To Russell Stocks, former president of the Nelson Leafs:
Russell, I’m finally taking the time to drop you a line on our stay and involvement in the 2014 Cyclone Taylor Cup.
Our son David plays for the Victoria Cougars and was in his last games of his minor hockey career. My wife and I have been hockey parents for 25 years and this all came to a close for us in your town.
It was a very special, emotional time for our son and us. Now on to the grandkids.
First off we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your beautiful city. Our bed and breakfast was above expectations. The people were friendly. The natural beauty of the area was spectacular, just driving around looking at old buildings was interesting.
As you can tell by my attached photo we got to the top of the old brewery for a social.
The tournament was top notch. Well run and organized. The volunteers were all competent and friendly. You have a very nice arena and I enjoyed a beer while watching the game which was a first for me.
As a spectator I enjoyed not having to look around my wife’s head to see the play in the corner, not all venues offer an unobstructed view. Although we came away defeated as a hockey team the whole hockey experience was well received.
The competition was top calibre and all deserved to be playing for first place. They all play good hard fast clean hockey. Loved the games. Well refereed. Yes I said it, the refereeing with the exception of one game was by all accounts consistent and fair.
Well done.
Pat yourselves on the back for a well run hockey tourney.
Nelson was the perfect place for our hockey parent career to be laid to rest. It was a time of reflection for my wife and I. Knowing these were the last moments of our sons junior hockey run, we were happy to be in Nelson for that weekend and it will always be a hockey memory for discussion in years to come.
Thank you.
Dave and Nancy Marshall and (#12) David Marshall Jr.
Victoria