Eventually, many laughs and drinks later, Herb had to go his way; we had to go ours. We said our goodbyes and just as Gord (Miller), Pierre (McGuire) and I were about to depart, Herb pulled me aside, and delivered a most solemn, serious and sincere message. Herb told me I had a unique (media) platform in hockey, that I had a voice and opportunity to wield tremendous influence but that I should never forget that also comes with great responsibility. He told me I should use my voice to be progressive, to do right by the game, protect the game, celebrate the game, put the game of hockey above all else because it's such a great game but it can be so much better than it is.
Then he shook my hand, patted me on the back and walked away.
It was the last time we ever spoke. Seventeen months later, he was dead.
-Bob McKenzie on Herb Brooks. More on Brooks from McKenzie at TSN.
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