Glenn Stanford reflects on his 30 year involvement with professional hockey in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

When Glenn Stanford stood on the ice at the Mary Brown’s Centre at the Growers Game against the Cincinnati Cyclones in early April, he drew a standing ovation.

Stanford, currently the Governor and Chief Operating Officer of the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL, has been called everything from “the glue” to “the heart” of any and all hockey franchises that have called this province home and has been labeled “the reason why” there’s been professional hockey played in Newfoundland for over thirty years.

Hockey accolades

Stanford’s hockey career began as a high level administrator and organizer as the Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Athletic Federation and continued when he became the manager of the St. John’s Memorial Stadium.

Stanford has been named the top CEO with the American Hockey League twice – one of only four people in the history of the league to twice earn the honor. Stanford has earned praise from past politicians (former premier Danny Williams is one) and former players (like Adam Pardy) as he led the extremely successful St. John’s IceCaps and St. John’s Maple Leafs hockey operations in the American Hockey League. Danny Williams has said Standford’s leadership played a major role in the IceCaps recording 127 consecutive sell-out crowds at Mile One.

‘He’s a gentleman’

With awards that include the 2005 Thomas Ebight Award for career contributions to the AHL, 2004 Special Olympics Sports Celebrities Festival National Volunteer of the Year and selection as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs, Stanford has more than earned his place in hockey history in NL. But talk to anyone who knows the man and they will simply say, “he’s a gentleman,” and it’s been his reputation that Stanford has relied on over the past 30 years. 

What started his passion for pro hockey? The fact that it wasn’t here, he said.  “I ended up managing (Memorial) stadium in 1996, and one of the things I realized was that they never had a tenant in the building,” the former teacher said.

He began exploring the possibility of housing an  American Hockey League franchise. With guts and grit, the St. John’s Maple Leafs settled in. 

“We sold out in Memorial Stadium, but that only had 2,500 capacity, but then in 2011 with the IceCaps at Mile One, we had sell out after sell out in a much bigger space.”

‘30 years of success’

While many say that Standford is the reason pro hockey’s here, he’s quick to share the praise with others. 

“In 2011, Danny (Williams) came back (to hockey) and then Dean (MacDonald) got involved, so there wouldn’t be hockey without their support, but if you’re really going to point the finger in a good way to why we are successful here that finger has got to be pointed towards the fans because they’re the ones that stuck it out and they’re the ones that supported hockey over the years. You can have a good product on the ice and you can have a league and you can be competitive on the ice, but if you don’t have fans you’re not going to be successful.”

There’s been a core group of fans that have been with the sport for 30 years, he added. “Many of our corporate partners have been with us for that whole time, too. The reason why we’re successful is simply the fans and corporate partners.” 

It hasn’t always been easy. The realities of the geography has been challenging for one thing, he said. “Obviously no disrespect, it’s tough to attract people to come to the province simply because of the travel. We’re an island. The weather is not great. With those things in mind, we took the philosophy early on that we’re going to treat this team and this organization as best we can.” They focused on every detail, from food to lodgings, and they did their best to attract the best. Word soon got around that this province was the place to be.

‘One of our own’

“Word spread that if you come to St. John’s,  you’re going to be well taken care of. The fans are going to support the team. There’ll be good coaches and development opportunities with the Toronto Maple Leafs and that attracted players to come here.”

Fans of these game began “treating come from away players like one of their  own, even though they might be from Ontario or from the states,” he said.

“When someone plays for that Newfoundland Growlers team, our fans treat them like one of our own and take care of them. Fans embraced the parents of the players, they take them out for fish and chips or out sightseeing. That doesn’t happen anywhere else. That’s the culture that we have developed over a number of years.”

Growlers Nation

Fans of the game are part of the Growlers Nation (join the fans on the Facebook page, Growlers Nation) and “People know, you come here, it’s a special place with a special group of people and you’re going to be taken care of.” 

Stanford has a special relationship with the players too. Many of the NL contingent, like Marcus Power, James Melindy, Zach O’Brien, Nathan Noel and Tyler Boland, have developed an enduring bond with Stanford.

“They are great players and great young men. But what’s really cool about the whole idea of having Newfoundland players is that we’re not just having Newfoundland players for the sake of having local players … What’s really cool about all of our Newfoundland players on our team is they make an unbelievable contribution to the team and they have made a big contribution to our overall success.” 

