meaning of the quote “That was the end of any semblance of joy in the game for me. I became a fighter. If an opposing player directed any kind of remark toward me, I dropped the gloves and started swinging. . .I was bitter. I wanted the game to lift me

By this time Saul is playing in elite white leagues. Even though Saul is an elite player people stereotype him. He is expected to be what he looks like, an Indian. Eventually Saul plays up to their expectations: he gives them what they want. He becomes the "savage" who will fight at the slightest provocation. The magic of hockey is dying inside him.