A look back at 30 years of professional hockey in St. John’s and celebrating the local stars who gave fans plenty of reason to cheer

It’s been three decades since professional hockey arrived in the province’s capital, a sports journey that has embraced several franchises, two leagues and an alumni of NHL legends.

The Baby Leafs 

That first year was pure magic for the province as the American Hockey League’s St. John’s Maple Leafs, the farm team of the storied Toronto Maple Leafs, captured the hearts of sports fans – narrowly losing the 1991-92 league championship. 

The Baby Leafs – featuring 21-year-old Corner Brook forward Todd Gillingham and led by rookie coach Marc Crawford – gave fans at Memorial Stadium its first taste of the pro game.

But the city’s first dalliance with the pro game actually came way back in 1983 when Ian McKenzie, owner of Regatta Ford, organized a four-team AHL exhibition tournament with an eye to bringing a pro team to St. John’s. AHL president Jack Butterfield balked at the idea of having his teams, which travelled exclusively by bus, fly to the island.

 But by the early 1990s pro hockey talk heated up. In 1990 the NHL’s Minnesota North Stars and general manager Bobby Clarke signed a deal with Mayor Shannie Duff to place Minnesota’s minor league affiliate in St. John’s. 

There was only one problem, the North Stars minor league team at the time was based in Kalamazoo, Michigan of the International Hockey League and the AHL refused to allow Minnesota to simply transfer the club to the league without buying an expansion franchise first and the deal fell through.

Standing room only

Undaunted, the city turned its attention to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were unhappy with their AHL franchise in Newmarket, Ontario. Shifting the franchise to St. John’s would not pose the same problem the North Stars encountered. And despite Butterfield’s concern about travel, Cliff Fletcher and his Toronto Maple Leafs would be finally bring pro hockey to Newfoundland.

Rabid St. John’s hockey fans quickly snapped up every season ticket available in the 3,500 seat Memorial Stadium and the standing room only crowd were treated to an exciting brand of hockey that culminated in a Calder Cup run.

Gillingham was the first of many Newfoundlanders to play the pro game in St. John’s. Players like Terry Ryan and Harold Druken followed with the Baby Leafs, but the most memorable was South Shore senior hockey league legend Andy Sullivan, one of the province’s all-time great amateur players, who turned pro with the Maple Leafs as a 32-year-old.

First pro goal

Venerable Baby Leafs radio broadcaster George MacLaren said when Sullivan scored his first pro goal it was like the roof just about blew off the old Stadium — cheering never heard since the night George Spracklin scored for the St. John’s Caps senior hockey team versus the visiting Soviet national team, featuring the likes of Vladislav Tretiak.

 By 2005, the pro hockey landscape had changed and many teams wanted to have their AHL affiliate close to the parent club for salary cap reasons and the Maple Leafs were one of those clubs — moving the Baby Leafs to the Ricoh Colleseum in Toronto.

 While the St. John’s Fog Devils of the Quebec Major Junior league filled the hockey void for a couple of years, it would be several years until the American Hockey League would return to St. John’s.

Miracle on ice

In nothing short of a miracle, former Premier Danny Williams convinced the newly-formed Winnipeg Jets to place their AHL franchise in St. John’s. The IceCaps were a smash hit at Mile One Stadium — setting an AHL record for most consecutive sell-outs and advancing to the league semifinals in year one, led by Corner Brook native Jason King.

The IceCaps would advance to the AHL finals in 2014 and play one more year as the Jets’ top farm club before, like Toronto, the club was moved to the same city as the parent club. 

As a stop gap, the Montreal Canadiens, building a new AHL arena in nearby Laval, needed a place to temporarily house its minor league team and the IceCaps lived on for two more years.

Go Growlers, Go!

There was another absence of pro hockey in the capital city until 2018 when the Toronto Maple Leafs came into the picture once again, this time with an ECHL affiliation for St. John’s.

