Christmas Catch-Up!
The holidays are a time for friends and family – making new friends and reconnecting with old friends. Recently, we reconnected with two former IceDogs who spent much, if not all, of their junior careers in Niagara. Both players we caught up with, Luke Mercer and Brendan Perlini, played pivotal roles in the continued success of the IceDogs since moving to Niagara, in 2007. Further to that, Perlini and Mercer echoed the importance of the IceDogs, and owners Bill and Denise Burke, in their progressing careers.
When recounting some of his favourite memories of his 3 and a half years in the Niagara Region, Brendan Perlini raved about the atmosphere that surrounds the team, which has, undoubtedly, been a key factor in the success of the team. “The organization was always a fun and positive atmosphere to be around. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Burke couldn’t have been better to me, they really make it a ‘family’ type atmosphere and want the best for everyone”. It was that strong atmosphere that helped created a strong support system between the management/coaching/business operations staff and the players.
It was the strength of the support system within the organization that helped current Ryerson Rams defenseman, Luke Mercer, develop on and off the ice. The lessons and mutual respect instilled by the management and coaching staff unto the athletes that have come through the system helped shape them into the men they’ve become today, as Mercer alluded to. “All the guys I played with were all great guys. We had a lot of talented guys and great leaders [to] teach me how to be a professional, as well as the leader I became”.
Both Mercer and Perlini attribute some of their success to the support of their billets throughout their time with the IceDogs. Mercer’s former billets, Dale and Cathy Phillips – whom he described as being amazing, welcomed his 16 year old self into their home and made it a supportive environment that made him feel at home, when he couldn’t be with his family in Brampton, ON. Furthermore, Perlini’s billets, Chris and Tracey Cookson, provided him with a true “home away from home” type feeling. “Chris and Tracey Cookson took care of me as if I was one of their own and really are my 2nd family now”.
Brendan summed up his time with Niagara simply by restating his gratitude for the time he spent with the IceDogs by saying “I’m really grateful I got the opportunity to play in Niagara and will always be thankful for the lessons I’ve learned and the time I spent there!”. Luke’s recount of his time in Niagara by restating the importance of the organization on his life. “I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything in the world, it’s shaped me into the player and person I am today, and am glad I got to go through it with the people I did”.
*Luke Mercer, a former captain of the Niagara IceDogs, is currently in his second season playing for the Ryerson Rams, of Ryerson University.
*Brendan Perlini is currently playing his first season of his professional hockey career within the Arizona Coyotes organization.
