NEWS ITEM

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

 

Ceremony will bring perspective to Navy Vets

By CORY SMITH, SENTINEL-REVIEW

WOODSTOCK -- It's been a struggle for the Woodstock Navy Vets through 10 games, but this weekend should bring some perspective to the Junior C club.

The Navy Vets play twice, but it's the first game that will carry an emotional attachment that extends beyond wins and losses.

Friday in New Hamburg, Ontario Hockey Association president Brent Ladds will present members of the Firebirds and Navy Vets with a President's Letter and Crystal Puck in recognition of their efforts to save the life of linesman Kevin Brown, whose throat was sliced open during a game between the teams last December.

Brown was breaking up a fight when an errant skate severed his carotid artery. He made it to the Firebirds bench and collapsed, where New Hamburg trainer Greg Henning, Navy Vets trainers Dan Dukes and Bert Cowell, and Paula Thomson, a nurse and mother of former Woodstock player Craig Thomson, attended to Brown before paramedics arrived.

All of those who saved his life will be in attendance, as will Brown, who is still recovering from the near-fatal injury.

When the puck drops, Woodstock will have its hands full with New Hamburg, the surprise team so far this season. The Firebirds are second in the Niagara west division, with 19 points. Woodstock is looking to add to its three points and will travel to Aylmer Saturday to face the fourth-place Spitfires (4-4-4).

corysmith@bowesnet.com