User Story

By M.A. Cox

I moved to Edmonton when I was 4 years old. My parents separated and I had to leave my father, my sister, my pit-bull Lassie, and our house in Montreal. I had trouble adjusting to my new and more humble surroundings. I was lonely and hyperactive with an untamed imagination. The only activities I enjoyed were drawing, reading comic books, and watching television and movies. My grades in school were terrible. I didn’t play well with others and the principal’s office was just another classroom for me. It was clear that I needed guidance.

One day a lady from the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization came to my home. I answered some questions and about 6 months later they found a mentor for me. His name was Dennis and he was a retired firefighter in the Canadian Navy. At first, his strict, military upbringing clashed with my rebellious attitude and artistic nature. But this changed when we went on camping trips, watched movie, and attended numerous Edmonton Oilers hockey games together (the tickets were provided by the organization). I developed a passion for hockey and we found common ground discussing the trials and tribulations of the perennial 8th place Oilers, who only a decade earlier, had boasted arguably the best lineup in NHL history. Once I began following the Oilers, my favorite players were centre Doug Weight and left-winger Ryan Smyth, fresh off a 39-goal campaign.

Sometime in 1997, Dennis managed to get us into a charity skating session with the Edmonton Oilers via Big Brothers Big Sisters. Skating with my heroes Doug Weight and Ryan Smyth was easily the best moment of my then ten years of life. Though my skating ability was rudimentary at best, I was a fairly skilled street hockey player and I asked Mr. Smyth to show me how to improve my wrist shot. He was patient with me, as I was no quick learner, and didn’t stop until he was satisfied with my technique! I still apply what he taught me during the occasional beer league game. Later that day, there was a draw and I won an autographed Oilers cap by tough guy rookie, Mike Grier! Mr. Grier was incredibly kind, and when I told him that I also liked fighting, he laughed.

I thanked Dennis profusely for allowing me to live out a dream. He thanked me right back and with his trademark modesty, added “I wouldn’t get this chance without you either sport.”

I have known Dennis for 13 years. He’s become more than just a mentor to me—he’s a surrogate father. When I need advice or maybe just somebody to talk to about hockey, history or life in general, Dennis is always there.