The Cochrane Generals had a sixth man on the ice—and nearly 600 fans in the stands—to lift them to a 4-1 win over the Strathmore Wheatland Kings on Sept. 27.
The night was dedicated not only to the memory of superfan Elliot VanWynsberghe, a 10-year-old who lost his battle with cancer in April, but also to celebrating his spirit throughout the season.
The Gens have named their dressing room the Elliot Memorial Locker Room. Inside, a giant replica of the decal the players have worn on their helmets all season serves as a lasting tribute. Elliot’s parents, Josh and Christy, generously donated one of his stuffed animals, which will remain in the dressing room and travel with the team to every road game.
Head coach Derek Bell says Elliot’s presence was felt on the ice.
“We were certainly fortunate to have a sixth man with us all night,” Bell said. “We praise the family, and we’ll keep in touch all year long as we keep moving forward.”
Before the game, Elliot’s family toured the dressing room and saw first-hand how it had been decked out.
Christy shared a story with the players.
“In the hospital, all the doctors and nurses would ask him what his favourite hockey team was. They always expected him to say the Flames or the Oilers, but he would always say the Cochrane Generals.”
One of the nurses who helped to treat Elliot was in attendance, as was a representative of Make-A-Wish Canada, who helped to fulfill his wish to provide support for the Cochrane & Area Humane Society.
Christy says the tribute was deeply meaningful.
“He would be so honoured. He was a Cochrane Generals fan his whole life. He came to games as a baby—my father would hold him up to the glass, and he would just watch. He idolized them. He was their biggest fan.”
Elliot lived in the Eckville area but often visited his nana and papa, Randy and Darlene Siver, in Cochrane three or four days a month. Randy recalls a lasting memory: the day Elliot read the Gens’ starting lineup.
“He did a great job at it—he wasn’t that old at the time,” Randy said. “He loved the Cochrane Generals, no question about that.”
Aunt and uncle Carly and Kurt Leong brought along Bubbles, their six-month-old dog adopted from the Cochrane Humane Society.
“Our whole family is indebted to the Cochrane Generals. We’ve been fans for years, and Elliot grew up with them. Ever since he was a baby, he’s been coming to games. It means so much to us that they’ve given us so much love during such a hard time.”
The night also served as a fundraiser for the Cochrane & Area Humane Society, one of Elliot’s favourite places. The Gens donated their share of the 50-50 draw to the CAHS, and additional donations were collected in the lobby. At the pregame barbecue and tailgate, sibling puppies Obie and Annika, available for adoption, drew plenty of attention from fans.
Gens game day coordinator Gordana Ripplinger wore several of the decals prepared in honour of Elliot that were give to fans at the gate. Cochrane Now/Noel Edey
Elliot’s parents were escorted to centre ice for the puck drop by Fen Evan Sine. Cochrane Now/Noel Edey
