“We enjoy helping these young men pursue their hockey and CY BIGELOW academic dreams.” — NAN
MOEM HO AWAY FR HOME JEANTSON WRITTEN BY KELLY SER RK HOLLERON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MA
with Nancy and Brent Bigelow n Kruss plays video Rya : left Top ss. Kru n Rya ates Jean-Pierre games with Hawk teamm mondon, Brandon Pla iam Will , eux moy Lar and Carmine Guerriero. Bussey, Ross Kovacs f. Top ne Sha ht: Rig
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OU WON’T FIND NANCY AND BRENT BIGELOW’S NAMES IN A PROGRAM, BUT ANY HAWKESBURY HAWKS PLAYER WILL ATTEST TO THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE TEAM.
Unlike the players, coaches and trainers, whose contributions are usually clearly obvious, the Bigelows perform their role quietly behind the scenes — and many players wouldn’t be able to compete without them. After all, as any highlevel athlete will tell you, few things are as vital to sporting success as proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep — which is where Nancy and Brent come in. The Tier 2 Central Canadian Hockey League is the door to the future for many young competitive players with sights set on NCAA scholarships and professional careers. So when Nancy and Brent Bigelow — huge fans of the game themselves — were first asked four years ago to open their door to billet out-of-town Hawks players, 20
they jumped at the chance and haven’t looked back. “We enjoy helping these young men pursue their hockey and academic dreams,” says Nancy. Choosing to pursue a junior hockey career away from home is often a difficult decision for both players and parents. Whether it is for university, travel or a job, leaving the nest is never as simple as it seems. That’s where billets such as the Bigelows come in, hosting out-of-town players in their home, giving them room and board and a place to call home — allowing players to focus on the game without the worry or stress of being away from family and friends. Families such as the Bigelows receive a small stipend from the team to offset their costs, but their role in developing young talent is huge.
In retrospect, the role of billet seems like a pretty natural fit for Nancy and Brent. Both of their sons, Ryan, 23, and Nicholas, 21, played hockey from the time they were five years old. When Ryan progressed to the Hawks, he asked his parents if they would allow an out-of-town player to stay with them. While Ryan has moved on from the game and now attends McGill University, Nancy and Brent are just as attached to the Hawks as ever. Their own three children, including daughter Angela, have left home, but the Bigelows continue to enjoy their role as “parents” who lend support and guidance to the players.
WELCOME HOME
Every fall, two to three new players come to the Bigelows. They are like most teenaged boys — they eat, they sleep, they play hockey. Some have part-time jobs, while others take online courses to prepare for university or finish high school. But that doesn’t mean
PLAYERS RYAN KRUSS #19 • • • •
18 years old from Thornhill, Ontario Plays defence Started in IP (5 yrs old) Favourite thing about hockey: Being part of a team • Least favourite: Not accomplishing team and individual goals • Hopes to play college hockey • Calls home every day • Will be taking online courses in January Advice for other players about being away from home: “It’s a good experience.”
SHANE TOPF #7 •
19 years old from Eagle River, Alaska • Plays forward • Started when he was in IP (5 yrs old) • Favourite thing about hockey: Scoring goals • Least favourite: Losing • Hopes to play at college or pro level. • Calls home once per week, stays in touch via text • Currently taking a marine biology online course and has studied science and nutrition Advice for other players about being away from home: “It’s not so tough.” CENTRE ICE JANUARY 2013