SHEFFIELD — A touching ceremony was held ahead of the first game of Berkshire Rattlers Youth Hockey Nov. 9 in the memory of former player Owen Simmons.
The number 9 was retired by the Rattlers and enshrined in the ice in front of the team bench.
Rattlers Youth Hockey Board President Katrina Wilber presented the honorary no. 9 jersey to Simmons’ family at the site of the memorial in the ice.
“Owen was a Berkshire Rattler who embodied the idea of who we are as an organization,” said Wilber. “His light will forever shine down on us. May number nine forever be at peace.”
Simmons, of North Canaan, died suddenly in June 2024 at the age of 13. He had recently completed seventh grade at North Canaan Elementary School.
“Everybody has touched our family in a way that we will never forget and we are so grateful for it,” said Kristine Simmons, Owen’s mother. “From the bottom of our hearts we say, ‘thank you’.”
Crossed hockey sticks and the outline of a turtle surround the no. 9 in the rink at Berkshire School’s Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center. The turtle is to honor Simmons’ team nickname, Turtle.
“This would have been Owen’s first game of his ninth season of hockey,” said Kristine. “The friendships here ... you meant the world to him.”
Players from the Salisbury Redhawks, the Rattlers’ opponent for the season opener, presented the Simmons family with flowers.
Owen’s uncle, North Canaan Selectman Craig Whiting, carried out a ceremonial puck drop before the game got underway.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
Provided
