This is a text book definition of a "prima donna." This is the problem with today's hockey players, some of them think they are entitled to play on the first line and when they don't play as well as they think they should they just change teams instead of working harder in practice.
HeraldNet.COM --- But Birkholz wasn't given his chance to shine. Instead he found himself buried on the depth chart, seeing just a handful of shifts per game while playing on the fourth line. In 36 games he managed just five goals and one assist.
Everett had added Birkholz to its 50-player protected list a year earlier, and as he rode the pine Birkholz's thoughts turned toward Everett. His mind was all but made up to leave Minnesota for Everett when he was slapped with a suspension by Minnesota for violating team rules. That erased any final lingering doubts about his decision.
“Growing up in Minnesota it's always a goal for the young hockey players to play for the University of Minnesota,” Birkholz said. “It's tough leaving that and tough leaving home. But it's part of the sacrifice you have to make to reach your goals.”
Now in Everett, Birkholz sees opportunity. He sees the chance to show the Panthers the full range of his abilities, something he says he was never able to do at Minnesota. And he sees a chance to move into the professional ranks as quickly as possible.
This was a perfect opportunity for a life lesson for the young Josh Birkholz, instead of facing the music, he just quit and went somewhere to escape his punishment.
