The "heart and soul" of the Port Moody Panthers doesn’t score game-winning goals or throw thundering checks that have opposing forwards looking over their shoulder.
But, says Panthers’ general manager Brian Wiebe, Reid Demelo’s tireless work ethic, enthusiasm and dedication to his teammates make him vital to the success of the junior "A" hockey team.
Demelo is the Panthers’ equipment manager.
Wiebe said the 23-year-old’s attention to detail laundering jerseys and socks then hanging them neatly in players’ stalls, collecting and sorting sticks, gathering pucks and water bottles, along with a multitude of other tasks, ensure the team’s focus is entirely on what they need to accomplish on the ice, whether in a game or even just at practice.
“He’s such an important part of the team,” Wiebe said.
So much so, the Panthers recently announced it had signed Demelo to a 10-year contract extension.
The move was more of a social media stunt, Wiebe said. But the almost 4,000 views the announcement has generated on the team’s X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram accounts is about eight times more than a routine post about a player signing or game result might generate.
“Everyone knows Reid,” Wiebe said.
Demelo lives for sports.
He’s an accomplished Special Olympian who competes in basketball, soccer, swimming, track and field, softball, golf, speed skating and fitness. He was active in athletics at Heritage Woods Secondary School, helping out with varsity programs like basketball. He said he probably spends more time at the Port Moody Recreation Centre, either working out in the gym or working with the Panthers, than he does at home.
“I just love being here,” Demelo said.
Demelo’s relationship with the Panthers when the team’s head athletic trainer invited him to help out. Along with his duties in the dressing room, he works as a timekeeper during games and mans the gate at warmups to ensure players get off the ice promptly.
Demelo is also the Panthers’ biggest cheerleader — not always an easy task as the team routinely finishes at or near the bottom of the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) standings.
Demelo said he tries not to let the losses get him down, as the players need all the support they can get.
“It’s my hometown,” Demelo said, adding he’s become friends with several players over the years.
Wiebe said Demelo’s positivity is infectious.
“It rubs off on our players, parents and fans.”
More importantly, Demelo’s role with the Panthers teaches everyone in the organization lessons about acceptance, perseverance and the pay off that comes from working hard.
It’s hard to put a price on that, Wiebe said.
“They see how big a part of the team Reid is. He’s our heart and soul.”
The Panthers’ training camp is already underway. The team hosts its first game of the pre-season Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Port Moody Recreation Centre. The regular season begins Sept. 7.
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