Stewart and Simmonds an extraordinary story

Charlie Barr, Kingston, Ont.

Kudos to Ken Campbell for writing the best article I have ever read in THN (Urban Legends, August 2).

The story of these two remarkable young men truly describes the essence of hockey – perseverance, determination and an unflinching desire to achieve their goals in the face of extraordinarily long odds.

My son and I were fortunate enough to meet Stewart at a small practice rink when he was playing for the Kingston Frontenacs. He had just come off of the ice after a 50 minute "bag skate" and was asked to come into my son's atom AA team's dressing room to meet the players.

In spite of his exhaustion, he was polite, enthusiastic and incredibly accommodating with this group of impressionable young kids.

Campbell's article should be required reading for any young hockey player and his/her parents as a reminder of the rewards of hard work.

The life lessons he describes resonate far beyond the confines of a hockey rink.