It’s pretty easy to find Deidre Fennell at a Cochrane Generals game.
Not because she often sits in the same blue folding chair above the hockey team’s bench, and not because of her thick shock of bright red hair.
It’s easy to spot her because she’s usually the one cheering the loudest.
“I cheer as loud as I can until I’m hoarse,” said the tiny woman in her mid-20s. “I love supporting them.”
Fennell first checked out the team more than seven seasons ago, when a couple of guys from her high school suited up on the ice. She fell in love with the atmosphere, the players and the game – and now, she and her family attend at least a couple of dozen games a season, both in Cochrane and on the road.
“It’s a fun thing to do on the weekends,” Fennell said. “You get front row seats to the greatest hockey in town.”
Fennell’s unwavering dedication to the team has not gone unnoticed. Current head coach Dan Gendur and general manager Jacqueline Hurlbert both give the title of the Gens’ biggest fan to Fennell, and she has been honoured over the years with a ceremonial puck drop, a hardcover hockey photo album, and even a jersey and signed Nick Borody stick – which hang on the wall in her bedroom.
“It’s so wonderful for Deidre,” said dad Dave. “She’s established an incredible connection.”
Former player Evan McFeeters said he remembers Fennell cheering in the stands when he played for the Heritage Junior B Hockey League team years ago. Later, when he became head coach, players would take extra effort whenever she was at a game.
“The first thing they would say to me is, ‘Deidre’s in the building. We better play well,’” McFeeters recalled with a smile. “Our players know who she is; they recognize her in the crowd or give her a wave or a hug when they see her. She’s such a part of the organization.”
As an unofficial member of the team, Fennell can rattle off stats and personal information about almost any player. Don’t ask her who her favourite is, though, as it’s just too hard to decide.
Slater Ransom: “He’s fast on his feet.” Corey Goeson: “He’s like (Montreal Canadiens right winger) Brendan Gallagher out on the ice.” And Connor Rendell: “He’s such an amazing person, and he’s so humble.”
“All of them are my favourites in their own special way,” Fennell said.
Fennell’s love for the team goes beyond the boards as well. At a recent difficult medical appointment, Fennell said she listed all the Gens players and their numbers out loud as a way to keep herself calm.
“They’ve gotten me through hard times,” she said. “They’ve given me courage to be brave.”
Those kinds of stories are important for hockey players to hear, said McFeeters, as it helps them to realize that their responsibility to the fans are is so much bigger than winning games and scoring goals.
“It makes players proud of what they’ve accomplished and what they’re representing,” he said. “What they do on the ice … effects the heart-strings of the people around them.”
Hurlbert echoed McFeeters sentiments, saying the Gens would be thrilled if they could pack the stands with fans like Fennell.
“It’s more than just a hockey game to us,” said Hurlbert. “That’s what we’re looking to grow here. That’s where it all starts.”
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