teach him puck control and skills with a hockey stick. The young Iraqi was an eager student and a quick study. He was a natural athlete. Within two years he was ready to join the Detroit Red Wings.
Soon thereafter, the Wings were playing the Ottawa Senators. The Iraqi rookie sat on the bench for the first two periods. At the beginning of the third period, Ottawa was leading the game 4-0. The Detroit coach was desperate. "Hamid" he yelled. "Get on the ice". Incredibly, in the next 17 minutes, Hamid scored five of the most beautiful goals the coach had ever seen. Unbelievable!!! Detroit defeated Ottawa 5-4.
As soon as Hamid came off the ice, he raced to a telephone and called his parents.
"Mother", he cried breathlessly, "I played in my first NHL game today and scored five goals to win the game". "How was your day today?"
In her thick Arabic accent she responded emotionally, "Son, it has been a terrible day. Your father was shot by an assault rifle and died this afternoon. Your brother Mohammed, was beaten badly by a gang of looters.
Your young sister was kidnapped and raped by an deranged extremist... and son, you are playing games and I blame all of this tragedy on you."
Hamid, was devastated, "But, Mother, why do you blame me?"
She replied tersely "Because you're the one who moved our family to Detroit!"