The ECHL is considered a tier below the AHL, but the team would be considered the class of the league, bringing St. John’s its first professional sports title. And like the city’s previous hockey clubs the Newfoundland Growlers were led by a handful of Newfoundlanders — NHL veteran Adam Pardy, snipers Zach O’Brien and Marcus Power and tough defenceman James Melindy. The club was also coached initially by long-time NHLer Ryane Clowe, of Fermeuse, who had to leave the bench due to lingering concussion issues.

Glenn Stanford

The Growlers did not get to defend their title in 2020 as the playoffs were cancelled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Growlers then voluntarily suspended operations for the 2020-21 season as the pandemic still had ongoing travel restrictions.

Of course, no story about professional hockey would be complete without mentioning Glenn Stanford, the executive who has overseen every interaction of professional hockey in the city and has a sterling reputation in pro hockey circles. 

Buddy the Puffin

Another fixture on all pro hockey teams in St. John’s was Buddy the Puffin. He was previously the mascot of the St. John’s Maple Leafs and later the St. John’s IceCaps and Growlers. Buddy’s number is 92, which represents 1992, the year that he was introduced as the mascot of the St. John’s Maple Leafs. For most of Buddy’s tenure, the man in the suit was Chris Abbott, who tragically passed away in early February.

Pro hockey dream

Among coaches who steered St. John’s pro hockey teams two men — Marc Crawford and Joel Quenneville of the St. John’s Maple Leafs – went on to coach NHL teams to Stanley Cup championships. Arguably the greatest player to ever play the pro game in St. John’s is former IceCaps goalie Connor Hellebuyck who won the 2020 Vezina Trophy, the only St. John’s pro hockey alumni to win a major NHL individual player award.

The pro hockey dream continues in the province’s capital with the Newfoundland Growlers still chasing another ECHL title. This team –and the many teams over the past three decades – continue to give fans a reason to cheer.

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

Orrin Centazzo has ‘it,’ whatever that ‘it’ is. The player from Marwayne, Alberta has been a hit with young hockey fans since day one and can often be found interacting – like handing over a puck or playing rock, paper, scissors – with kids at the plexiglass divider during warm up.  Phrases used to describe the young man with the blond curls hanging outside his helmet are, “he plays bigger than he is,” “What a spitfire,” and “can that kid ever skate.” He has spunk, attitude, and displays a kindness and sweetness that’s impossible to not adore.   We ask Centazzo what he thinks of a life lived in the spotlight. “You look out at all the signs that they have around in warm up and if your name’s on it, you try and acknowledge it and try and play rock, paper, scissors or trade a puck for something so they know you noticed,” he said with a smile. 

 He’s long has a passion for the game himself, so inspiring the next generation feels good, he added. “I start playing hockey or skating when I was two, and my dad wouldn’t tie my laces up tight to keep my strength on my ankles.” Did it help? He smiled, “I guess…”

There’s a passion in Centazzo and he says he’s glad it’s noticed.   “I am not taking any of this for granted. It’s the best game in the world and I get to play and I’m thankful for it and I’ll never take it for granted.” Centazzo’s mom and stepdad came to visit for six games. What are their thoughts? “They love it. It’s different from Alberta and the roads are confusing,” he laughed. 

As for the fans? They are the best. ”It’s such a great group of people to play for and the fanbase here? I love it.”

He also has praise for his teammates. “We have  a very skilled team. Playing with Obie (O’Brien) is crazy and playing with Skirvs (Skirving) is incredible, I mean, (Skirving) works hard. He can pass the puck like I haven’t seen before and it’s pretty easy – when you get a puck on your tape, you score.”

 Centazzo won Rookie of the Year this season. Thoughts?   “We’re excited for the playoffs. We want to bring another Kelly Cup here so hopefully we can do that and I think we’ve got the team to do it. I’m excited for the playoff atmosphere and to just continue to keep things going.”

Todd Skirving may have been born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, but after three seasons (one not played because of COVID) with the Growlers, he’s embraced Newfoundland as his home.  “This is kind of a second home to me. My heart’s here, so I like to think I’m an honourary Newfoundlander,” he said.  

