Burton 40: Justin Gordon
Even after ten years, it's hard to get a read on Justin Gordon, the most mercurial of all Burton Hockey stars. His commitment wavers between total disillusionment on one end and overenthusiasm to the point of insanity on the other, with no middle ground. All you really need to know about David Government, though, is that in the long run, he has always been there when it matters most for Burton Hockey and BUSH.Since the very first session of Burton Hockey, Justin has been one of the foundation blocks of the game, and when he is committed, he is a deadly force on the rink at both ends of the rink. When skating, he is an equitable shooter and passer usually near the top end of the charts. As a goaltender, he is now one of the elite; no one has more consecutive sessions above .800, and it's not even close. He's not flashy or flamboyant, he's just extremely technically sound. As an intense individual, his passion for the game manifests itself in his performance. Expletives fly after ever great play, and really fly after every goal let in. Justin is often ribbed for his tardiness in getting to the rink; his extensive pre-game warm-up ritual before leaving his house is the stuff behavioral scientists studying obesessive-compulsive disorders could write entire journals on. He also has a longstanding friendly rivalry with Seamus O'Connor that has lasted since Season 1 both on skates and in goal; each could claim the title of Burton's all-time greatest dual threat. Justin is just one of two players who have claimed both scoring and goaltending titles. He is sensitive, creative, articulate, and devilish, somehow managing to be gentle and confrontational at the same time. It's that level of passion for the game which makes Justin so valuable to BUSH and Burton Hockey, and makes him so missed when he isn't there. Justin Gordon is one of the easier selections for the Burton 40.
Awards: Scoring Champion - 2004, 2007. Most Outstanding Goaltender - 2001; Dual Threat of the Year - 2003, 2005; 1st All-Star - 2001g, 2004; 2nd All-Star - 2002, 2003, 2003g, 2005, 2006, 2007 Most Dedicated Team - 2004, 2005, 2007.
Previous Burton 40 Articles
Joe Chwachka
Karl Detta
Tony Hajdu
Stefan Klopp
Seamus O'Connor
Troy Waldron