Danielle Goyette

As the father of two daughters, Stanford is also proud of the role women have taken within the league, he added. The team earned headlines for having the first female coach in the history of the ECHL when Danielle Goyette stepped in to help when coach Eric Wellwood had COVID. 

“Having females involved in the game at all levels, from coaching to assistant general managers, is a good thing. And this year Kelly-Anne Roberts became the first full-time female colour commentator in ECHL history. That speaks well for our game, that speaks well for us as an organization and hopefully where we are league leaders when it comes to that. Personally, I’m married, I have two daughters and I have two granddaughters and what we’ve done speaks well for the future of the game and that’s the way it should be.” 

Focusing on the game itself, Stanford is proud of the team’s standings and hopeful for the playoffs. “Obviously we hope our team wins on the ice, but we don’t control the outcome from the office. The players and the coaches do a wonderful job of making sure our team is competitive on the ice. The other part of that for us is the entertainment value so when people come down to the games, not only are they entertained by what’s happening on the ice, but they’re also entertained when the puck isn’t in play.” 

He loves hearing fans as they exit a game saying that “it was fun.” 

‘A critical time’

Speaking about current franchise owner Dean MacDonald, Stanford paused. 

“Dean came in at a critical time. The IceCaps had moved on, the American Hockey League had moved on, simply because of the geography – we were an island out in the middle of eastern Canada. Then Dean came on board because he felt that there was a need for hockey in the community. And he’s a successful business person in this community and then legitimately wanted to try to give something back.”

The last four years have not been easy, he admitted. “In the last two years, almost every business has struggled but to his credit, through trying times and troubling times, he stayed with it. He’s doing what he’s doing for all the right reasons. He wasn’t getting rich off hockey, let’s just say that.”

The charity piece is huge, he added. From Growlers Give to the Growlers Academy, to the time the players themselves donate to so many causes, it’s been a feel-good time to be in the organization, he said. “Hockey has made an enormous contribution financial, millions of dollars over the 30 years has gone back to the community.” 

People like the late Murray Chaplin who sold 50/50 tickets at the games was one. 

“Buddy appearances, hospital visits, the player appearances, shovelling during Snowmageddon. The list just goes on and on and on. I think that’s one of the best benefits of having a pro sports team. Yes, it’s on wheels in the stadium at game time, but I think hockey is a great asset to the community in so many ways.”

Buddy the Puffin

The conversation turns towards the loss of Chris Abbott, the man behind the team’s mascot, Buddy the Puffin. 

“We were lucky when Chris became involved and Chris, as Buddy, became the face of our franchise. The kids might know the players names, but they knew Buddy. Everybody in Newfoundland knew Buddy and he was putting smiles on people’s faces at the games, not only kids, but a lot of adults, too. He became the face of our team and the face of our organization. 

“Chris was going beyond what was expected, and he’s done everything over the years. There was a Mission Impossible opening ceremony in one of the games and he propelled from ceiling. He put so much effort into Buddy and he took so much pride in Buddy. I never heard that he turned down a request.” 

Treasured memories

There’s hundreds of stories, and so many treasured memories, he added.

Stanford has taken time to reflect, he said, and now at the 30 year mark, he can say that “it’s been a ride.” 

“I don’t see myself as the face of the organization even though I’ve been around for 30 years, because longevity doesn’t necessarily mean anything. And although people might like to thank me for being around 30 years, it’s the volunteers. It’s the staff at the Mary Brown’s Centre, the officials and the volunteer staff. It’s the season ticket holders, the fans. It’s the corporate partners…” 

The list goes on. “Looking back, it’s been amazing and people shouldn’t be thanking me. It’s really me who should be saying thank you. So thank you.”

(Posted May 1st, 2022. The Growlers are currently in the playoffs for the Kelly Cup. For tickets and info visit /https://www.nlgrowlers.com/#tab_statistics-players-leaders=forwards

Nathan Noel is proud to be playing professional hockey in his home province. He says he is “really feeling the love” from the fans.  

“I think there’s a lot of support for our hometown guys on the team and for guys who have been here in the past, like Todd Skirving,” he said, and he’s “looking up” to those who have played here longer, like James Melindy, Zach O’Brien and  Marcus Power. 

