The Sackville Flyers midget B team had their first practice Sunday since their teammate Rylee Sears died after contracting meningococcal meningitis the previous Monday.
And there was an unexpected guest – assistant coach, and Rylee’s father, Kevin Sears.
“Kevin really is the glue on this team. Kevin is the tough guy that can be the disciplinarian… but he's also the guy that we all love,” says player Todd Bechard.
Kevin’s son Rylee wore the number 17 on a team of 17.
“He loved the game… I will say that, but as you will ask all these players, all 17 of them are mine. Not just him.”
Brent Hubley says his own style and outlook on hockey changed because of Rylee's advice.
“He can change the way you play,” says Hubley. “His father did that just the way he coaches. It's unbelievable the way he changed my life.”
The Sackville Flyers organization decided to host a game with the Flyers two midget teams to remember Rylee and support his family.
There is also an element of therapy for the team to get back in the game without the deceased player.
“That was tough because I wasn't prepared for it. I thought he was going to pull through,” says Zack Parsons, another teammate.
The love of players and coaches is evident. Kevin Sears treasures that time behind the bench with his son.
“I got to enjoy what he loved to do with him. Not a lot of fathers and parents can say that.”
Sunday night, hundreds from Sackville gave some of that love back to the Sears family.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Rick Grant.
