Friday, September 24, 2010

Heavy Hearts in the D.C. Hockey Community

Hockey Mom wants to send her thoughts and prayers to the Washington Little Capitals, youth hockey players and staff at Kettler Capitals IcePlex and the friends and family of Brian St. Louis, who passed away suddenly yesterday.  As a member of the close-knit hockey community in the Washington area, St. Louis impacted the lives of the many players, coaches and parents he was involved with and all will remember him with heavy hearts.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The Kettler Iceplex is creating a tribute webpage in St. Louis's honor. Messages can be sent to Condolences@KettlerCapitalsIceplex.com

2 comments:

Joan said...

My name is Joan Ferder. Like so many other hockey families in the Washington, DC area, the shock of Brian’s death is overwhelming.

Although I had less contact than my husband, Bruce, and son Brandon, I can say, through their stories about Brian and contact with him, I know he was a special person.

Brian’s attitude toward kids and hockey was personal, not just an opportunity to make money for the facility. Many say they love teaching kids a sport, and many do. But, Brian went out of his way to make my son, at least, and even my husband feel that they were important. That is hard amongst hundreds of families that probably inundated him with requests, problems, early morning lessons and just being an administrator of the hockey programs. For twenty-six years old, that was pretty impressive.

Last year, our son chose Brian as his mentor for the Swanson Middle School Career day. He loved Brian as a coach and admired him as a person. Brandon shadowed him through the day to understand what a hockey director and coach does, as a career. To this day, Brandon has benefited from Brian’s caring and support in the times they spent together.

There are many excellent hockey coaches, and coaches in general, around the world. But, Brian’s ability to make a young hockey player, and parents feel like individuals, and coach with care and energy will be missed.

Skate on, Brian to a new world.

Joan Fiddle-Ferder

Joan said...
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