“It’s definitely really cool to be able to represent your home province,” he said. While his parents are “well-travelled,” having followed his hockey career, it’s nice to have family and friends in the stands for home games. “My parents  have basically followed me everywhere in my career – from Minnesota to Rockford to St. John, New Brunswick. Anywhere I’ve went, they were able to come and see a lot of games. But obviously it’s a lot easier when it’s in your backyard,” the St. John’s born player said. 

The loss of Buddy (Chris Abbott) goes beyond the loss on the ice. “I played soccer with (Chris Abbott’s) son growing up, and I knew him pretty well. I knew (Chris)  as a guy, I knew him outside his Buddy suit. So it was a big shock to everyone here. And whenever you lose someone you know or you’re close to you just obviously feel for the family. I mostly thought of (his son) when it happened. That was my  first concern, for his mental health and how he took it.”

But his memory remains, he added.  “We keep him and his spirits on the ice. Hopefully we can show just a fraction of the passion he put into the game.” 

 As the playoffs loomed, we ask if there’s any advantage to playing with guys like James Melindy and  Zach O’Brien. For sure, he said.  “Those guys are leaders on this team and they’ve won before, so they kind of carry the torch and they kind of show the way for us younger guys in the room, the new guys to this side of hockey. We just got to do our part and we’ve done a good job of that so far this year and moving forward in the playoffs, we’ve just got to keep that rolling. 

The Newfoundland Growlers become the 10th franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League and as the games are set to begin, it’s playoff time in the hockey world. There’s no rest for the wicked, and there’s even less for anyone dedicated to delivering great sporting entertainment in St. John’s, NL.

Dean MacDonald is the man behind Deacon Sports & Entertainment which owns the Newfoundland Growlers – affiliates of the Toronto Maple Leafs. They also own the Trois Rivières Quebec Lions (also in the playoffs), and the Coralville Iowa Heartlanders. 

MacDonald opened by saying “It’s been a tough but great season.”       Tough, because of the COVID restrictions when it came to fans in the stands and travel, but great because all three teams have made great strides in the ECHL world. “We’re really pleased with fan support and without them, things would be quite different,” he said. Sometimes, especially speaking about the success of the Growlers, who were Kelly Cup winners in their first franchise year, he has to remind himself “that it’s real.” 

“I don’t know how we ended up here. I honestly don’t. The irony is that we were approached to bring a team here, and we did it. It’s a credit to Glenn (Stanford – the Governor and Chief Operating Officer of the Newfoundland Growlers) and the team. A few things are important. We run a tight ship and we’re active in the community. That’s kudos to the lads on the team who have the passion. As for me? It’s just fun. I can’t describe it any other way. The playoff run we had in the first year, and to win it was like magic and that’s just one of the greatest moments of all time.”

Watching the joy on the faces of the players and the fans made his investment all that much more worthwhile, he added.

“It’s so much fun to see fans engaged. Our fans are really into each game. I think the local players on the team helps a lot as it gets the heart beating fast.”

Zach O’Brian. James Melindy. Nathan Noel. Marcus Power. Tyler Bowland. Players who grew up here bring family and community support to each and every game. 

Speaking of getting the heart beating faster, the three games the Growlers played at home against the Cincinnati Cyclones just before the start of the playoff games were some rough and tough hockey. MacDonald laughed. 

“I watched it. It was tough. But it’s nice when you win the gritty ones because that’s playoff hockey. They’re (Cyclones) a heavy hitting team and they’re going to take the lumber to us.” 

MacDonald and the Growlers organization have earned much praise in the league. While many are owed credit, as far as the head of the organization is concerned, the parent team gets the credit.

‘the Leafs system’

 “I think it starts with the Leafs … they are very determined to have a good team and all the players feel like they’re in the Leafs system. Like they have a chance. There’s a lot of time and effort put into each player with individual coaching so I think players feel that they’re really wanted and I think it’s fair to say there are teams in the league where that isn’t the case.” 

From medical care to good grub, the management team are committed to the players and their wellbeing both mentally and physically, he shared.

Looking back over 30 years of professional hockey in this province, McDonald says the credit goes to one man: Glenn Stanford. 

“At the end of the day, it’s all about Glenn. We don’t have a team without Glenn. It was the Leafs that approached Glenn about possibly playing here in St. John’s. It was Montreal who approached Glenn about Trois Rivières, and it was the city of Coralville that approached Glenn about the Heartlanders.” 

