By Denis J. Puska

We all remember that day, where we were – what we were doing when the attacks of 9-11 took place. 

And how that one day changed everything we did and really changed the world that we lived in. I was beginning my rookie season in professional hockey. I had barely completed my first week with the then Amarillo Rattlers, seems really like so long ago. 

On my way out the door I just caught on the news that a plane had hit one of the towers in New York City and I went "Oh, must have been a small little plane not paying attention or something." As I drove to work I had the news on and a news bulletin stated that a second plane has hit the towers.

I knew that something was in deed wrong and we were under attack. Later in the morning the two other attacks took place in Washington and Pensylvannia. It seemed everyone was walking in a daze. Could this have happened? Our whole office was in shock and disbelief. 

The attacks of 9-11 hit close to home in professional hockey. Former American Hockey League alumni Ace Bailey and Mark Bavis were among those who lost their lives.  Some of the players that I spoke to were nervous to attend American Hockey League training camps because they had to fly – worried about what had just taken place and could this happen again. 

The entire sports world stood still for that day. I was new to the US only having been in the country just over a year. I was also new to the state of Texas. I was far away from home and couldn’t get my mind around what was going on. 

In the first year pro hockey did their part by having special activities in support of Red Cross efforts and for 9-11 victims and their families. Some leagues had their teams wore American Flag jerseys or US Army jerseys in support.  I remember the first year after the events happened during a military appreciation night in Amarillo, Texas. There were several soldiers that just returned from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. A long standing ovation was given for them, the players were even standing up and banging their sticks and clapping their hands. It brought a tear to my eye and chills to my body. It even took me a moment to regain my composure and resume broadcasting. It was a night that I wont forget.  

Everyone should pause for reflection on 9-11, whether you are Canadian or American, and know that you are in a free and safe democratic society.