This past Monday (Dec. 12), exactly three weeks after collapsing on the Red Wings' bench during the first period of a home game against the Nashville Predators, Detroit Defenseman Jiri Fischer sat poignantly behind the podium and delivered one of the most emotional press conferences in recent memory.

Among the many tears shed and words choked back, Fischer addressed his future to the media.  "Not too many people get a second chance at life like I did.  I hope to return to the ice one day," he said.

Since then, many teammates and other experts have speculated over whether Fischer should ever play hockey again.  Teammate Robert Lang even went so far as to say that if he was in Jiri's situation, he would retire.  But ultimately, the decision isn't up to Lang or anyone else who has pondered his future.  It's up to Jiri Fischer and his doctors.

In the coming weeks, the question the 25 year-old defenseman should ask himself is this ... "Is it worth it?" 

In doing so, he should consult with his family, fiancee, friends and peers.  Find out how they feel about the prospect of him playing hockey again and whether they would be in full support of such a decision.

Fischer should also look into the stories of former basketball players Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis, who were both tragically killed while applying their craft due to cardiac arrest--the same affliction that nearly cost Jiri his life.  He should ask himself what Hank and Reggie would've done if they had been given a second chance at life.

In addition, Fischer should examine all the wonderful things he has accomplished in his brief NHL career.  He was an integral piece of the Red Wings' 2002 Stanley Cup Championship puzzle.  Many players go through an entire 15-plus year career without ever winning a championship.  Just ask Pat LaFontaine.

Finally, Jiri Fischer should examine what is really important in his life.  If his NHL career is more important to him than anything else, that playing hockey was the reason he feels he was put on this Earth, then he should throw caution to the wind and go for it.  But if the importance of family and friends supercede his passion for hockey, then it's time to call it a career and focus on taking advantage of his second chance at life.

Of course all of these factors that weigh into a decision like this are a non-issue if it is eventually revealed that doctors won't ever clear him to play.  Perhaps that would be a blessing in disguise in the long run.

But even if the decision rests solely in the hands of Jiri Fischer, the choice is crystal clear.  Hockey is a game, and whether it's now or ten years from now, eventually he will have to stop playing.  Why take the chance of having his career, and more importantly his life, taken away because of another freak occurrence?  Remember, this isn't the first time Jiri Fischer has had heart problems.  In 2002, he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

Taking everything into account, it's just not worth it.  Let's hope for the sake of Jiri and his family that one day he realizes this and does the right thing.