Glenn, he added, has a “blue chip kind of Rolodex when it comes to hockey,” he added. 

“I think it speaks volumes for him and his personality that people like him and like working with him … Glenn Stanford has been there from the get go.”

As for the playoffs? The team is ready, he said. “Coming into the playoffs now, we’re going to have to have a very good team and hopefully it’ll be interesting hockey.”

The fans, he said, are ready. 

“With everything that’s happened with COVID, I think the people are just longing for (sport at that level). That’s the feeling I have. We’re starting to get big crowds now and people are into it and I think we did a really good thing when we called the team the Newfoundland Growlers because we have a lot of support across the entire province.” 

The Growlers Academy

One piece that’s important is the opportunity to give back with Growlers Give and the Growlers Academy. 

“That’s really important for us … when I got involved with the team I realized that we had an opportunity to add good works for want of a better term. And you know, we really have a super active group of players like Todd Skirving. The Growlers Academy has been just huge and  the kids love it so much. I think that speaks volumes to how active we are in the community.”

The Growlers get a fair bit of play on the NHL stage too, like shout outs on Hockey Night in Canada. 

“It’s been said, ‘how are you guys getting so much time on Hockey Night in Canada?’ It’s because we’re giving it our all, from the staff to the fans, and this franchise is earning a very special place in people’s heart and so that makes me feel very proud.” 

Something else that has made him proud is his connection with Chris Abbott – Buddy the Puffin – who died suddenly early in the season. 

“Chris was the heart and soul of the franchise and has been for 30 years and loosing him is just beyond sad. I had so much respect for him in terms of what he did and how dedicated he was to his craft. There was no one better than Chris and hopefully (his memory) gives us something to play for now. He was just such a gentleman and a good person and a big part of warming up the crowd. He was dedicated to the cause.”

Any last words? “This is a celebration of hockey and a celebration of Newfoundland. It’s proven that hockey’s important to the community. I think it’s also a celebration of what Glenn has done for 30 years, and I’m really proud for him because he deserves so much credit. What a career he’s put together, and it’s inspiring, and he’s just a wonderful individual and I enjoy working with him so much. It’s been a real pleasure.” 

But at the end of the day, the fans are what makes hockey in NL such a pleasure to be involved with. “There’s so many who bring it every season, but really, anyone who has come to a game is part of the story of the last 30 years of hockey in this province.” 

Legendary broadcaster Brian Rogers shares his thoughts on 30 years of pro hockey in St. John’s

Legendary broadcaster Brian Rogers has been providing colour hockey commentary for 30-plus years. His analysis and – at least his voice – is no stranger to fans of pro hockey after years of calling games for the St. John’s Maple Leafs and St. John’s IceCaps of the AHL and the ECHL’s Growlers. While Chris Ballard is now the voice of the team, along with Kelly-Anne Roberts and Ben Murphy, anytime Rogers gets the mic, ears perk up. 

“It’s been quite a ride,” he opened, reflecting back. “It’s Chris’s gig now and he does it brilliantly, but my career was very rewarding, to say the least. But I said to Glenn (Stanford) I didn’t do squat to earn it, so I don’t know why I got a (championship) ring, but he made sure I did so bless him. That’s the reason I’m here, for the bling,” he said with a laugh.

He must be recognized everywhere, we say, referring to his distinct voice. “Oh, I got a face for radio,” he joked, adding, ‘They hear my voice, and they go, ‘hey…’, but it’s not about me, it’s about us. We’re a team. It’s all about family and that’s what it is here. One big family.” 

There’s been losses in the family too this year, he added thoughtfully. Shannon (Shaq) Coady was an equipment manager for two decades with the various franchises, someone Rogers refers to as his “second son” and they were “joined at the hip.” Doug O’Leary is another loss, he added. “We called him Rerun, and he was our taxi driver and he made sure we got back and forth … and we really miss him,” he said. 

Another loss this year was Robin Short, sports writer and editor with The Telegram. “Robin Short was brilliant and we were  buddies, ” he said.

But one of the biggest losses was when Chris ‘Abbo’ Abbott (Buddy the Puffin) died. “Chris will never be replaced, personally speaking, because there will never be another Buddy like him. He was so engaging and so entertaining, and he put his heart and soul into everything he did.”

