The Winter Olympics And The BibleSýnishorn

New Testament Verses Inspires Olympian Shane Doan’s Lengthy Career

It’s not a surprise Shane Doan became an NHL player. After all, his father Bernie Doan briefly played professionally during the early 1970s and passed down his love for the game. 

However, it was his family’s involvement with a summer camp in Halkirk, Alberta, Canada, where Doan took an unusual interest in something other than hockey—the Bible. One of the first verses he learned from his parents was one that instilled in him a passion for excellence and work ethic.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV)

Then, at the age of 15, Doan’s career blossomed while playing AA-level hockey and he eventually had to move away from his family in order to pursue his dream. Before he left, his father taught him another Bible verse to help him deal with the pressure of being on his own.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV)

Doan was only 16 when he turned professional and just 19 when he saw his first NHL action with the Winnipeg Jets. Eleven years later, he received the highest honor as a Canadian hockey player when he was selected to represent his country at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino. In 2017, Doan retired after a 21-year career that included two gold medals and three silver medals playing for Canada at the World Championships.

In all situations, he maintained a love for the Bible and found a favorite verse of his own—one that he writes on his hockey sticks to help him keep things in perspective amid the ups and downs of his sport.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

Some of those moments include 1997 when he was sent down from the NHL to play in the Phoenix Coyotes’ farm team for half a season or the 2004-05 season that he missed in its entirety due to the players’ strike. 

“When things like that happen, you realize how little control you really have,” Doan told a reporter. “The more you fight for control, the more frustrated you get. You need to accept what God is doing in your life. You may have questions but you don’t let them consume your thoughts. You have to enjoy the blessings of every day.”