Jeff O Rocks
05-23-2003, 08:25 AM
Here is part of a really nice article about Wade....sounds like a great guy..
His style is smart, smooth and focused; he doesn't rattle or shake easily. So in typical relaxed Redden fashion, he mentally approached that first game as he would any other.
Watching the televised version after attending a live game of Bart's in North Battleford, Sask., Gord and Pat couldn't keep that same calm composure. The game was broadcast in French, but they didn't need to understand the language -- they saw their son's goal, on his first shot, in his first game in the NHL.
"I just bawled. I was so nervous for him," said Pat. "Here he was, playing defence. He calls for the puck -- in fact he calls for it twice -- then he scored. I just couldn't believe it."
It was the eighth time a rookie had scored in his first game in the 79-year history of the NHL. Redden was named the game's third star -- and this time he wasn't skating in his socks from behind the TV screen.
The Reddens now attend about 20 games a year, but still shudder at the "thrill of a lifetime" -- watching their son's debut at the Corel Centre in Kanata.
"To see how big and strong and skilled (Mario) Lemieux and (Jaromir) Jagr were, and Wade at 19 was on the ice against them," said Gord Redden. "To think that your kid could step on the same ice as them on a day off, let alone play a game against them, they were so good. It was unbelievable."
Redden enjoyed being on the road and playing with the pros. But it was tough being the youngest player among more mature teammates who were close and friendly, but mostly married.
Gord Redden credits Senators' management and coaches for helping guide his son's professional and personal growth through that transition period.
Last September, Redden signed a contract with the Senators which pays him $3.57 million over two years. Pat regrets her son will never know the true value of a dollar, but is grateful he isn't materialistic by nature. Friends say he hasn't let the money go to his head.
Sensible about his wealth, Redden says he has invested well and "just lets it grow." He has helped his parents out with the farm, bought them a satellite dish and put in an inground pool in the backyard of the family home in Hillmond. He also helped install it.
"That was probably my biggest purchase, right there," he said.
The money and position have also allowed him to help others. In his rookie year, he bought a Corel Centre luxury box which hosts sick and terminally ill children from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and their guests. Wade's World allows the kids to watch a live game and enjoy snacks, beverages and autographed memorabilia.
His style is smart, smooth and focused; he doesn't rattle or shake easily. So in typical relaxed Redden fashion, he mentally approached that first game as he would any other.
Watching the televised version after attending a live game of Bart's in North Battleford, Sask., Gord and Pat couldn't keep that same calm composure. The game was broadcast in French, but they didn't need to understand the language -- they saw their son's goal, on his first shot, in his first game in the NHL.
"I just bawled. I was so nervous for him," said Pat. "Here he was, playing defence. He calls for the puck -- in fact he calls for it twice -- then he scored. I just couldn't believe it."
It was the eighth time a rookie had scored in his first game in the 79-year history of the NHL. Redden was named the game's third star -- and this time he wasn't skating in his socks from behind the TV screen.
The Reddens now attend about 20 games a year, but still shudder at the "thrill of a lifetime" -- watching their son's debut at the Corel Centre in Kanata.
"To see how big and strong and skilled (Mario) Lemieux and (Jaromir) Jagr were, and Wade at 19 was on the ice against them," said Gord Redden. "To think that your kid could step on the same ice as them on a day off, let alone play a game against them, they were so good. It was unbelievable."
Redden enjoyed being on the road and playing with the pros. But it was tough being the youngest player among more mature teammates who were close and friendly, but mostly married.
Gord Redden credits Senators' management and coaches for helping guide his son's professional and personal growth through that transition period.
Last September, Redden signed a contract with the Senators which pays him $3.57 million over two years. Pat regrets her son will never know the true value of a dollar, but is grateful he isn't materialistic by nature. Friends say he hasn't let the money go to his head.
Sensible about his wealth, Redden says he has invested well and "just lets it grow." He has helped his parents out with the farm, bought them a satellite dish and put in an inground pool in the backyard of the family home in Hillmond. He also helped install it.
"That was probably my biggest purchase, right there," he said.
The money and position have also allowed him to help others. In his rookie year, he bought a Corel Centre luxury box which hosts sick and terminally ill children from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and their guests. Wade's World allows the kids to watch a live game and enjoy snacks, beverages and autographed memorabilia.