Spring 2022 Adult Hockey
Bradley Mersereau Memorial Award Recipient:
Orlin Lavallie
Published: June 10, 2022
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.
Spring 2022 Adult Hockey
Bradley Mersereau Memorial Award Recipient:
Orlin Lavallie
Orlin (front left) with the Bahrain Sharks – One of many International teams Orlin has had the pleasure of playing with and became good friends.
Here is a little bit about Orlin:
- What do you like about the sport of hockey?
Hockey is not only great exercise, but it also teaches individuals how to play and succeed, as part of a team, a very valuable asset in life. Also, Hockey unlike so many other sports can be played well into your senior years. Good hockey players as they age, simply learn to play smarter.
- When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?
I started to skate and play hockey when I was 30, in Dubai. My friends collected the equipment, and forced me into it. There were no practices, just that 5 minute warm up before games. The only coaching I got was “just get the puck out of our zone”, and “get yourself in front of their net”. Around 12 years ago, home for the summer, I signed up for a Tucker Hockey camp, and I instantly loved it. When I retired back to Canada in 2020, I decided I would forgo league hockey, and focus on Tucker hockey camps. A lot more exercise than a game with three lines, and I am actually learning, for the first time, how to skate and play hockey. I am traveling to join my team in Riga, Latvia for a Tournament (June 1-4th). I am sure they will be pleasantly surprised at my progress.
Orlin (front left) with the Dubai Mighty Camels 1995 – Where Orlin first started playing hockey
- How has hockey influenced or positively affected your life?
I have played hockey with or against the majority of my friends, resulting in some of my greatest memories. Additionally, it’s kept me feeling young and healthy. So. What is not to Love?
A few photos that show the importance of hockey in Orlin’s life.
- First photo – A 3D printed “Orlin” depicted as a hockey playing Camel given to him when I left Qatar.
- Center photo – A hand drawn pencil “hockey card” (from photo) by a very good friend of Orlin (Steve Bulteal)
- The Qatar Qanucks year-end annual “Orlin Lavallie – Most Excited To Receive a Hockey Award” award.
Editor’s Note:
Thank you for completing a Tucker Hockey profile questionnaire. Orlin you have been a Tucker Hockey participant since 2010! Wow! We appreciate your loyalty to our Adult programs. You have had many interesting and fun hockey experiences. Trust you had a great time in Latvia! Keep enjoying the game! See you at the rink again soon! Take care.
~Coach Rex