- https://www.nhl.com/player/john-adams-8480239
You Don't Know Jack - Entry 9
by Jack Adams<br>Imagine being a Conn Smythe winner, winning the Vezina Trophy, and above all, becoming a Stanley Cup champion. But, imagine not being able to communicate with a friend, family member or teammate for years. After witnessing Bruins great Tim Thomas come out and speak about his battle with concussions, it moved me. Seeing his raw emotion on the national stage hit me hard. <em>Hard</em>.<br>Imagine being a 27-year-old former college baseball star and getting diagnosed with ALS. Your whole life is in front of you, and look, it's gone. Pete Frates passed away a few weeks ago after a hard-fought battle with ALS. Seeing the world come together to honor Pete's life, raising over 200 million dollars with the "Ice Bucket Challenge" a few summers ago exemplifies Pete's power, strength and courage. He didn't lose to ALS, he won. He won because of the way he lived his life, and the way in which he changed the world forever.<br>I've been pretty quiet for quite some time. NHL.com has been constantly reminding me to get my blogs in, as the usual schedule is a once-a-month entry. However, I just haven't been myself. The mental battle that comes with an injury is quite lofty, and while I'm making fantastic progress, the solitude of an injury is tough. You're by yourself, you're away from your teammates, and you're out for the season. It's been one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through in my entire life.<br>The past 15 months have been a handful, to say the least. But, you know what, I don't have it that bad. I don't. Does my injury suck? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But, there's people who have it much worse than me. Think of all the little boys and girls without families this holiday season. Think of the homeless veterans who are all alone. Take a breath and realize something: none of us have it that bad.<br>On a personal note, I'm running, skating and recently passed the nine-month ACL strength test at the four-month mark. That's pretty good. I feel great. I'm excited for the future.<br>I'm also assistant coaching at Malden Catholic High School this season. Being around kids and a great staff brings joy to my heart each and every day, and I'm excited to see where our journey takes us. Coach Chris Kuchar has been a mentor for me, and I'm grateful for our friendship and the trust he has in me.<br>Like I said, take a breath, enjoy this holiday season, and always remember, life isn't so bad.<br>As we turn the page on a decade and open up to a new one, here's to coming back stronger in 2020 and proving to people that I can still play, and hopefully doing so one day in the Red and White.<br>Rest In Peace, Pete. Say hi to Roo for me.<br>Happy New Year<br><em>On June 29, the last day of Red Wings development camp, Adams tore his ACL and MCL on a seemingly harmless check during the Red and White Game. After surgery, he is now on the road to recovery, but he will not be playing for Union College this season. With Adams in an intensive rehab regimen, his blog entries will generally focus on his recovery as he continues to pursue his goal of someday being a Detroit Red Wing.</em>
