If you've only recently become a 67's fan, the name Adam Smyth might not ring a bell. But to fans who've been around about a decade, it's a name they won't soon forget. Asking around the rink will typically get you the same type of response.
KimAnn Hearty-Viau remembers Adam as "tough and hard working. Someone I would want to have my back while on the ice." Another big "Smitty" fan, Tim Coates says "He's probably one of the toughest guys I've seen in the past 10 years. Never backed down and seemed to always be there when the team needed a spark. He was great with the fans... and that's why he was a fan favourite."
Adam was a special kind of player. He was never a top scorer. He was never in any points races. But he was a team player who always worked hard and was there to defend his team mates when they needed it. This was a time where heavyweights were part of every team. Fans and teams alike knew star players were protected by guys like Adam. As he puts it "I don't care who you are, you're going to think twice before you take a run at a star player because you know they have a guy on the bench you're going to have to answer to." But there was, and still is a lot more to Adam than just a scrapper.
"You know, I think a lot of people would be surprised, but we're fairly down to earth guys. I do it on the ice, but I don't go pick fights at a bar or something like that. It's the farthest thing from my mind. Away from the rink, I like to hunt and fish and do things that are relaxing like that. I'm definitely not the same person people would see on the ice."
Adam has good memories of his time in the barberpole jersey. "It was a great experience. I was leaving home at 16 and pretty much going out on my own. We had great billets there. I wasn't just a kid living at the house. I was part of their family. That was one of my favourite things about Ottawa. As far as the team and organization, their plan is for you to blossom as a hockey player, but also off the ice, they bring you in as a boy and they teach you to be a man." he tells me. He credits a lot of his personal growth to Brian Kilrea, "Killer was always respectful and he didn't treat us like kids. We were junior hockey players, but we were always treated like professionals."
In his last year in the OHL, Adam was traded to Owen Sound early on. Despite that bittersweet goodbye, he still praises the legendary Kilrea in how the situation was handled, noting he was even given a choice to where he would like to go. "Honestly, I was disappointed. I'd been away at an NHL camp. I was an overage player at the time. I came back and Killer had made some commitments to the other guys, and it was pretty well set that they were going to be there. We had some discussions leading up to the trade as to where I could go. Owen Sound is what I consider my hometown, and it was a chance to go home and play for a season where my parents could make it out to every game. The biggest thing that kinda made my mind up as to that's the place I wanted to go is my brother Matt was playing there at the time. It was a pretty neat experience, to get to play with him."
Nowadays Adam is married and has a three-year-old daughter named Grace, and a second child on the way. He still plays hockey and is currently a member of the Arizona Sundogs in the Central Hockey League, where he recorded a career high 310 penalty minutes last season. A number, he says, wasn't a goal of his. "Last year it pretty much solely fell on my shoulders. We didn't have a one-two punch as far as enforcing would go. I was pretty much on my own." he says. He points out his intention is never to step on the ice to fight. He is a hockey player first, who happens to have the size to defend his team if need be.
This year, Adam's coaches have made sure he's not the only player able to step up if needed, something Adam is happy about. "You're playing three, four games a week and fighting... it takes its toll. Come January you're in pretty rough shape. You get tired and worn down."
With the game of hockey changing so quickly, enforcers aren't as sought out as they were in times passed. Adam still believes there is a place for them in the game though. "I know there's an argument for it both ways, but my personal opinion is that it's part of the game. It's always been part of the game, and I think if they ever took it right out, you'd see injuries and concussions skyrocket because there would be a lot less respect." he explains. This is an opinion many hockey players and hockey enthusiasts share.
That doesn't change the fact, however, that the enforcer's role is diminishing. Adam would like to see young players who want to be enforcers put a lot more focus on their other skills. His advice is simple; "You can't be a one dimensional player and expect to make it. Definitely be defensively aware. As far as straight up fighting goes, they say it's not there anymore, so you have to work on your other skills. It's the skating, the passing, all that stuff that you definitely have to work on to make sure you have a job, whether you're fighting or not."
The need for players willing to enforce like Adam Smyth may be dwindling fast, but that's not not the only reason 67's fans appreciated him. He is remembered for the hard work and heart he brought to the team every single shift.
Five things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
Q. What song would you consider your life's theme song?
A. Something to be Proud of - Montgomery Gentry.
Q. If you could be on any reality show, which would it be?
A. I'd have to say Big Brother.
Q. What's your favourite smell?
A. Breakfast.
Q. How many bones have you broken?
A. Five.
Q. Do you have a secret talent?
A. I'm not sure if it's a talent, but both my thumbs are double jointed.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Mr. 1990-1991 (Jerrett DeFazio)
Part II - The Spirit of Christmas
After a late night on Friday night, I had a hard time looking beyond my exhaustion to find my Christmas spirit. But alas, I had already confirmed I would be at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa's annual Christmas party for less fortunate children. It didn't take long for me to realize I had made the right decision, as Jerrett DeFazio and the club once again inspired me.
As kids arrived excitedly, a woman wearing a BGCO black and green volunteer t-shirt greeted them at the door with a warm, welcoming smile. The first thing that stood out was the happy chaos. Kids ranging in ages running around happily in the games room, which had two air hockey tables in one corner, a few foosball tables, a ping pong table, and a pool table that was being used to serve snacks to the kids. In the middle of the room were couches where some parents, volunteers and kids had gathered to chat. My favorite feature was the giant lettering near the air hockey tables that simply said "Belong Believe Achieve". Those three words combined with the electric atmosphere created by the kids and volunteers spoke volumes.
Adam Joiner, the manager of the McCann Clubhouse, took me on a quick tour amidst the chaos. To the right was the craft room. Children and volunteers sat together at tables, letting their creative Christmas imaginations take over as they completed one masterpiece after another. On the BGCO website, a video on the introduction page explains the many uses of the craft room, including homework club, drama, improv, photography, and many other fun, planned activities for the members of the club.
To the left of the games room was a hallway that leads to a kitchen, where the BGCO offers cooking classes so our local youth can learn to create healthy meals for themselves. This hallway also leads to a room where the club holds its Youth Council meetings. The walls of this hallway display signs with the recipients of various scholarships offered by the BGCO.
I was then taken to doors at the far left corner of the games room. On the other side of these doors is a gym. The noise was deafening as kids ran around playing games the Youth Council had organized for them. Each child received ballots for each game played that would later be used in draws. The games were fun, creative, and educational. As we walked into the gym, Adam couldn't help but smile as he looked around. He tried to yell encouraging words above the laughter of the kids, but I'm not sure how many heard him. They were busy having the time of their lives.
But what Christmas party would be complete without a visit from Santa? The BGCO made sure to book Santa ahead, and they also made sure Santa wouldn't be let down when he arrived. The dressing rooms and shower area had been completely transformed by the Youth Council, into a wonderland of Christmas magic. A walk through a mythical hallway lit up by Christmas lights and 'snow' with Christmas music playing softly in the background, lead to the workshop, where the elves make toys for all the children on the nice list. No carols were needed in this part of the walk, as the elves were singing Jingle Bells in unison as they hammered away at toys, getting ready for the big deadline.
One elf paused his singing for a moment to explain the process to us. "There's a big mountain up in the North Pole. If you climb the mountain, after about half a day you get there, and there's all these things we use to make toys. Big things, little things, metal, plastic, wood. There's glue and there's nails. We put them together in Santa's workshop, and that's how toys are made!"
A few steps further, more elves. A different kind of elf this time. These elves weren't building toys, they were stuffing them! As four elves stuffed teddy bears and other cuddly friends, one person asked "I always wondered who stuffed the toys..." One of the elves piped up excitedly "I do! Colonel Stuffer here! I got promoted!"
Another turn of a corner and you were into an area filled with Christmas trees decorated top to bottom. But the attention didn't stay on the trees for long, because not too far away, down a hallway made of red wrapping paper, with piles and piles of gifts sitting on each side of the isle, sat the man of the hour, Santa Claus. Children in awe walked up to Santa one by one as they were called out by name. Because the BGCO is such a close knit family, Santa even knew particulars about each child, and so each one of them was given special attention and personalized messages from Santa Claus himself. I tried to get an exclusive interview with Santa, but just as quickly as he had appeared, once every child had received a gift and had their picture taken, he vanished mysteriously.
So much effort had been put into Santa's Village, I just had to know more. Adam took me over to Fahd, an 18 year old member of the Youth Council. Fahd started off by explaining what the Youth Council is exactly. "The Youth Council meets every Friday evening and takes care of the organizing of different parties and events. Once you get sucked in, you can't really leave. You just love it. For me, it started with just putting up a few decorations. Now, Adam and I worked together to organize this entire thing."
Fahd explained that the Youth Council, mainly ranging in members aged 16 to 18, had actually spent Friday night at the McCann Clubhouse, setting up Santa's Village, and all of the other decorations. It took them until 4:00am, but a glance around at the young adults there wouldn't have given that away! They all looked awake, happy, and filled with Christmas cheer. When asked about how much time he spends at the Clubhouse, Fahd laughs and says "We'll say I've slept here, I've showered here. This is a second home to me. My dad would say I spend more time here than at home actually. There are days I work here, and other days I come volunteer. I come play basketball, foosball or monopoly with the kids."
Why would an 18 year old boy want to spend so much time at the Clubhouse? The answer is simple for Fahd, "We're truly inspiring some kids to do what they want to do. I had a kid tell me he wants to be Prime Minister. He's not six years old. He's not 10 years old. He's turning 17. For a 17 year old to tell you he wants to be Prime Minister..." Fahd stopped to take in the story he was sharing with me, and he looked off in the distance and smiled before continuing "He's still willing to dream, and that's something. We give them the ability to dream. Then we help them by giving them the skills and teaching them through simple things like organizing a Christmas party. Well that can turn into organizing a fundraiser, to something else after. It's basic tools for them." Fahd makes it very easy to see the BGCO is something very special to him. Something he takes pride in being a part of.
He told me story after story of seeing the kids he has helped, grow into young adults that are now working by his side, and how much pride this brings him. I could have listened to Fahd's truly inspirational story for hours, but there was a party to get to!
Kids were still filing out of Santa's Village, one by one, with big grins on their faces and gifts in hand. The smiles and excitement just grew bigger and bigger as the afternoon went along. Adam explained to me why so much effort goes into these events. "For some of them, this is it... This is Christmas. It should be perfect. The quality should be the best it can be. That's what we strive for. We don't do anything unless it's going to be perfect. And that lives and breathes through Jerrett. The dedication he has towards the club is heartfelt." After spending an afternoon with volunteers, staff, and members I can honestly say Adam's last statement goes for them all.
Talking to Jerrett really makes one realize how much he loves giving back to the community. But to understand the true magic of it is something that can only be seen by living it through an event, a fundraiser, or even volunteering your own time. "The Boys and Girls Club is always looking for volunteers. The volunteers and staff are really the backbone of the organization. We are always looking for people to work with the children and youth so they can believe and achieve. Having that adult figure in their lives goes a long way. There's a lot on our website about getting involved. We strongly rely on the community to keep us going, and they've never let us down. We've been in Ottawa close to 90 years and that's the generosity of the people here. All of the programming is free." Jerrett explains. He then adds a line you will hear often around the BGCO "The only price you pay is your character when you come through the door."
Jerrett DeFazio is not only a 67's alumni, he is an important member of our community who gives his time and effort towards steering our youth in the right direction. Talking to any one of them will impress just about anyone. These kids are brilliant, happy, motivated, and have already accomplished a lot. After my afternoon spent at the BGCO, it's obvious if Santa's spirit lives in some of us, it's in people like Jerrett, and all of the volunteer and staff at the BGCO.
After a late night on Friday night, I had a hard time looking beyond my exhaustion to find my Christmas spirit. But alas, I had already confirmed I would be at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa's annual Christmas party for less fortunate children. It didn't take long for me to realize I had made the right decision, as Jerrett DeFazio and the club once again inspired me.
 |
| Photo courtesy Patrick Ciavaglia |
Adam Joiner, the manager of the McCann Clubhouse, took me on a quick tour amidst the chaos. To the right was the craft room. Children and volunteers sat together at tables, letting their creative Christmas imaginations take over as they completed one masterpiece after another. On the BGCO website, a video on the introduction page explains the many uses of the craft room, including homework club, drama, improv, photography, and many other fun, planned activities for the members of the club.
To the left of the games room was a hallway that leads to a kitchen, where the BGCO offers cooking classes so our local youth can learn to create healthy meals for themselves. This hallway also leads to a room where the club holds its Youth Council meetings. The walls of this hallway display signs with the recipients of various scholarships offered by the BGCO.
 | ||
| Kids playing Santa Says. Photo courtesy Patrick Ciavaglia |
But what Christmas party would be complete without a visit from Santa? The BGCO made sure to book Santa ahead, and they also made sure Santa wouldn't be let down when he arrived. The dressing rooms and shower area had been completely transformed by the Youth Council, into a wonderland of Christmas magic. A walk through a mythical hallway lit up by Christmas lights and 'snow' with Christmas music playing softly in the background, lead to the workshop, where the elves make toys for all the children on the nice list. No carols were needed in this part of the walk, as the elves were singing Jingle Bells in unison as they hammered away at toys, getting ready for the big deadline.
One elf paused his singing for a moment to explain the process to us. "There's a big mountain up in the North Pole. If you climb the mountain, after about half a day you get there, and there's all these things we use to make toys. Big things, little things, metal, plastic, wood. There's glue and there's nails. We put them together in Santa's workshop, and that's how toys are made!"
 |
| Kennie, Anahy and A.J. talk to elves. Photo courtesy Patrick Ciavaglia |
 |
| Anahy and A.J. peering at Santa. Photo Courtesy Patrick Ciavaglia |
 |
| Kennie receives her gift. Photo courtesy Patrick Ciavaglia |
Fahd explained that the Youth Council, mainly ranging in members aged 16 to 18, had actually spent Friday night at the McCann Clubhouse, setting up Santa's Village, and all of the other decorations. It took them until 4:00am, but a glance around at the young adults there wouldn't have given that away! They all looked awake, happy, and filled with Christmas cheer. When asked about how much time he spends at the Clubhouse, Fahd laughs and says "We'll say I've slept here, I've showered here. This is a second home to me. My dad would say I spend more time here than at home actually. There are days I work here, and other days I come volunteer. I come play basketball, foosball or monopoly with the kids."
Why would an 18 year old boy want to spend so much time at the Clubhouse? The answer is simple for Fahd, "We're truly inspiring some kids to do what they want to do. I had a kid tell me he wants to be Prime Minister. He's not six years old. He's not 10 years old. He's turning 17. For a 17 year old to tell you he wants to be Prime Minister..." Fahd stopped to take in the story he was sharing with me, and he looked off in the distance and smiled before continuing "He's still willing to dream, and that's something. We give them the ability to dream. Then we help them by giving them the skills and teaching them through simple things like organizing a Christmas party. Well that can turn into organizing a fundraiser, to something else after. It's basic tools for them." Fahd makes it very easy to see the BGCO is something very special to him. Something he takes pride in being a part of.
He told me story after story of seeing the kids he has helped, grow into young adults that are now working by his side, and how much pride this brings him. I could have listened to Fahd's truly inspirational story for hours, but there was a party to get to!
 |
| Kennie, Anahy, A.J. and Caleb with gifts. Photo courtesy Patrick Ciavaglia |
Talking to Jerrett really makes one realize how much he loves giving back to the community. But to understand the true magic of it is something that can only be seen by living it through an event, a fundraiser, or even volunteering your own time. "The Boys and Girls Club is always looking for volunteers. The volunteers and staff are really the backbone of the organization. We are always looking for people to work with the children and youth so they can believe and achieve. Having that adult figure in their lives goes a long way. There's a lot on our website about getting involved. We strongly rely on the community to keep us going, and they've never let us down. We've been in Ottawa close to 90 years and that's the generosity of the people here. All of the programming is free." Jerrett explains. He then adds a line you will hear often around the BGCO "The only price you pay is your character when you come through the door."
Jerrett DeFazio is not only a 67's alumni, he is an important member of our community who gives his time and effort towards steering our youth in the right direction. Talking to any one of them will impress just about anyone. These kids are brilliant, happy, motivated, and have already accomplished a lot. After my afternoon spent at the BGCO, it's obvious if Santa's spirit lives in some of us, it's in people like Jerrett, and all of the volunteer and staff at the BGCO.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Mr. 1990-1991 (Jerrett DeFazio)
Part I
Going into my interview with 67's alumni Jerrett DeFazio, I had no idea what an incredible learning experience waited for me right around the corner...
Jerrett started his OHL career on a bit of a controversial note. Being born and raised in Ottawa, and proud of it, he made it clear to other teams around the league that he would not report to anyone but Brian Kilrea and the 67's. Speculated to go second overall in the OHL draft, this was a bit of a problem as the 67's were selecting 12th. But Jerrett's decision paid off, and after having the chance to play for Brian Kilrea and Team Ontario the previous year at the U-17 Championship tournament, Jerrett started his junior career in his hometown in 1988. He would go on to play three seasons with the 67's. Three seasons that, he says, changed his whole outlook on life.
"It truly was the 67's that allowed me to understand a sense of community. Having been from Ottawa, playing for the 67's, I was quite often the team's representative during the summer, to work with many different charitable organizations. I think it was there, at a young age, I really understood the spirit of wanting to help."
A lesson, you will soon learn, he has carried with him since, and one that has played a huge role in how Jerrett's life thus far has played out.
Most of the stories Jerrett told me about his time in Ottawa revolved around Brian Kilrea. "Not only was it great to play for Brian for all the things he taught you as a hockey player," he says, "but more importantly than that, were all the things he was teaching you about life. For example, every time we'd go eat at a restaurant, coach Kilrea would make us get up, shake the hands of the server, the manager, and the cook to thank them for preparing the meal for us. He taught us a lot about life, and I would put Bert O'Brien in there as well."
One of the highlights for Jerrett was Killer's one-liners. "He'd have the team over at his house to watch videos of the games to see how we could improve. I was never a fast skater. One of the lines he said to me was 'Faz, look at you out there! It looks like you're walking up the ice!' Everyone in the room had a good chuckle about that."
Another memory he has of his time spent here is one hundreds of players share, "I know every single Anne Murray song, front to back. A little stereo at the front of the bus played Anne Murray relentlessly, all the way to Sault St. Marie and back. I have a deep admiration, or a dislike for Anne Murray, I'm not sure which yet... to this day still."
After graduating from the 67's, Jerrett went on to play university hockey, and obtain a degree in Sociology at St. Mary's University in Halifax. He then headed off to England to play professional hockey. He also spent some time within the Red Wings organization before his hockey career ended. From there, the choice was easy, according to Jerrett. "The experience with the 67's sort of shaped and molded me into this sort of person. Obviously first and foremost, I wanted to be a hockey player, but once that road closed the next natural progression was helping people." he says.
Jerrett became a police officer for five years before taking a job as a Behavioral Consultant for the Catholic School Board. He then moved east to Nova Scotia, where his wife and her family are originally from, and took a job at St. Francis Xavier University doing marketing and community development. While he was out east, Jerrett came across a job listing looking for a Director of Programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, a club Jerrett himself, was a member of growing up.
"I was living out east and essentially saw the job posting for the position and applied. It was a natural fit for me because of my background. It all tied in nicely and I was fortunate to be selected for the role. I've been here three years now."
The way Jerrett fondly speaks of the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa tells a story in itself of how much he truly loves his job and the opportunity to get to help today's youth. "The Boys and Girls Club is a place to belong. It's a place to believe, and it's a place to achieve. All of the members of the club belong to something that they cherish. It's very much like a team. Whether it's homework help, social skills development, physical activity, leadership or life skills training, it's a place that everyone is connected and belongs to. That's what it's about. Its been in Ottawa 89 years. I am an alumni. I know what it means to me to have a place to go to be safe and stay out of trouble. It's a constructive place where there's just good people around you, both staff and members."
Hearing the sincerity and devotion in Jerrett's voice inspired me to learn more about the Boys and Girls Club, an interest which I expressed to him. I was lucky enough to be invited to their annual Christmas party for less fortunate children, and thought this would be a great experience to share with you all before we say goodbye for the holidays.
Stay tuned for part II...
Five things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
Q. Funniest actor in your opinion?
A. Will Farrell.
Q. What song do you secretly know all the words to?
A. Video Killed the Radio Star.
Q. What do you spend way too much money on?
A. Eating out.
Q. Where's your happy place?
A. My family.
Q. What is your best dance move?
A. The Hockey Shuffle. (Taking the left foot and moving it to the right foot, and then taking the right foot and moving it across. You continually do that on the dance floor, and that's called the uncoordinated hockey shuffle.)
Going into my interview with 67's alumni Jerrett DeFazio, I had no idea what an incredible learning experience waited for me right around the corner...
Jerrett started his OHL career on a bit of a controversial note. Being born and raised in Ottawa, and proud of it, he made it clear to other teams around the league that he would not report to anyone but Brian Kilrea and the 67's. Speculated to go second overall in the OHL draft, this was a bit of a problem as the 67's were selecting 12th. But Jerrett's decision paid off, and after having the chance to play for Brian Kilrea and Team Ontario the previous year at the U-17 Championship tournament, Jerrett started his junior career in his hometown in 1988. He would go on to play three seasons with the 67's. Three seasons that, he says, changed his whole outlook on life.
"It truly was the 67's that allowed me to understand a sense of community. Having been from Ottawa, playing for the 67's, I was quite often the team's representative during the summer, to work with many different charitable organizations. I think it was there, at a young age, I really understood the spirit of wanting to help."
A lesson, you will soon learn, he has carried with him since, and one that has played a huge role in how Jerrett's life thus far has played out.
Most of the stories Jerrett told me about his time in Ottawa revolved around Brian Kilrea. "Not only was it great to play for Brian for all the things he taught you as a hockey player," he says, "but more importantly than that, were all the things he was teaching you about life. For example, every time we'd go eat at a restaurant, coach Kilrea would make us get up, shake the hands of the server, the manager, and the cook to thank them for preparing the meal for us. He taught us a lot about life, and I would put Bert O'Brien in there as well."
One of the highlights for Jerrett was Killer's one-liners. "He'd have the team over at his house to watch videos of the games to see how we could improve. I was never a fast skater. One of the lines he said to me was 'Faz, look at you out there! It looks like you're walking up the ice!' Everyone in the room had a good chuckle about that."
Another memory he has of his time spent here is one hundreds of players share, "I know every single Anne Murray song, front to back. A little stereo at the front of the bus played Anne Murray relentlessly, all the way to Sault St. Marie and back. I have a deep admiration, or a dislike for Anne Murray, I'm not sure which yet... to this day still."
After graduating from the 67's, Jerrett went on to play university hockey, and obtain a degree in Sociology at St. Mary's University in Halifax. He then headed off to England to play professional hockey. He also spent some time within the Red Wings organization before his hockey career ended. From there, the choice was easy, according to Jerrett. "The experience with the 67's sort of shaped and molded me into this sort of person. Obviously first and foremost, I wanted to be a hockey player, but once that road closed the next natural progression was helping people." he says.
Jerrett became a police officer for five years before taking a job as a Behavioral Consultant for the Catholic School Board. He then moved east to Nova Scotia, where his wife and her family are originally from, and took a job at St. Francis Xavier University doing marketing and community development. While he was out east, Jerrett came across a job listing looking for a Director of Programs at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, a club Jerrett himself, was a member of growing up.
"I was living out east and essentially saw the job posting for the position and applied. It was a natural fit for me because of my background. It all tied in nicely and I was fortunate to be selected for the role. I've been here three years now."
Hearing the sincerity and devotion in Jerrett's voice inspired me to learn more about the Boys and Girls Club, an interest which I expressed to him. I was lucky enough to be invited to their annual Christmas party for less fortunate children, and thought this would be a great experience to share with you all before we say goodbye for the holidays.
Stay tuned for part II...
Five things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
Q. Funniest actor in your opinion?
A. Will Farrell.
Q. What song do you secretly know all the words to?
A. Video Killed the Radio Star.
Q. What do you spend way too much money on?
A. Eating out.
Q. Where's your happy place?
A. My family.
Q. What is your best dance move?
A. The Hockey Shuffle. (Taking the left foot and moving it to the right foot, and then taking the right foot and moving it across. You continually do that on the dance floor, and that's called the uncoordinated hockey shuffle.)
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Mr. 1985-1986 (Warren Rychel)
 |
| Photo courtesy - Dave Jewell |
I caught up with Warren in the J. Benson Cartage Centre basement before his Spits squared off against our 67's on December 2nd. One of the first things that stood out was Warren's relationship with his players. He seems to have a father-son bond with them and takes pride in teaching life lessons to his players, on top of helping them excel on the ice. As the players were warming up, one could be heard loudly singing along to his music. Warren excused himself and went over to talk to the player, letting him know to keep it down. The way he did so made it clear he isn't in this position for the money or any other superficial reason, but because he truly enjoys the sport of hockey, and enjoys playing a role in raising young players and turning them into outstanding young men.
Warren threw on his first barberpole jersey midway through the 85-86 season after a trade landed him in the Nation's Capital from the Guelph Platers. While Warren was excited about the chance to play more minutes, it was a bittersweet moment when the Guelph Platers went on to win the Memorial Cup without him that season. He played half of the 86-87 season here as well before being shipped off to the Kitchener Rangers, where he would finish his OHL career. Despite only playing 57 games in Ottawa, he continues to carry fond memories and valuable lessons from his time spent here.
"It was great. I really liked it. Just a great atmosphere, great fans, great city to play in, great high school. Just a great life experience, especially for the teenage boy I was at the time." he says. While some players hate the long bus trips, Warren explained they are some of his fondest memories, getting to spend time with the whole team and Brian Kilrea for so long. He also admits, with a smirk, that he is now a fan of most of Anne Murray's songs thanks to the long bus rides all over the league.
Despite not being drafted, Warren did go on to play in the NHL. An achievement, he explains, is all thanks to Brian Kilrea. "I came to training camp here and didn't get signed. Brian Kilrea called his friend and I went to camp (in Chicago) and ended up signing in training camp, which is really nice. I was very fortunate because I wasn't drafted, but Brian recognized that I was playing well and got me there."
Warren also played in Los Angeles, Toronto, Colorado and Anaheim. "The best experience was probably Colorado in 1996, the first year the team was there. They moved from Quebec City and we won the Stanley Cup." he fondly remembers, then adds "My second son was born there, Maddox. It was a great experience." His first son, Kerby (currently playing for the Spits) was born during Warren's time with the L.A. Kings. As for winning the Stanley Cup, he tells me "You dream of it when you're a kid. But a lot of hard work goes into it. It was great. It's something that nobody can take away from you. It's pretty special." An obviously very family-oriented man, he was happy his wife and parents were present to share that special moment with him too.
After his NHL career ended, Warren owned a car dealership in Chatham Ontario and scouted for the Phoenix Coyotes for a few years before he and longtime friend Bob Boughner decided to buy their hometown Spits. "The lockout year, Bob and I were sitting in the old Windsor arena and we saw what was happening in London with Mark and Dale (Hunter) and we said 'Jeez, wouldn't it be great to do kinda the same thing here?' So we really pressed the owner to sell it to us. Eventually it came to fruition and it was awesome. It's been really fun." he tells me.
Warren feels his GM position is exactly where he should be, as he explains "I have no desire to go on the bench. Everyone's doing their thing, contributing to the team. I enjoy being general manager, and Bob enjoys being coach. I think that's why we're a good team here." and he's right, they are a good team. The Spitfires, not only on the ice, but as a club in general, have done nothing but improve since they took over, winning back to back Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010, and becoming a top CHL franchise after some past struggles. When asked what the secret is, Warren says "We've been lucky, but hard work and determination. That doesn't only go for the players on the ice, that's the coaching staff, general manager and scouts."
Warren feels his GM position is exactly where he should be, as he explains "I have no desire to go on the bench. Everyone's doing their thing, contributing to the team. I enjoy being general manager, and Bob enjoys being coach. I think that's why we're a good team here." and he's right, they are a good team. The Spitfires, not only on the ice, but as a club in general, have done nothing but improve since they took over, winning back to back Memorial Cups in 2009 and 2010, and becoming a top CHL franchise after some past struggles. When asked what the secret is, Warren says "We've been lucky, but hard work and determination. That doesn't only go for the players on the ice, that's the coaching staff, general manager and scouts."
Five things you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask...
Q. Favourite ice cream?
A. Pralines and cream.
Q. What do you spend way too much money on?
A. Coffee.
Q. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
A. Red.
Q. What's your dream car?
A. Mercedes 500.
Q. Biggest phobia?
A. To not do well.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Mr. 2001-2002 (Adam Chapman)
Ten years ago, when he proudly wore the legendary barber pole on his back, Adam Chapman didn’t think he’d be where he is now, “I’d say no, this is not even anywhere close to where I pictured myself, but at the same time I’m pretty happy where I am.”
Things were different back then and Adam’s focus was on his junior hockey career. The well-spoken 29 year old took me on a bittersweet trip down memory lane to the early 2000s, a very exciting time for the 67’s.
In Adam’s rookie season, in 1999, the 67’s were on top of the world after having won the Memorial Cup the previous season. They were Champs! This, he explains, created mixed feelings for the young “Chappy”, making his first home opener both a thrilling, and scary experience he won’t soon forget.
“To be honest it was quite intimidating. During my rookie training camp I actually got hurt. I missed all of our exhibition games at home. My very first game experience in Ottawa was actually opening night. Skating out on the ice with over ten thousand people staring at you and cheering, you’re just kind of looking around in a little bit of a daze because there’s just so many people there screaming for you. That’s a very fond memory. There are very few, if any, arenas that can rival that kind of a crowd. At the same time you know that you’ve got to put that all behind you because you’ve got one of the greatest coaches the league ever had, standing behind the bench waiting for you to show that he made the right choice picking you for the team.”
As frightening as the experience was for Adam, it certainly didn’t skew his opinion of playing for Brian Kilrea and the 67’s. “It was pretty intimidating but at the same time I know a lot of guys welcome the challenge of playing in Ottawa, for what it is, and that’s one of the best opportunities around.”
Playing for Ottawa wasn’t the only opportunity he got in his junior career. A few trades landed Adam in Sault St-Marie and Saginaw before his time in the OHL expired. "It was a much different atmosphere in all three cities. Ottawa was much more relaxed away from the rink than the other towns. It was good in that there was a lot expected of you, but you were expected to do it on your own, you weren’t forced to do any of it. Sault St. Marie and Saginaw, they were expecting you to follow what they wanted and not letting you grow up on your own, which was a really tough thing to get used to after living in Ottawa for so many years.” When asked if he had a favorite, Adam doesn’t hesitate to say Ottawa. “I’m slightly biased because I spent so much time there.”
Today, Adam has hung up his skates in exchange for a life he had never pictured himself in. After his junior career, he attended the University of Prince Edward Island for four years and played on their team while working part time. It was during this time that he met his partner of six years, Kyla, and his life started shaping into what it is today.
“I have two kids with her. I have a three year old son named Kaleb, and I have a 21 month old daughter named Lily.” In May of this year, Adam and Kyla moved their family to Hay River, North West Territories for Kyla’s job. “I went from my comfort zone of hockey and the construction industry, to banking. I’m working at the Royal Bank now, which is a very different job than I’ve ever been used to. But it’s good. Great hours and it keeps me at home with the kids.”
 |
| Adam pictured with Lily and Kaleb |
Fatherhood seems to be Adam’s calling. “I really enjoy spending time with the kids.It’s a great joy. Some people get to experience it in different ways but I’ve been very lucky to have my two. It’s relatively early in my life and now I get to finish growing up with them. It’s nice. I’m pretty happy where I am.”
Will we see little Chapmans on the ice in the future? “My son loves hockey now. My daughter, she’s a bit of a firecracker. She likes to run around and swing a hockey stick so we’ll see. Maybe she’ll like it. Maybe she’ll try something different. I’m not going to discourage one way or the other. If they want to play, they’ll play. If they don’t want to play, Daddy will have to live with that somehow and encourage them in whatever they do.”
Five things you wanted to know but were afraid to ask...
Q: When you eat pasta, twirl or cut?
A: Twirl.
Q: If you could sing, what band would you want to join?
A: Great Big Sea.
Q: What was your favourite show as a child?
A: Transformers.
Q: What's your favourite fruit?
A: Watermelon.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: Any WWI or WWII veteran.
Five things you wanted to know but were afraid to ask...
Q: When you eat pasta, twirl or cut?
A: Twirl.
Q: If you could sing, what band would you want to join?
A: Great Big Sea.
Q: What was your favourite show as a child?
A: Transformers.
Q: What's your favourite fruit?
A: Watermelon.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: Any WWI or WWII veteran.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Mr. 1967-1968 (Bob Graham)
It’s not every day you get to have a chat with someone who really does eat, sleep and breathe hockey. But that’s exactly the chance I got when I sat down to talk with Bob Graham.
Longtime fans might remember Bob from his very first year in the league, in 1967. He sported number 12 and guarded the blue line alongside defensive partner and good friend, Wes Rydall, on a 67’s team that was just as new to the league as they were.
When Bob talked about his time with the 67’s, he talked about the difficulties of coming into a brand new team. “We had a young team. A very good young team, but apparently it wasn’t near strong enough to put up with the guys who were 19 and 20 years old in the league.”
Despite finishing their first season with only six wins (and three ties) Bob has fond memories of his time with the 67’s. “The fans were great. We had a big thrill here. We played the Montreal Canadiens in an exhibition game. I think they had a packed house. It was a lot of fun.” As for the outcome of that game? “I don’t think we had too much of a chance,” Bob told me with a chuckle. “It was a fun game though.”
After spending time in the Nation’s Capital playing junior hockey, Bob headed to Nijmegen, Holland to play three seasons. At the time in Holland, teams played very short seasons with roughly only 30 games, and no playoffs. Bob remembered this as a far more relaxing experience compared to the North American style of semi-pro, or pro hockey.
When he returned to Canada, Bob continued his involvement in hockey by becoming an assistant coach for the University of Waterloo team. Times were different back then though, and there was less funding for players at this level. While Bob enjoyed his time as assistant coach, he didn’t like seeing schools unable to fairly compete because they couldn’t afford it. “It was hard to get players to come to the school because you had to pay for your own skates and things like that. You only had so many sticks and after you broke them, you were on your own. I remember going into the last few games of the year and everybody only had about one stick left. Some guys were borrowing sticks. It wasn’t pretty at the time.”
Bob also got involved with minor hockey in Kitchener, becoming a coach for many years. It’s an experience he described as frustrating but rewarding. “When somebody comes up to you 10 or 15 years after they played for you and they say ‘Hi Mr. Graham. How are you?’ and they tell you how much they enjoyed playing when you were coaching them. That’s the biggest payback you can get. But I guess the hardest part of coaching in minor hockey is having to deal with the parents. The kids have always been easy to deal with. It’s the parents. They pay the way though.”
The proud grandfather of five has been married to wife Diane for 42 years, is semi retired, working at a golf course, and continues his involvement in the sport he has so passionately loved his whole life by playing senior hockey, and refereeing in New Hamburg.
Bob and Diane recently made an appearance in Ottawa to take in his first 67’s game in town since his playing days here, 45 years ago. “I couldn’t get over the size of the city. I guess I’m more of a small town person. It’s a little bit intimidating. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. Now I can cross it off my bucket list.”
In the 1964 NHL Amateur Draft, the New York Rangers selected Bob third overall. “At that particular time there were only 24 guys drafted so it was a pretty nice feather in your cap.” Bob never did make the NHL though. “Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t.”
Well Bob, I wouldn’t say things didn’t work out. From playing to coaching and everything in between, the sport has taken him on plenty of adventures in many places. It has obviously played a big role in his life, just like he has played a big role to hockey. Sometimes it’s not the bigger names making a difference... It’s guys like Bob, sitting quietly next to Diane in section 19, who are the true pillars of the sport.
Longtime fans might remember Bob from his very first year in the league, in 1967. He sported number 12 and guarded the blue line alongside defensive partner and good friend, Wes Rydall, on a 67’s team that was just as new to the league as they were.
When Bob talked about his time with the 67’s, he talked about the difficulties of coming into a brand new team. “We had a young team. A very good young team, but apparently it wasn’t near strong enough to put up with the guys who were 19 and 20 years old in the league.”
Despite finishing their first season with only six wins (and three ties) Bob has fond memories of his time with the 67’s. “The fans were great. We had a big thrill here. We played the Montreal Canadiens in an exhibition game. I think they had a packed house. It was a lot of fun.” As for the outcome of that game? “I don’t think we had too much of a chance,” Bob told me with a chuckle. “It was a fun game though.”
After spending time in the Nation’s Capital playing junior hockey, Bob headed to Nijmegen, Holland to play three seasons. At the time in Holland, teams played very short seasons with roughly only 30 games, and no playoffs. Bob remembered this as a far more relaxing experience compared to the North American style of semi-pro, or pro hockey.
When he returned to Canada, Bob continued his involvement in hockey by becoming an assistant coach for the University of Waterloo team. Times were different back then though, and there was less funding for players at this level. While Bob enjoyed his time as assistant coach, he didn’t like seeing schools unable to fairly compete because they couldn’t afford it. “It was hard to get players to come to the school because you had to pay for your own skates and things like that. You only had so many sticks and after you broke them, you were on your own. I remember going into the last few games of the year and everybody only had about one stick left. Some guys were borrowing sticks. It wasn’t pretty at the time.”
Bob also got involved with minor hockey in Kitchener, becoming a coach for many years. It’s an experience he described as frustrating but rewarding. “When somebody comes up to you 10 or 15 years after they played for you and they say ‘Hi Mr. Graham. How are you?’ and they tell you how much they enjoyed playing when you were coaching them. That’s the biggest payback you can get. But I guess the hardest part of coaching in minor hockey is having to deal with the parents. The kids have always been easy to deal with. It’s the parents. They pay the way though.”
The proud grandfather of five has been married to wife Diane for 42 years, is semi retired, working at a golf course, and continues his involvement in the sport he has so passionately loved his whole life by playing senior hockey, and refereeing in New Hamburg.
Bob and Diane recently made an appearance in Ottawa to take in his first 67’s game in town since his playing days here, 45 years ago. “I couldn’t get over the size of the city. I guess I’m more of a small town person. It’s a little bit intimidating. I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. Now I can cross it off my bucket list.”
In the 1964 NHL Amateur Draft, the New York Rangers selected Bob third overall. “At that particular time there were only 24 guys drafted so it was a pretty nice feather in your cap.” Bob never did make the NHL though. “Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t.”
Well Bob, I wouldn’t say things didn’t work out. From playing to coaching and everything in between, the sport has taken him on plenty of adventures in many places. It has obviously played a big role in his life, just like he has played a big role to hockey. Sometimes it’s not the bigger names making a difference... It’s guys like Bob, sitting quietly next to Diane in section 19, who are the true pillars of the sport.
Five things you wanted to know but were afraid to ask...
Q: Are you a dog person, or a cat person?
A: Dog.
Q: What are you hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year?
A: I'm not sure... maybe new golf clubs.
Q: If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
A: Lasagna.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
A: Jean Beliveau.
Q: What song would we most likely hear you proudly perform in the shower?
A: We are the Champions by Queen.
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