  His heart is in the game – and in the province – so fiercely that he adds, “I don’t want to break out the news too early, but I’d like to come back next season to play again.”

Part of the attraction are his teammates. “We’re definitely fortunate. We get a lot of help from up top from the Leafs and the Marlies so we get a lot of good players and a great coaching staff… we’re a tight knit group and having the staff and the support systems that we have here, from nutrition to mental health on and off the ice, I think that just makes everyone feel comfortable and excited to play.” 

Skirving has had a great hockey season and he’s been a fan fav. His thoughts? “I always say and I tell the young guys, as long as the opportunities are coming, that’s a good thing. It’s when they’re not coming you should worry. Just take it one shift at a time and then focus on the next opportunity.” 

 The team has been blessed with not only strong players but great goalies too.  “Our goalies have been the backbone to our team this year. It allows us to play the kind of style of game we play offensively.”

Has he adjusted to the NL weather here now that he’s three seasons in? He laughed. “It’s like Thunder Bay, four seasons in one day; rain, snow, sun, clouds, and all of the above.”

 Skirving shared he has a good rapport on and off the ice with Marcus Power, James Melindy and Zach O’Brien as they’ve been playing together since their first Kelly Cup championship. “Marcus and Obie (O’Brien) are two special players. Obviously, they’re very talented, very gifted offensively, they put up a lot of goals and points and helped our team win a lot of games, but at the end of the day, they’re also good people too. I enjoy being around Obie and Marcus and our captain James Melindy.”

Melindy worked towards becoming a firefighter when the season was cancelled due to COVID, so the team wasn’t sure if he’d be back.  “I remember saying all summer long how he was the last piece to our puzzle. He is the anchor in our locker room. These players have been at the top, they’ve helped us win a championship, and they are good people off the ice and it keeps the locker room tight.”

Skirving was also close to Chris Abbott who portrayed the mascot Buddy the Puffin. “It still almost doesn’t feel real. The last couple of games, being at home again for three games and not hearing him holler? We talk about it in the locker room. I think our playoff this year is going to be for Abbo. We’re starting to come up with some slogans and whatnot. It’s definitely a big loss, not just for us and the Growlers team, but I think for the hockey community in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

 There’s a framed picture of ‘Buddy’ at home, he added, and a little display dedicated to his late friend. “It just feels like life cut short and we missed out on a lot of opportunities. I feel like we always said we’re going to grab a drink but life gets busy. He was a big Yankee fan and opening day is today, so we probably would have got together and I miss him.” 

James Melindy is a mountain of a man and stands an imposing figure on a pair of skates. The Goulds native, however,  is all charm as he talks about the support he and the team have received from local fans. 

“It’s obviously super special to come home and be able to play in front of friends and family. Since I was 14 years old I was living away from home and the only time you played in front of family was once in a blue moon if they flew to catch some games. So to be able to come home and play in front of them is super special,”  he said. Especially his parents, he added.  “They are very proud of what I’ve become and the person I’ve become, so any time Mom gets the chance to get out on the concourse and brag a little bit, she doesn’t mind doing that.” But “it’s awesome,” he added. “You’re paying your parents back finally for everything they’ve done and for the sacrifices. Seeing the smiles on their faces during games and giving that little wave during warm up means a lot,” he said. 

Melindy says he feels the passion to give back to the community too.  “Obviously, any time you’re a professional athlete or somebody that’s a role model in the community, you try to get out as much as possible and interact with fans because a lot of times, you know, they only see you on the ice.” Being able to interact one-on-one with fans is a bonus of the profession, he said.  “That part is super special for all of us, especially for  some of the local guys. Todd (Skirving) also obviously takes big pride in giving back to the community. I know how important it was when I was a kid when the St. John’s Maple Leafs were coming around to schools and helping out with the Janeway and whatnot. So we just try to keep progressing in the community and giving back in any way we can.” 

