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Quebec, Canada – Benjamin Rubin, an 18-year-old winger with Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts, won’t be back next season with the Quebec Major Junior hockey club because his religion comes first.
Rubin, an observant Orthodox Jew, refuses to play hockey or practise with the team on the Sabbath, between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday.
Roy gave Rubin a chance this season to maintain his religious observances and Rubin missed 35 games.
After the Remparts season ended, Roy told the 6-foot-1, 186-pounder he would be invited back next season and have a spot on the second line, only if he could play every day.
“They just told me that’s the deal,” said Rubin. “That’s why I’m not going to be playing, because I missed too many games.
“He (Roy) told me I had third- or second-line (talent), but I missed too many games to fill the spot. He can’t have that next year.”
Rubin wrestled with his decision, but ultimately chose religion. So Roy told the forward his roster spot would go to another player.
“It was really hard, because it’s my future in hockey,” said Rubin. “I still think I can make it far with keeping my religion. I think there’s a chance for the NHL, but I’m not sure.” [torontotar]
Wow, what guts, to stand up for who you are and where you come from. It’s nice to see a sports player with real morals.
Mr. Rubin, you are an inspiration!
binyomin you’re an inspiration to all of klall yisroel, the song lebinyomin by avraham fried, is going to have a big come back in your zechus.
Binyomin,
I know you wont be reading this but if you were to see it, I have to tell you how impressed I am. I know the “Jewish Jordan” and it wasnt ez for him either. May this be your biggest nisayon. IYH you should use everything positive you learned from playing organized sports to benefit klal yisroel.
ML
what an amazing kiddush hashem!!!!