One doubts that Tim Stutzle, the Ottawa Senators first pick and third overall in the 2020 Draft, even knew who Alex Trebek was before he called his name at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. However, North Americans knew Trebek very well. He was an iconic Canadian game show host who holds the Guinness World Record for the most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter.
During Trebek’s television career, he hosted more than 8,200 episodes of “Jeopardy!” over 37 television seasons. But Trebek obviously made an impression on the young German. So when Trebek passed away yesterday from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Stutzle paid tribute to the late Trebek Sunday.
Classy Moves All the Way Around
If you haven’t seen the video of the Senators drafting Stutzle, it’s a classy move and something that has increased in its special nature after Sunday’s news that Trebek had passed. You can watch it below.
The young German winger paid tribute to someone who he didn’t know but who immediately became a huge part of a very special time in the 18-year-old’s life and career. On Sunday, Stutzle posted the video of Trebek drafting him and attached a very special message.
The message read: “I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Alex Trebek. I was looking forward to meeting the person who drafted me. He shared this unforgettable moment with me, and I am very thankful for that. With my deepest condolences. REST IN PEACE MR. TREBEK.”
Alex Trebek Was a Huge Hockey Fan and Had Ties to Ottawa
Trebek was a huge hockey fan. Although he was born in Sudbury, Ontario, he went to high school in the nation’s capital and is a graduate of the University of Ottawa. It was a great idea that the Senators came up with and I wouldn’t be surprised if it became sort of a regular “event” at the NHL Entry Drafts into the future.
Trebek was 80 years old when he died. Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said in a statement:
“Alex was a true and much beloved Canadian icon and a very special member of the Ottawa Senators family. We will always be grateful to Alex for the special role he played in announcing the Senators’ first draft choice this year. For his legions of fans, Alex’s class and professionalism will endure as will his love for our game. Thank you, Alex, for your legacy. The Senators’ family and the entire Capital Region will miss you.”
Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right, But Two Rights Make a Very Right
It was a class act by the Senators. It was also a class act by the young Senators prospect Stutzle to post on Instagram.
I don’t mean to be too sappy, but in a world that seems divided by strife and animosity, it’s nice to see respect shown and given. Nicely done everyone involved.
