A fixture in the local hockey community is being remembered with great affection.
Shannon “Shaq” Coady, the former equipment manager for the St. John’s Maple Leafs, passed away suddenly earlier this week.
(Shannon ‘Shaq’ Coady, via Newfoundland Growlers.)
Tributes are coming in from across the country from players and management who remember Coady fondly.
Governing COO of the Newfoundland Growlers, Glenn Stanford, says Shannon’s career started out in 1991 at the age of 14 after winning a contest to become a stick boy for the Baby Leafs.
The Newfoundland Growlers family mourns the heartbreaking passing of Shannon Coady. pic.twitter.com/WJ0FbCkyfF
— Newfoundland Growlers (@NLGrowlers) March 25, 2021
He eventually worked his way up through the organization to become equipment manager.
Brian Rogers, the play-by-play announcer for the St. John’s Maple Leafs, says Coady made a big impression on everyone he met – so much so, a special celebration of his life is already in the works.
Rogers says players and former players have been reaching out from across leagues and across the country offering to put together a tribute fitting of Coady’s impact on the sport.
