Watching teammates was pivotal in decision for Jesus

Award-winning Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has revealed how the faith of two former teammates helped lead him to Christ.

Nill (pictured), who won the National Hockey League’s General Manager of the Year award in 2023, played his entire career as a non-Christian.

His ten years on the ice took him to St Louis, Vancouver, Boston and Detroit. But the most influential club on his non-playing life was Winnipeg, where he became friends with Christian fellow players Laurie Boschman and Doug Smail.

Nill recalled: “To watch how they lived their lives had a strong influence on my life. At the time I was still searching, but I wanted what they had.”

It took many years but, combined with wife Bekki’s prayers, the seeds planted by the godly lives of his former teammates eventually led to a life-changing decision.

“She prayed for 20 years for God’s grace to come into my life and those prayers were answered.

“I sometimes wish that I would have been more open to understanding his way when I played, but I now understand the journey he has for me.

“Knowing Christ has completely changed my life and brought a feeling of peace to not only me but my family.”

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