At heart, he’s still just a fan of the game, he added. “Being a little boy and going down to Memorial Stadium and watching the ‘Baby Leafs’ was all good memories. Then the Fog Devils and the IceCaps, and to have an opportunity later to come back and play against the IceCaps and to now play for the hometown team is amazing. It’s such an honor and an opportunity not a lot of people get. And to be very fortunate to have good teams here with lots of success has been a bonus. We’re just trying to keep that running and hopefully come out with another trophy again this year.” 

On the loss of Chris Abbott, Melindy paused. “We had a tough spell there with the passing of Chris, who was just an amazing human gone way too early. The arena never really feels the same since he’s been gone. He’s one of those guys that you hear him before you see him and he always brought a smile to everybody’s face and made everybody’s day better.” ‘Buddy’ was more than a mascot, he added.  

“I’ve known the mascot side of him and what he brought to the community and coming down to the game as a kid, he put smiles on our faces and those are memories a lot of people cherish, but I was lucky enough to be able to meet him on a more personal level and to get to know him as a person. There’s not many humans as good as him around, and if there was, the world would  be a lot better place, for sure.” 

As for the fans, ‘thank you,’ Melindy said.  “We know, throughout this season, it’s been a little bit difficult just because of restrictions … but there’s no better place to play than here at home with the fans. We had a great season, so that’s something that’s easy to get behind and then with Newfoundlanders on the team, we’re hoping that we’re getting a lot of support here come playoff time because it really does make a difference for us.” 

And, he added, you simply can’t beat playing the game you love on home ice. “Our families supported us and put us in a situation to be able to chase our dreams. You’ll never be able to repay how much they’ve given to us, but to be able to play games here while living across the street from my parents, and to go over and have a chat with them after games means so much.”

So does playing with b’ys you grew up with, he said. “Myself, Zach (O’Brien)and Marcus (Power) all grew up playing against each other and playing with each other so the familiarity is there and that helps new players adjust a little bit easier too,” he said. 

Newfoundland, he added, is a “different place.”  “It’s a super special place and we’re very fortunate to get a chance to play here because we get treated exceptionally well. It’s a very unique place with amazing people.”

What a year 2021 has been! The holiday season will be a welcome break for everyone. Stirling Communications (NTV, OZFM and The Newfoundland Herald)  just celebrated our 23rd annual Teddy Toss this month, with tens of thousands of bears and gift baskets being distributed to families in need across the province of Newfoundland  and Labrador. 

A holiday tradition

It’s a sweet legacy of giving back to the community, and creating a fun night with a higher purpose. 

The idea of a “Teddy Toss” came to me at a St. John’s Maple Leafs game at the old Memorial Stadium, when I saw a bunch of paper airplanes sailing onto the ice as part of a contest and thought: what if those paper airplanes were teddy bears, and given to kids who aren’t getting anything for the holidays. No child should be without a toy on Christmas. The Salvation Army stepped up to manage distribution, and package the bears with other essentials like blankets and food stuffs. The rest is history. 

For a time I actually thought I invented the Teddy Toss concept, until finding out another minor league hockey team in BC had successfully pulled off the same concept earlier. Independent minds coming to the same idea. Pretty cool. Now it’s a holiday tradition all across North America – teddy bears being thrown out onto the ice at hockey games to give to the less fortunate. 

Funny that we were one of the very first in the world to do it, right here in St. John’s. Newfoundlanders have a track record of giving more to charity (per capita) than any other province in Canada. This heartwarming generosity goes on display every year – whether it’s the Teddy Toss or the Janeway Telethon. It’s just awe-inspiring. 

A Christmas miracle

To finish the story: on that first Teddy Toss night, I was so worried that no one would bring a bear. Even though we had advertised the event on NTV, OZFM and in The Newfoundland Herald, the hockey team wasn’t doing great (games weren’t selling out), people were busy with other seasonal activities, and the concept was new. Moreover, a huge snowstorm hit St. John’s the night of the first Toss. 

