In my one year covering the Canucks as a beat reporter, before being banned for the last three seasons, I probably spoke with Pat O’Niell three or four times. One time the chat went on for awhile as we talked about a few common pals. He was always friendly, cordial, and open to answering questions about his tasks and the team.
Of course he was; he’s a hockey guy. A hockey lifer.
His first NHL game as an assistant equipment manager came one season before my first NHL game as a reporter, which oddly enough, was the Vancouver Canucks at the Detroit Red Wings. However, Patty’s first game wasn’t with Vancouver, it was with his hometown Winnipeg Jets. He recalled it being a loss against the Colorado Rockies. He headed to BC a decade later.
During a media availability on Wednesday he referred to the long hours and the hard work. It’s not thankless, the players treat the equipment staff with tips and other rewards along the way, but from the public’s viewpoint, it’s a somewhat invisible job.
The equipment guys are actually a big part of the team. The hours aren’t normal. On the road, when players and other staffers get off the charter and head to the hotel, the equipment guys unload gear, move it, and set things up at whatever rink the team is skating at next. They’re back at that rink early the next morning, or that same morning after late flights, on very limited sleep.
The season is a tiring blur, but a fun and rewarding one for the same reason it is for the players. It’s the camaraderie. Winning doesn’t hurt either. It’s way more fun to work around a happy dressing room.
Many toil in the minors first, earn their stripes and get opportunities based on word of mouth. I’ve known some “beauties” over the years. Beets Johnson, formerly of the Rangers and Bruins, since retired, comes to mind. Rick Bronwell has worked hard over the last twenty-plus seasons and is now the head guy with the Flyers. Chris “Muggsy” Aldrich runs the Anaheim Ducks room.
Like O’Niell, they’re rink rats, hockey lifers. Always a smile, a handshake, and always enough time, even when they have no time at all.
This legend moves on from the Canucks. Legendary for his consistency and longevity, but truly for his temperament and approach. It was cool to see great Canucks players from the past showing up to laud Patty’s career. (video Canucks social clips below)
Does Brian “Red” Hamilton slide up into the top position for the club? One might assume so, but in this case I’m not one to assume. It would be a great choice. Red reminds me of O’Niell, again, with limited exposure, as a man with a friendly, unselfish disposition hiding beneath a bustling exterior.
My interaction was brief, but my appreciation for Pat O’Niell runs deep. He’s a lifer and a class act.
I also feel for him. Withdrawals will really hit him when training camp rolls around in the fall. No more routine trips to the rink.
Time to relax, rest, and remember that you’ll always be a part of the Vancouver Canucks.
