2023 Q1 Adult Hockey
Bradley Mersereau Memorial Award Recipient:
Sam Tang
Published: March 28, 2023
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
Since 2004, this Tucker Hockey Award has been issued quarterly each year to worthy program participants.
2023 Q1 Adult Hockey
Bradley Mersereau Memorial Award Recipient:
Sam Tang
Sam enjoying a Flames Game!
Here is more about Sam:
- What do you like about the sport of hockey?
I absolutely love the game of hockey. The skill, the explosiveness, the intensity, the physicality but you have to do all of the above on a pair of thin blades! The players are the toughest and truly pay the ultimate price to win. They often play hurt, sacrifice through immense pain which makes The Stanley Cup by far the toughest trophy to win. The only league where there are regular season rules and then “playoff rules”. Despite the tremendous battles they can hug it out and shake hands post series. Simply amazing! Not to mention hockey players are kind, classy with style, always suited up entering the rink, engaging with fans during warm-ups before giving it their all on the ice. And that’s what separates hockey from the rest.
- When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?
I started ice skating back in 2012 and did the Sunday night beginners program for fall and winter of that year. I spent the next decade playing on various beer league teams and shinny games. While I had fun doing that, I felt like I wasn’t getting better and sort of doing the same old thing on the ice, so I decided it was time to revisit the Tucker programs. So, in early 2022 I signed up for the Tues night evasive Skating and Weds shooting classes. I realized how much I had been missing out! I couldn’t get enough; practice was fun, so I also signed up for the spring, fall and winter power skating programs. Suffice to say, Rex, Jimmy and Ron have been seeing a lot of me over the past year ha-ha and I plan to keep attending as I’ve definitely noticed the progress. There’s a Japanese saying – kaizen – continuous improvement – just try to be 1% better.
- How has hockey influenced or positively affected your life?
I am so glad I took the plunge to put on the skates at the age of 30. It was one of those if not now, then when!? I’ve always enjoyed watching the game, now with the resources, why not learn to play? The number of friends I’ve made over the past decade, the comradery, the memories, the highs and lows of beer league wins and losses, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am also more forgiving to the Flames when they can’t quite execute on the ice as I also know how difficult it is BUT they are pros, so I hold them to a higher standard. Hockey is an incredible sport, with so many divisions; you will find one suitable to your level. Playing is so important. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”. – George Bernard Shaw
Editor’s Note:
Thank you for taking the time to complete a Tucker Hockey Profile. Sam, we value your kind words and dedication to our many adult programs over the years. Glad you have enjoyed being on the ice with Tucker Hockey! You have a great attitude and love towards learning the game. Yes, hockey development and skill improvement takes time. Keep up the dedication and love for the game and more positive experiences will continue to happen! See you at the rink again soon!
Best wishes.
~Coach Rex.