Caledon’s Reese Meyer honoured at Mississauga Steelheads game

Written By ROBERT BELARDI

Tragedy is a neurological shockwave that bends the body and mind out of shape. It is a moment where, you might feel, you are frozen in time staring at something you simply cannot believe. That is, until realism sinks in  and you begin to take action. 

It was when Reese Meyer collapsed on the ice back in November in his Caledon Hawks minor league rep game, that the family and the Caledon hockey community were struck in the heart. 

It's difficult to fathom, given the health of so many people in this world today. Surely, this could not be happening to a 13-year-old boy. 

The news stretched out further than the local hockey community. When it became public knowledge that Meyer had a brain tumour, hockey superstars such as Connor McDavid, Wayne Gretzky and Hayley Wickenheiser shared their love. 

This young man endured surgery after surgery. Those around him trying to ensconce the young boy as he fought for his life.

As the news spread, this enigmatic event received a heart-warming response. The Mississauga Steelheads, backed by their owner Elliot Kerr, announced their home game against the Kitchener Rangers would be a charity event for the Meyer family. 

Months ago this game on Jan. 26 was designated as the first Superhero themed event for the Steelheads. 

Impeccable timing to say the least. 

Kerr said that this story inspired him once he heard about it from his friend Katrien Mooney. Having been touched by cancer in his life, his first question was clear - “What could I do to help?” He said the truth is, “hockey is family and hockey cares.” 

“How wonderful, that, it's a superhero game, and I look at Reese Meyer as a superhero,” Kerr added on. 

Mooney, has been preparing and organizing the event for some time now. She lives in Caledon East, in the same neighbourhood as the Meyers. The families have known each other for a long time, ever since their children were young. 

When Mooney called Kerr, the two began to schedule a game that they each thought would be a perfect fit. She chose Jan. 26 to allow Reese some time to regain his strength so that he could attend in person. It was important, too, that they didn't schedule the game on the same day where his own hockey team, the Caledon Hawks, had a game. 

“When we picked the date, we looked at the Steelheads calendar a little closer and we saw that the theme for the game was superhero. We thought that was a fitting theme, we thought it was extremely appropriate given the fact that he has shown so much strength through all of this,” said Mooney. 

Last week, the Steelheads hosted the Kitchener Rangers. 20 different minor hockey teams attended from across Ontario. Some children brought cards with letters to spell “Go Reese Go.” In other areas of the building, you saw the words “Stick it to Cancer.” 

As the video display ended and the lights illuminated the arena once again, Reese Meyer walked on to the red carpet to a standing ovation. The kind that gives you goosebumps. This is the progress that he has made. He's actually walking out onto the red carpet. 

Then the young man took the microphone. He thanked everyone for being there for him, and he vowed to continue fighting, “like a Hawk”.

The family was presented with a cheque for $25,000 raised from this event. Mooney went on to add in her speech, another $3,000 was raised just last week, adding up for a grand total of $28,000. 

After Meyer's father's speech to the crowd, thanking all of those who attended this game and for their continued love and support, Rangers winger and Caledon Hawks alumni Reid Valade stepped in with Steelheads captain Liam Ham for the ceremonial puck drop. 

The Steelheads didn't disappoint Meyer one bit once all was said and done.

Trailing to the Rangers 4-1 in the third period, the Steelheads rallied to score three times in the final period. Ty Collins got the comeback underway before Cole Shwindt scored a beautiful solo-goal and a one-timer in the dying seconds to tie it up. In overtime, Schwindt buried the game winner for his 22nd goal of the year. 

After the game, the Steelheads player held up a jersey with Meyer's name on it and the number three paying tribute. 

Schwindt and Meyer each shared the honour of being named first star of the game.

A fitting way to end a tremendous tribute.