The Final Call (29 page)

Doing my best impersonation of “Jack the Giant Killer” as I attempt to save Vinny Lecavalier from imminent peril at the hands of the giant, Zdeno Chara, in Game 3, Eastern Conference quarterfinal, April 25, 2006.
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE

Wayne Gretzky presents me with #1 of 99 special edition signed prints by Gordie Howe and himself in honour of my 1700th game, November 15, 2007, in Phoenix.
WAYNE GRETZKY & GORDIE HOWE—FRASER FAMILY COLLECTION

Take me out to the ball game! Fraser family members skate at Fenway Park the day before the Winter Classic. Back, left to right: son-in-law Harry Dumas with Brady on shoulders, Ryan Gano. Middle, left to right: Jessica, Jaime. Front, left to right: Kara, me, and Harrison. January 1, 2010.
FRASER FAMILY COLLECTION

I am greeted by the face of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise, Bobby Clarke, a co-captain at the Winter Classic, as I step onto the ice in Fenway Park, January 1, 2010.
ZACK HILL—PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

A loving wave to Fraser family, my angels in the outfield, before dropping the puck for the opening faceoff at Fenway Park, January 1, 2010.
KARA FRASER

The heartbeat of the game. The National Anthem is always a time of intense prayerful reflection and thanksgiving for me as demonstrated in Vancouver on January 25, 2010.
JEFF VINNICK—VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Banner that hangs in Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre after selection to OMHA 75th Anniversary season All-Time Great team. Team selection includes Wayne Gretzky, Doug Gilmour, Syl Apps, Bobby Orr, Rob Blake, Curtis Joseph, Roger Neilson, Jim Rutherford, Ray Scapinello, Bill McCreary.
COURTESY OF ONTARIO MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

After 20 seasons in the NHL, soon-to-retire warrior Rod Brind’Amour was never afraid to put himself in harm’s way by blocking shots, as seen here in his (and my) final game in the Bell Centre on March 31, 2010.
COURTESY OF BOB FISHER / CHC

Kerry Fraser and Michel Bergeron:
bon amis
at last! March 31, 2010.
FRANCOIS ROY / LA PRESSE

While the teams were on the Wachovia Center ice during their pregame warm-up, linesman Darren Gibbs and I stretched and warmed up together in preparation for my final game on April 11, 2010.
RON CORTES, COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

A pre-game moment of reflection at zamboni entrance of the Wachovia Center, home of the Philadelphia Flyers. Scanning the crowd, I realize it will be for the last time. April 11, 2010.
RON CORTES, COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Prior to dropping the puck in my final game, I say to Flyer Jeff Carter and Ranger Artem Anisimov, “Boys, this isn’t about me; this game is about you. And this is your time, not mine.” April 11, 2010.
RON CORTES, COURTESY OF THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER