Thoughts on Damien
I received absolutely devastating news last week that a former student of mine, just in Grade 7, died.
Damien Swift was an amazing person. He dealt with many health difficulties with courage and grace. He was a consummate friend to many and an essential helper in class to all those that needed help. Additionally, he was a comical wizard who could diffuse many situations but then a fierce defender of himself and others when required.
My daily interactions with him involved sports and mainly hockey. He was a fervid Maple Leafs’ fan and I being a long suffering Canadiens’ supporter, pointed out on occasion that I was not as ‘long suffering’ as his team was. He was a ‘dyed in the wool’, blue buds fan but he was so smart that he was able to articulate individual facets of the Leafs’ team that he saw as suspect. Our taunts often concerned goal-tenders like Petr Mrazek or Jack Campbell. Damien was brutally honest when it came to evaluating his team and I often had little to get the better of him.
On occasion, when his team did not do too well, I might for instance tape a note to his locker that said, “Damien, what does the number, 0.866 mean to you?” Seeing this, a number of teachers would say, “Will he get it?” or, “What does that mean?” Ultimately, Damien never disappointed and would approach me with, “let me guess is that Mrazek’s Save Percentage? Then, he would analyze every goal and make his own determination if it was the fault of the tender, defense or offense.
Words cannot express how we will all miss you, Damien.
LNHL notes
The Little NHL March Break is over for another season but the memories will never be. Here are another couple of interesting happenings. Maximus Panamick playing in the U11 Competitive won the ‘B’ Championship with the Moose Cree Scrappers
Andrew “Snooze” Corbiere, coach of the U15 Competitive ‘A’ Champions with M’Chigeeng, inspired his players, before their important game by having a special motivational speaker give a dressing room pep-talk. Walking around the rink, Andrew ran into the amazing Jonathon Cheechoo a former winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy in 05/06 with the San Jose Sharks! Jonathon agreed to talk to the kids and they won. Coincidence?
Hats off as well to three local substitute Officials who were called in as well, due to a Referee shortage: Jeffrey Panamick, Jimmy Panamick, and Justin Sweeney who helped make hockey happen for the kids.
Panamick, Jimmy Panamick and Justin Sweeney helped make hockey happen for the kids.
A good sport is good for sports
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