An interesting ‘Buddy’ fact from someone who was there. “Did you know the first person to wear (the Buddy suit) was Glenn Stanford? Of course he never told you that because he’s one of the most humble men you’ll ever meet. He’s the reason why I’m still here. He kept me around after my heart surgery and I was ready to pass the torch.” 

Passing the Torch

Speaking of passing the torch, while he doesn’t call games these days, he has stepped in a time or two for special occasions. While that’s always an honour, he says “it’s all in good hands.”  “Chris is doing a great job.”

Is there a game that stands out? That’s easy, he said. “Our clincher against Toledo for the Kelley Cup. It’s difficult having favourite games as they were all favourites, but we never won anything – we had our hearts broken in 91/92 in Game seven at Memorial Stadium. We should have won that game … if Andrew McKim scores on that five on three power play … and we lose.” Laughter. “Having the home team win is an unbelievable feeling. We share some special moments up there in the broadcast booth. Your eyes fill and it’s emotional. But that (Kelly Cup) win was probably my favourite moment in 30 years and to see Glenn on the ice in his hometown with everything he’s done, that was a great day.”

It’s not an easy job, Rogers added. From the pressure to pronounce names correctly because families of these kids are listening, to making sure you are not overdoing it on stats, it’s a head-in-the-game post above the ice. “Fans don’t want to hear what that kid did when he was a Pee-We while he’s got a breakaway, right? It’s all about just straight down the middle,” he said. And there’s no better view than the Bob Cole Media Center, so you better take advantage of that, he added. 

“It’s the best job being up there looking directly at the game. You can almost reach out and touch the players, and you have known many of them since they were a kid. Melindy. O’Brien. They are my boys.”

It’s “wild” that “30 years have come and gone,” he added, but it comes down to one man: Glenn Stanford. “Who’s running the ship is integral to the success of hockey. And obviously Glenn has done a pretty doggone good job. He’s the glue that made all this possible.”

CHRIS BALLARD: The Sky’s The Limit

The man who brings the game to fans around the world, Chris Ballard, gives his thoughts on the NL Gowlers

Broadcaster Chris Ballard is familiar to Growlers fans the country over as many who can’t take in a game tune in  online for free using the streaming platform Mixlr at mixlr.com/NLGrowlers. 

  Because COVID tossed a loop into last year’s season and meant some of this year’s games were played without fans in the stands, Ballard’s job suddenly became even more crucial. 

  “I definitely focus on the highs, first and foremost, just getting back after a year of COVID, and back in front of our fans … was enough of a win to keep the spirits high after a year of not playing,” he said. 

Enthusiastic fan base

A highlight this season has to be the first game back in the Mary Brown’s Centre, he added. “Things felt back to normal and seeing the numbers of fans grow over the last handful of games heading into the playoffs has been really special too … That’s been uplifting,” he said.

Ballard says his is the “dream team” of broadcasting. From Brian Rogers to Ben Murphy and Kelly-Anne Roberts, it’s been a great season. “Brian Rogers still does interviews for us and I get to work with some of the best local journalists in the province. Kelly-Anne and Ben have been doing a great job and they keep me on my toes and there’s this professionalism that they bring to the booth … I feel very grateful to work with them.”

It’s a dream job too. “I feel very fortunate that I get to be the one to bring the game to the fans. Player’s families are watching away, and fans of the game who can’t get to a game tune in. I feel very blessed to be able to have an opportunity to do that.”

 The Growlers have an “enthusiastic” fan base, he continued. “There’s a big appetite for the Growlers in this province and we like to provide something entertaining and fun and a bit of escape from the everyday.” He’s also developed a tight relationship with the players and those behind the scenes too, he added. “A lot of teams would probably say, ‘Oh, we have a really tight knit group’ but I just think the combination we have here of the Newfoundland players like (Marcus) Power, (Nathan) Noel, (Tyler) Boland, (James) Melindy and (Zach) O’Brien and other  players that are equally exciting to watch and come here from away like (Todd) Skirving and (Orrin) Centazzo, brings a really exciting brand of hockey.”

Combining the tight relationship of the team with the coaching and management staff and you have a winning formula, he said. “The vibe in that locker room is one of the best … We have a very cohesive, very positive unit and the sky is definitely the limit for our guys.”

Grit. What separates the haves from the have nots in the world of sports. Sandpaper readies for the rigours of playoff hockey far more than feather pillows, and the Newfoundland Growlers have been worn and polished down to a fine suit of armour ahead of their return chase for the Kelly Cup.

