The Grizzlies will pay special tribute to long time trainer and equipment manager for both the Victoria Salsa and the Grizzlies, Al Gillies, at the Grizzlies game this Sunday afternoon at the Q Centre Arena. Al lost his battle to cancer one year ago on Feb. 12 but he is not forgotten by the many people who he helped and worked with over the years.
Al was a very generous man and a friend to many in the local hockey community. He is missed by the Grizzlies volunteers and staff who had the honour of working with him over the years.
Here are some memories about Al shared by former Grizzlies captain, Brian Nugent
I had the privilege of meeting Al Gillies in 2005 when I joined the Salsa for my rookie season with the team. Al and I quickly formed a bond and were buddies from the get go. In all levels of local sport, even Jr A hockey, it takes quality people volunteering their time to make things work and run smoothly, and Al was a prime example of this. His tireless work behind the scenes was a huge contribution to our success and enhanced the experience for all of us players. Al’s efforts were not recognized on the scoreboard or stat sheet, but he didn’t want or need any recognition for his help. Al was truly an unsung hero for our team.
I’ve spoken with many former Salsa and Grizzly teammates this past week about Al, including Jamie and Jordie Benn, Justin Courtnall, Devon Lang and Kevin Petovello. All expressed how much gratitude and appreciation they had for what Al did for us during our time with the team. All remembered him as a great guy, and quite simply described him as what may be the highest compliment he could receive from the boys, that he was truly “a beauty”.
This past summer, Al came by the arena to visit a bunch of us former Salsa/Grizzly guys as we were skating to prepare for the upcoming season. In between shifts, we’d all take turns visiting with Al as he stood behind the bench. That was the last time I saw my friend Al Gillies. Thinking back on it now, it was fitting that that’s where we saw each other last- at the rink, brought together by the game we love, sharing laughs.
