GMHA Supporters:

Members of The Grimsby Minor Hockey Association, our "hockey family" in Grimsby, are in a state of shock, immense sadness and mourning with the sudden passing of Steve Babb and Sam Vogl in a tragic skiing accident in British Columbia. The entire association feels the loss of our friends, colleagues and mentors. Our hearts, sympathies and prayers are with the Babb and Vogl families.

Steve Babb was an active member in the GMHA, both at the association and team level. Steve leaves behind him his wife Laura, two sons, Scott, age 14 and Colin, age 16 and a daughter Monica, age 10. Many of you knew and will remember Steve for his fine wit, dedication to his family and love for his community. From Montreal originally, Steve was also a Canadiens fan and, like many of us in Grimsby's hockey family, loved the sport of hockey. A pilot by profession, Steve is also fondly remembered for his sense of humour, spirit of adventure and love of life by his colleagues and friends at Air Canada.

Sam Vogl was an active GMHA player for many years. At the young age of only 17, Sam leaves behind him his father Keith, mother Linda and younger brother (and friend) Jake, all of whom are good friends of Grimsby Minor Hockey. Sam grew up in the travel programme and was well known around the rink. His coaches, fellow players and friends knew Sam as a wonderful young man with an infectious smile and true love of life. His fellow students at GSS also knew him for his sense of humour and leadership in the school.

Steve and Sam, you will both be truly missed. You made a difference to minor hockey in Grimsby, to our community in general and to many of us individually. It is surely too soon to say good-bye.

Colin Babb, Steve and Laura's oldest son and a well known GMHA player, leader and friend, was also badly injured in the accident. Colin will be a long time recovering from the physical and emotional impact he endured. As a member of our "hockey family" and our friend, Colin, please know that the support and strength of our entire association is behind you. We await your return soon.

Words can never sufficiently capture or express the grief and sadness we all feel in these situations. What remains with each of us always are our fond memories of Steve and Sam, the special moments each of us had with them as individuals and the joy we have for having known them.

To the Babbs and the Vogls, are deepest sympathies and condolences. Our prayers are with you. We are here for you.

Ken Watson

GMHA President on behalf of the GMHA Board and the entire GMHA membership