By Frankie Benvenuti/ottawa67s.com
Ottawa 67’s forward Will Gerrior will hit the ice tonight on what is a significant day for his family: Remembrance Day.
Both Gerrior’s mother, Heather, and father, Randy, served as Commanders in the Canadian Navy for more than 20 years, heightening the importance of remembering for him.
“Remembrance Day is an extremely important day,” Gerrior said. “We’re showing our respect for everyone who served and protected us.”
Like many children in military families, Gerrior moved around a fair amount, and missed the impact of his parents while they were posted around the world. Born in Halifax, Gerrior relocated to Barrie where he spent two years, before he moved to Ottawa, where he remains to this day.
While in Ottawa, however, Gerrior’s father was posted overseas for two years, something he says impacted himself, his mother, and his sister immensely. But the family remained strong, and Gerrior’s appreciation for his parents only grew during the deployment.
“I respect my parents so much for doing what they do,” Gerrior said. “Knowing that they were serving and protecting this country, obviously my respect is through the roof.”
In Gerrior’s rookie season, the 67’s wore special Remembrance Day jerseys, and held a moment of silence before the game. Gerrior says that even though he has routinely played in front of his parents while with the Barber Poles, there is something special about the Remembrance Day game.
The jersey Gerrior wore in that game ended up with his parents after the game, a token that he says holds very special importance in his family. But the day is about far more than the game, and for Gerrior, it’s a chance to, once again, show his appreciation for his parents, and all who have served.
“It’s a big day for them, remembering what they have done for us, my family, and the country,” Gerrior said. “It’s an important day, and it’s a special game [for my family and I].”
The Gerrior family’s Remembrance Day plans, other than Ottawa’s matchup with the Oshawa Generals, aren’t decided yet, but wherever they find themselves, they will be well supported, and appreciated.
“We really appreciate the support that Ottawa has given us,” Gerrior said. “Last year, we [as a team] went out and attended a ceremony, and my family was very appreciative of that.”
The 67’s will honour those who have served when they take on the Generals tonight at 7:00pm, inside The Arena at TD Place.