A half hour before game time, the stadium was practically empty with nary a teddy to be found. I felt defeated, deflated, and like I was going to cry.

Well, what happened next was a Christmas miracle. Thousands of people streamed into the stadium, almost every one of them holding a teddy bear to throw onto the ice. The game was a sell out, with the home team scoring the winning goal in a thrilling last-second manner. The Salvation Army band played beautiful Christmas carols, families were rejoicing and singing along, Buddy the Puffin was doing his thing and a Newfoundland Christmas tradition was born.

After the game, I delivered the footage we took of the event back to NTV. Right as I was walking into the Master Control Room at the television station, the MCR (Master Control Room) phone rang. It was my grandfather, Hall of Fame broadcaster and station owner Geoff Stirling! Geoff had taken a real interest in the promotion and wanted to know how the evening unfolded. 

‘How was the Toss’

“How was the Toss, buddy? Did anyone bring a bear?“ Geoff asked. As I described the magic of the night, Geoff further inquired: “Do you have footage?” When I answered in the affirmative, he joyfully exclaimed, “Well, give it to the MCR operator, man! What are you waiting for?” 

On NTV’s first commercial break we aired the two minute clip (with some scrolling text giving the footage context). Geoff was so thrilled. I don’t think my grandfather was ever prouder of me; I could hear it in his voice. Geoff concluded: “Close your eyes right now, buddy.” I did. 

‘A big responsibility’

“Never forget this moment. This event showed that advertising with our media works; it has real power. And it’s a big responsibility to always use this power for good, and to give back to the community,” he said.

Well, I have never forgotten that moment. And I’ve always tried to use the power of our local media for good – to reflect the beauty of the province back onto itself. Newfoundland and Labrador is a special place to live, and it’s by having each others’ backs that we get through tough times. Teamwork makes the dream work. 

Keep being good people! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

O’Brien, 29, recorded 83 points (40 goals, 43 assists) in 49 games this past season with EV Landshut (DEL2). He was second in the league overall in points (83) and goals (40). In two seasons with the Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL), O’Brien registered 53 goals and 61 assists in 94 games. The St. John’s native captured the Kelly Cup in 2018-19 and was named the Kelly Cup Playoffs MVP. O’Brien has appeared in eight games with the Marlies, picking up one goal and one assist.

Power, 28, appeared in 47 games with EV Landshut (DEL2) this past season, registering 69 points (29 goals, 40 assists). The St. John’s native skated in 109 games with the Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL) over two seasons and collected 47 goals and 60 assists. Power picked up 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) in 21 playoff games, winning the Kelly Cup in 2018-2019.

The Toronto Marlies are the primary development program for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since 2005, 132 players have appeared in regular-season games at both the NHL and AHL levels. The Toronto Maple Leaf’s roster in 2020-2021 featured 12 players who have dressed for both the Maple Leafs and Marlies – Joey Anderson, Adam Brooks, Travis Dermott, Pierre Engvall, Justin Holl, Michael Hutchinson, Timothy Liljegren, Jake Muzzin, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, Nick Robertson, and Rasmus Sandin.

To read more from Dillon Collins, click here. Visit nlgrowlers.com for season ticket information and more!

The initial crop includes skaters include St. John’s native, Nathan Noel, three Growlers alumni from the 2019 Kelly Cup championships — Derian Plouffe, Todd Skirving, Garret Johnston. Also making the roster are the high-scoring Western Hockey League graduate, Orrin Centazzo, the former USHL captain, Marc Johnstone and NCAA standout Brendan Soucie.

Growlers Head Coach Eric Wellwood has been hard at work behind the scenes since his arrival in St. John’s and is eager to see this first crop of Growlers skaters on the ice at training camp.

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“There have been so many moving parts over the last few weeks,” Wellwood said. “It’s exciting to take this next step in building our team.”

“We have a great core of players who have experience playing in this market and a lot of exciting new, young players as well. I’m really looking forward to ushering in this next chapter of Growlers hockey with these players.”

