2024 Q2 Adult Hockey
Bradley Mersereau
Memorial Award Recipient:
Melissa Sawatzky
Published: June 27, 2024
This award is named the “Brad Memorial”. It is in memory of Bradley Mersereau, who was an avid participant in Tucker Hockey Adult Programs. Brad never represented himself as a great skater, or, for that matter, a good hockey player. He just loved getting out and being active. He always found a healthy balance between family, work and the enjoyment of hockey. He was a “true friend” and “hockey enthusiast”.
Bradley Mersereau
2024 Q2 Adult Hockey
Bradley Mersereau Memorial Award Recipient:
Melissa Sawatzky
About Melissa:
- What do you like about the sport of hockey?
The sport is addictive – it’s so fast and fun. It doesn’t matter what the day was like before, the moment I’m lacing up the skates I know I’m in for a good, sweaty time with a lot of laughs, and hopefully some plays to be proud of.
- When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?
I grew up playing sports, but never explored hockey. Once I became a parent and all my kids got into skating or hockey, I decided it was time to learn with them. I started skating more and got into the beginner division of a non-contact league, and immediately connected with a stellar crew also getting on the ice for either the first time or the first time in a long time.
But playing shinny and beer league doesn’t help your game improve (surprise), so I hunted around for adult programs and landed in with Coach Rex and Coach Jimmy in a women’s only skill-building session. I immediately knew I’d found a place that was both encouraging and challenging. I started attending various sessions at Tucker year-round, building on skills each time, and my game has begun to have a bit more…well…game. I’m grateful to Rex, Jimmy, Ron, Korwin, Bobby, and the whole Tucker team for how well they share their knowledge and passion for hockey.
- How has hockey influenced or positively affected your life?
Two major impacts:
- I have at least enough skill to hit the ice with my four kids, which was one of my primary motivators. Playing sports with my family is the best thing ever.
- I’ve found an unexpected retreat every week when the nitty gritty of daily life fades away and I find myself preparing for a face-off on the ice with great people ready to play a great sport (in the ready hockey stance, of course).
Congratulations Melissa on being selected as the recipient of this award!
Editor’s Note:
Glad you have enjoyed the Tucker Hockey experience Melissa! Ron, Jimmy, myself, and the whole Tucker Hockey Team have admired your dedication to improving your hockey skills. You are a very coachable player. It has been a pleasure to work with you on the ice! We have appreciated your loyalty to Tucker Hockey over the years. Keep enjoying the game and improving on your skating; the most important skill.
See you at the rink in August!
Best wishes. Take Care.
~Coach Rex
P.S. Remember it’s just you and the drill. You’re not competing against anyone else. Keep having fun!”