No, it hasn’t been easy.

From very public arena conflicts, to a carousel of rotating goalies, a seemingly endless bout with the injury bug, and the passing of a man considered to be the joyous symbol of provincial hockey, it has been anything but a cakewalk. But pressure, and grit, makes champions.

“It felt like three seasons for us,” shared Coach Eric Wellwood in a sitdown with The Herald. “We started the year off on a road trip, which is fun. And then you come back and when we land, we find out we don’t have our arena … We were doing our work in either my house or the assistant coach’s house. And then in December a lot of guys got COVID, we lost a lot of guys to injuries and call ups. Our team was decimated. It has been a long year, to say the least. So we’re glad that it’s coming down to the end, and the real season starts.”

Adversity perhaps looks good on the Growlers, who, after being forced to sit out the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic (being forced to watch the Cup they never lost handed to another club), have bounced back to clinch a playoff berth, with numerous players hitting career highs.

‘Outrageous goals’

NL’s own Zach O’Brien has had a career year, with 78 points (as of press time). Orrin Centazzo, Jeremy McKenna, Tyler Boland and Marcus Power have been point per game players, with Ben Finkelstein banking over 50 points  (as a defenseman!).

“I always tell them I give them outrageous goals just because I want them  to think a little bit outside the box. Double your production from best you’ve ever had. You know, a guy like O’Brien, that’s very difficult because his best production year is like a 1.3 points per game, so to go to 2.6 is virtually impossible. But he can improve it, which he has. But then you can look at a guy like Todd Skirving who’s, not only the doubling his production, his most goals, he’s got 18 already. I don’t think he’s gotten more than 18 points in a season,” Wellwood shard proudly. 

“Yeah, I’m really, really happy with it. I thought this was a year that if we have our team for most of the year we could try to break records almost.”

Back from the inaugural Cup run are team anchors James Melindy, Zach O’Brien, Marcus Power, Derian Plouffe and Todd Skirving, all of whom Coach Wellwood will lean on to help guide a re-tooled roster of largely young and hungry Cup hopefuls. 

“We have a younger team than what’s been here in the past. So there was a lot of unknowns and of course, my staff never being in this league before, we don’t know what we were getting into ourselves. I knew we had a strong team and the potential to have a really strong team. And our goals were to be in first place,” shard Wellwood. 

“I think now, from what we’ve seen all year, I think you can be a lot more confident saying you have a real good chance of being champions. It’s still very difficult to do and a lot of things got to go your way as well. There’s some type of luck involved to some extent whether it’s not getting injured or whether that shot that hits the post and goes in or goes out could be the difference.

“Once you’ve been there, you know what it takes. And we’re lucky to have these guys on our team. You’re going to get into these big games and there are going to be key moments in the games and in the series, and you’re going to know how to handle it. You’re going to have adversity. It’s guaranteed. You could go down 2-0 in the series right away to start. If you’ve been there before, you just know that’s alright. It’s a new game and you have to win four out of seven. So it doesn’t matter if you lost three in a row, you still have to win four.”

Buddy the Puffin

Looming large over the Growlers forthcoming playoff run is the memory of the late, great, incomparable entertainer Chris Abbott, who fans knew and loved for three-decades as the man behind Buddy the Puffin. 

This run to the Cup, and all thereafter, are dedicated to his life and memory.

“We are playing for him now. If we do win, it’s for him,” Wellwood shared, impassioned. “Obviously that just adds a little bit more pressure. But at the same time, I think it’s something that you use. It’s not something that you want to have to use, because you’d much rather him be around for this. But at the end of the day, it all could be used for good. And we’re going to use his memory to get us through some of the tough spots that we’re going to find ourselves in when we’re going on this journey in the playoffs. 

“It’s extremely sad,” he adds sincerely. “I only got to know the man for (a few) months and I’m sure, like anybody else that knew him, he instantly had an impact on your life. Especially for the guys that have been here for a while and the guys that are from here, that’s a huge loss to the community. Not just the hockey world, but the whole community. An absolutely amazing person and it’s tough when you lose somebody like that. I guess the best thing that we can do under the circumstances is use that energy in a good way, and that’s what we’ll be doing. And we’re dedicating this run to him.”

For playoff tickets and more  information visit nlgrowlers.com