Derian Plouffe (26) returns for his second tour of duty with the Growlers. In the club’s inaugural season in 2018-2019, Plouffe — then a rookie — appeared in 56 contests, scoring 13 times and adding 10 helpers and posted a sterling plus-11 plus/minus rating.

Following his rookie season in Newfoundland, the Nepean, Ontario native joined the Indy Fuel for the 2019-2020 season and collected another 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points in just 48 games played.

Plouffe remained with the Fuel for the 2020-2021 season, appearing in eight games and scoring one goal and registering two assists.

Todd Skirving (29) is set to return for his third season with the Growlers following the 2020-2021 season in which he did not play. Last season, Skirving dipped a toe in the coaching world and served as the assistant coach for the Cranbrook Bucks in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).

In two seasons with the Growlers in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, the Thunder Bay, Ontario native has appeared in 63 regular-season contests in the black, white and gold, amassing seven goals and 12 assists for 19 total points. He has also appeared in five playoff games, including the Kelly Cup Finals.

Nathan Noel is set to join his hometown club. A fourth-round selection of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Noel spent his first three seasons split between Chicago’s AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, and the ECHL, including stints with the Indy Fuel, Reading Royals and South Carolina Stingrays.

In 71 career AHL games, the 5’11” right-handed forward collected three goals and four assists for seven points. In 62 ECHL contests, he has earned 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points.

While playing his junior hockey for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL, Noel helped lead his team to a QMJHL title and amassed one goal and one assist in the 2017 Memorial Cup tournament.

21-year-old Western Hockey League (WHL) graduate Orrin Centazzo knows how to score goals.

The diminutive 5’8” left-winger scored 44 goals in just 63 games as a member of the Kamloops Blazers in his last full season in 2019-2020, finishing eighth among all WHL skaters in points with 81 and second in goals scored.

The Marwayne, Alberta native continued his torrid pace into his final junior season in 2020-2021, claiming 17 points in 17 games. In 260 career WHL games shared between Kamloops and the Everett Silvertips, he recorded 184 points, including 84 goals and 100 assists.

26-year-old South Dennis, Massachusetts native Brendan Soucie has been brought back for the 2021-2022 ECHL season after signing with the Growlers ahead of the 2020-2021 season in which the Growlers did not participate.

Last season, the 5’10” forward elected to suit up for the SPHL’s Birmingham Bulls where he earned three assists in seven games played.

Prior to turning pro, Soucie played four years of NCAA hockey with Army (U.S. Military Academy) from 2016 to 2020, where he was teammates with former Growlers goaltender Parker Gahagen in 2016-2017.

Throughout his collegiate career, Soucie appeared in 111 games with Army over four seasons, amassing 33 goals and 28 helpers for 61 points.

Former Sacred Heart (NCAA) captain Marc Johnstone is excited for his first full professional season on the Rock. Following his final season of NCAA hockey in 2020-2021, he played his first games as a pro as a member of the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays, appearing in five games and earning two assists.

The 25-year-old Cranford, New Jersey native spent four full seasons at Sacred Heart University and earned conference First All-Star Team Honours for his brilliant 2020-2021 season, which included six goals and 10 assists in just 16 games.

In 2017, Johnstone captained the USHL’s Chicago Steel to a Clark Cup championship, putting up 15 points in just 14 playoff games.

Winnipeg, Manitoba native and 2019 Kelly Cup champion Garrett Johnston is excited to return for his third season in the black, white and gold.

Last season, with the Growlers opting out of the 2020-2021 campaign, Johnston took his talents to the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies, where he appeared in 60 regular-season contests and three postseason games, earning two goals and eight assists for ten points along the way.

Johnston hit his stride in his first two seasons as a Growler, appearing in 96 regular-season games in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, scoring five goals and adding 40 assists for 45 total points.

His strong play in Newfoundland earned Johnston his first AHL call-up, appearing in one game for the Toronto Marlies on March 6, 2020.

To read more from Dillon Collins, click here. Visit nlgrowlers.com for season ticket information and more!