Today’s morning skate was about honoring my friend Sean “Gags” Gagnon and all of those that have bravely fought ALS.
I have quite the hockey jersey collection, but the jersey that tops the list is my #18 Wagner College sweater. This one was presented to me at Sean’s celebration of life in November of 2018. Each time I slip on the Wagner #18 I have vivid memories of Sean and the conversations we had about life, love, happiness and, of course, hockey.
Sean passed of ALS in 2018, he was only 35. It was his specific request that his jersey go to me, an incredible gesture that I am forever grateful for. So in return, I do my best to honor Gags by including him in many of my hockey experiences, today was one of those.
During a break in action, I shared Sean’s story on the ice and asked if anyone else had been impacted by this terrible disease. That’s when Craig Kottke mentioned that his friend, Jim Ballantine also passed of ALS. And get this, Jim was a college hockey player (Michigan) and was also 35 when he passed.
Here’s to Sean, Jim and all of those that have faced ALS with grace, bravery and the desire to make a difference. Miss ya buddy.
