LOCAL HISTORY

Over the course of his 18-year NHL career, Wells played for a number of teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, and Tampa Bay Lightning. He was known for his leadership and his ability to play a shutdown role against the opposing team's top players

One of the highlights of Wells' career came in 1994, when he helped lead the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years. Wells played a key role in the Rangers' playoff run, providing a physical presence on the blue line, and chipping in with timely goals and assists

Off the ice, Wells was known as a dedicated family man and a pillar of his community. He remained close to his roots in Paris, Ontario throughout his career, and he frequently returned to the town to visit family and friends. In fact, Wells and his brothers were so committed to their hometown that they opened a local hockey school during the offseason, where they taught young players the skills and techniques they had learned throughout their careers

Despite retiring from professional hockey in 1998, Wells remained involved in the game as a coach and mentor to young players. First with the American Hockey League's Portland Pirates and then with the Hershey Bears. After the 2000-01 season, Wells came back home and was the coach of the Allan Cup Hockey league's Brantford Blast and the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League's Brantford Golden Eagles. Wells, who also played briefly for the

Blast, then headed west to coach with the Manitoba Moose for the 2008-09 season, his only year with the AHL club. After two years out of the game, he returned with the Barrie Colts and they hoisted the Bobby Orr Trophy after winning the Ontario Hockey League's Eastern Conference championship. Throughout his life, Jay Wells has remained a beloved figure in the town of Paris, Ontario, and a source of inspiration for young hockey players everywhere. His dedication to his craft, his commitment to his community, and his unwavering passion for the game of hockey have earned him a place in the hearts of fans and players alike. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the game.