Sopes Friday Blog...(A little late)

 

Comments

[Fanofhockey]

Brent,
I'm at a loss to know what to say. The pain is written so clearly all over your face. The loss you are all experiencing much be huge. Being apart from your family so much, from your home, neighborhood, old friends at the UC. I really wish there was some way to bring you home back to the Hawks & your family. I know you all love Chi-town, but are you going to move the family? I'd hate for the strain to break you all. You are all in my thoughts. I will pray that God will give you wisdom in your struggle. God bless you
Trace

[Susan Sprovieri]

Ouch, I can feel the stinging. Imaging how difficult life would be if you relocated to far Eastern Europe or Asia to play. You are doing what you believe is best for your family and the future. In that you are a hero to them. Your relationships with your children will be stronger because of your dedication. You are more of a father to them than some who come home everyday. You and Kelly have found creative ways to communicate and again probably more than couples who see each other everyday. Strength and love will get your family through this. (Not to mention another successful season.) May your plus minus remain positive as well as your attitude.

[AshleyVC88]

Brent,

My heart hurts to see how much pain you're in being away from Kelly and the kids. Just remember that everyday you go, thats one day closer to the summer and being able to spend all day, everyday with them.

[Susan]

Breaks my heart to hear how much you, Kelly and the kids all miss each other. As much as I am glad to have you, with your outstanding skills and your leadership on and off the ice in the ATL, I am just as sorry for the difficulties the trade put upon your family.

Its got to be a tough game tonight (hope you're feeling better!). Can't tell you how much it means to see you change out of the Blackhawks jersey (whether it was your choice or not)and into the Thrashers' one.

Hang in there! You are appreciated here. And hopefully, we give you enough this season to make you want to come back next year WITH Kelly and the kids.

[Margaret Napier]

I certainly would rather see you in an Indian head sweater, but the blue looks nice on you too. I wish the Thrashers a lot of success, except when they play Chicago.

I hope you have a good visit with the family!

[Fanofhockey]

Brent & Kelly,
I hope that you didnt misunderstand my earlier comment about the strain and breaking. I wasnt suggesting at all anything would happen to your marriage, and I completely agree with Susan's comment above, that your love and strength will get you through this. Infact I know for certain that marriages grow when couples go through adversity together. In your time of trial and struggle it is very painful, but in the future, you will look back on this as the moment when your marriage, family's love and bonding increased. I'm simply hurting for you. Take care. By the way Brent, I heard (not sure if this is true) that you went for a meal with your old Hawks buddies the other night. I hope you had a wonderful time together and I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend with Kelly & the kids.
Trace

[Luvkane88]

Yes I agree with the others and see Brent how much it is a strain & you are missing your family. You definitely need to be back in a Hawks jersey and in Chi-town where you belong! The rest of the guys do too. I see it on all of your faces when you do the interviews. You guys won the Stanley Cup and should be going for another one together right now! Salary caps should be changed & hopefully the Hawks will see how much they need u guys back!! Good luck Brent and we will continue to wish you and Kelly the best. I do know how much you miss your kids too. So hearbreaking. Wish the fans could do something to help. Let us know what we can do okay please???? Luv ya guys and miss ya all!!!

[KT]

As a fan, we always hear/see the "glamourous" side of professional sports - the traveling, the money, the celebrations, the disappointments, the fan-love. Honestly, I never thought about the fact that there are real families with real emotions and real stressors behind the scenes. I hope that something can be worked out so that you are not away from your loved ones so much.

Having already watch the game and knowing the outcome, I sincerely wish you guys the best of luck with the rest of your season. It doesn't matter whose jersey you wear, the cream rises to the top. Thrashers are a good team and they proved that tonight!

[EKP11]

Last night (way too late for my own good), I came across your family's story on NHL.com. I'm a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and as I began reading the blog today I felt compelled to reach out. I don't think that anyone can truly say "oh, I know what you are going through" because I believe that two people given the exact same situation will react and be effected in different ways. So, saying that, I can say that I do understand the challenges that your family is facing this season. My husband also is a hockey player and this is his second season away from the family. We are going on our 11th year of marriage (and this is his 14th year pro). I met him in 1999 and after we were married the following year, I packed/unpacked and moved the family more than 20 times. As my oldest reached high school age (he's now in 10th grade) we, as a family, faced the decision of either continuing to follow my husband to God-knows-where or putting down some roots so that the kids wouldn't have to live out of a suitcase like we did for so many years. Last year was probably the most difficult year of my life. But, with some wear and tear, we survived as a family. I don't think it gets "easier", but as this second year of being apart is fully underway, I guess I know to an extent what to expect and I know that it has an finite ending (both the season and the playing career - knock on wood, hopefully the playing part for as long as my husband still has the passion to play and the health to as well). Small world that we live outside of Atlanta and I just felt I wanted to let your wife know that she has a friend (if not someone part of the sisterhood) that supports and understands her plight.

[Dereksemmler]

Brent, it was great to see you on the ice last night and the Thrashers are lucky to have you. As a Blackhawks fan I'm not sure I could put on the sweater of a different team but the blue #3 would be up for consideration.

Hope you enjoy your off-day with the family and have safe travels.

[Blackhawksgrl88]

Heres wishing you a great season. As a gigantic Hawks fan, your play making ability was such a wonderful addition to the team. Boy, do we sure miss you this season. Hopefully the Hawks trade for you at the deadline and get you back to Chicago, where you rightfully belong! We miss you here!