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Passing
Dave Brown was the glue that held Wellington Dukes diaspora together. He made it his business to know what happened to the boys who became men long after they stopped wearing the Dukes jersey. No one would have more enjoyed the alumni game played in Wellington a week and a half ago—a gathering of players stretching back two decades. He would have known each of them—by the numbers. Seasons played, points scored, shutouts and such. And he would know where hockey had taken these men. And for how long.
Dave passed away last week. He’d been sick a few months. Hadn’t made it to Wellington this season. He’d moved to Clarington a few years ago to be closer to his grandchildren, but rarely missed a Dukes home game— even when snow made the journey hazardous.
Only a few weeks ago he wrote to say he was focused on getting his strength back after bouts of radiation and chemotherapy. He asked about my family and added hopefully “I can’t wait until we see each other again.”
Among his many volunteer duties with the Dukes was to operate the goal light at the far end, the cold end of the rink, back at the old Dukedome and later in the new arena. It was a task he took seriously, occasionally earning him the wrath of coaches and fans for his call. He didn’t mind. It was, however, his encyclopedic knowledge of the Dukes’ statistics and player stories that made him such an important resource, especially for this reporter new to the team in 2004 and at the height of their popularity and fame. The team had just earned a berth in the RBC Cup in Charlottetown—the national championship. This tiny little village had produced a world-class hockey organization. Dave was in the thick of it—documenting the story, the success and the individual achievements. He kept track of the smallest details. Organized them and retrieved a nugget when it was most relevant.
The story of the Dukes has been of consistent long-term success. Most seasons in the playoffs. Most winningest seasons. And on and on. Dave knew these numbers. He always seemed to have them at his fingertips, and would offer them at the most poignant moment. To honour an astonishing milestone or achievement—to enable fans and players and the community to share in the history and significance of the Wellington Dukes.
He scanned dozens of leagues and chat boards, gleaning information about Dukes graduates—those who had moved on from Wellington with a scholarship at a US college, the Major Junior leagues, and pro leagues around the world. He would uncover an achievement made on a Tuesday in February by a former Dukes player in Alaska, Huntsville or Belfast and share it on the Dukes site, with reporters or social media. Through David we stayed connected to these young men. To their growth and accomplishments.
Former Dukes general manager and head coach Marty Abrams expressed shock and sadness upon learning of Dave’s passing.
“Over my years with the Dukes, Dave had become a constant fixture with the organization, travelling to both home and away games,” said Abrams. “He was also not only passionate about the team, but also our alumni whom he recorded and kept tabs on long after they left the Dukes. Dave added to the strong tradition and family-like atmosphere that separated us from the rest. What I will always remember is his timely emails he used to send me, either offering words of encouragement or providing interesting statistics on our next opponent. They were always appreciated. I cannot say enough about what Dave’s friendship and support meant to me over the years. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
Dave Brown was a key part of the legacy and the story of this team. For he kept their stories. He treasured their success. And made sure we could too. Dave’s passing leaves a deep wound in the connective tissue that binds the Wellington Dukes community— around the world.
He will be missed.
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