Finally Free

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Logan

Wayne Gretzky. The man. The myth. The legend.

Also known as: my dad.

Yeah, I love him. And my mom. And my older brother and sister. But that doesn't mean I feel  like I'm part of the family. Not really.

I was born yen years after my siblings, right in the middle of my dad's golden years. He and my mom had them young, when juggling hockey and home life was still manageable.

Then came me: a suprise addition, just as his career was hitting full throttle. And suddenly, the balance tipped. Hockey always won.

Sure, we had our moments. He taught me how to skate, how to shoot. He probably thought dragging me to all his hockey events counted as quality time. 

But it wasn't bonding. Not really.

I spent more time with other players' kids than I ever did with him. I'd hear about their family vacations, the dinners out, the off-season traditions.

Me? I got used to empty seats at championship games and graduations.

God forbig he miss summer practice or off-season training to spend a week with his family.

Even now, retired and supposedly free, he can't step away. He's still constantly traveling, glued to rink-side commentary gigs and pregame panels.

And it's always the big moments he misses.

My high school soccer championship? He was in Nashville covering an Oilers-Preds game. The date had been set since May.

Graduation? He was in Vancouver, commentating Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. We told him the date in September.

And now college move-in day? Draft weekend apparently matters more. Again.

But whatever. It's fine. Really.

Because this, college, is my fresh start. My clean slate.

No more being "Wayne Gretzky's daughter." No more shadow. Just me. Logan.

And I'm not alone. My roommate, also the daughter of a former NHL player, is one of my oldest friends. Different states, same story. We've always found our way back to each other.

After hugging my mom goodbye and watching her car pull away, I flop back on my dorm bed and stare at the ceiling, letting it sink in.

Four years. Four whole years to figure out who I am, away from the spotlight I never asked for. 

Let's see what they hold.

From Hating to Loving || Luke HughesWhere stories live. Discover now