CALGARY — Mikael Backlund couldn’t wait to spread the news last Wednesday morning.
After a long offseason worrying about his future, Backlund committed the next few seasons to the Calgary Flames (the only franchise he’s ever known). Moreover, he had a “C” mark on his chest. It was an honor that meant a lot to him. Backlund picked up the phone and called his former teammate and now GM Craig Conroy to find out when the news would be announced.
Conroy’s voice, usually full of high spirits and energy, was sombre and emotionless. A tragedy happened. Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow, who has bravely battled ALS for the past four years, has been hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest. Doctors managed to get his heart to beat, but the lack of oxygen caused “catastrophic” brain damage. Snow died on Saturday. He was 42 years old.
“I can hear something off in his voice,” Buckland said. “He said Chris was in the hospital and was with him. He just had a heavy stomach after that and got emotional on the way to the rink.”
Later that afternoon, Mr. Buckland was sitting in a large conference room next to Mr. Conroy. The two men were surrounded by photos of past Flames leaders. Conroy had prepared a surprise for Backlund, had his children come in and present Backlund with a new jersey with a big “C” for captaincy on it. But there was an undeniable sense of sadness and loss hanging over both men, other members of the organization, and the media.
“I think it’s strange that Snowy isn’t here,” Conroy said.
Since Snow’s death, players have expressed their condolences and shared memories of previous General Meetings. The Flames also held two pregame memorial events and placed stickers supporting Snow on his helmet. Support for Snow and his family extended beyond the walls of Scotiabank’s Saddledome and throughout the hockey world.
How did the team respond?
The Flames posted a video tribute to Snow online.
Coach Ryan Husker: Well, I think he was one of the biggest supporters in helping me get this job. So he means a lot to me. These are difficult times. And we are there for their families. That’s the story here. Your heart hurts for what they are going through right now.
The one thing we never saw, and I think Craig (Conroy) alluded to it yesterday, is that once he feels sorry for himself and what he’s going through. I had never seen it either. When people say they look to him as an inspiration, I don’t see how he can’t do that. Considering what he had been through, it wasn’t a bad day at all. And he continued to do his job to the best of his ability every day. I mean, it’s not easy.
General Manager Craig Conroy said: I was in the hospital with him a few days ago and you never want to see him like that. But I just want to know how hard he fought and what he did for ALS. His goal is just for his day, but it’s gone. We’re not talking about that. That will always be his legacy and that’s what he wants. For me, it’s about watching him fight for five years and seeing how it goes. Obviously, we expected it to take 25 years. As he sits in his office and receives all his treatments, he feels “good.” Unfortunately, things have completely changed in his year, probably since Christmas, and we are where we are today. But when you think about all the good things he’s done for the organization, it’s pretty special.
We only have one life to live and we must live it to the fullest. And he continued to do that for five years. When he was diagnosed that day, it was a difficult 6 to 12 months. I’m sitting at the kitchen table and Cohen is sitting across from me. But since then, I have never heard him complain. I never heard of all the things he went through. Authentic inspiration. I’ll really miss you because you always put things in perspective. But when I saw him on my last day, I thought he looked at ease as I left the room. I never want to see him like that again. That’s what I said. That’s why I didn’t go see him because I wanted to remember what he was like when we were always together.
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson: Every time I see him, he has a smile on his face. He’s just a hard worker. He loved hockey and he loved the Flames. He’s been there since I was drafted. He’s the kind of guy that if you want to improve your game, you can come here. He will help you and show you what you are good at and what statistics you need to improve. I feel so sad for him and his entire family.
Chris Snow, he breathed the Calgary Flames. He loved every minute of it. He was an incredible person. He’s a great family man. He’s an incredible father. When you put it into perspective, it makes you think that it certainly is. And you will definitely find it as an inspiration.
Defenseman Noah Hanifin: It’s hard to hear. Snowy was a truly wonderful person. I’ve known him for six years now. Regardless of his situation, he always brought positive energy to the rink. It’s pretty moving to see that. Obviously it’s a very sad time for him and his family. But we are all in this together, with him and praying for him. And I hope his family is safe.
Forward Jonathan Huberdeau: It is not easy. Yesterday was a sad day. This man gave his all for the team. Even when he was diagnosed with ALS, he was always there, every day. he works hard. Last year didn’t go well. he was texting. Every day he works for his life. He took the time to text me and that shows a lot about a person. He dedicated his life to this team. Today is a sad day for us, but of course we are there for his family, his children and his wife.
Snow’s former Flames boss reacts
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving spent nine years as general manager of the Flames, with Snow working as part of the front office.in him statementTreliving said she was devastated by her former colleague’s death.
“‘Snowy’ was a true example of strength, courage, grit and compassion. He was not only an extraordinary colleague, but also a dear friend who had a profound impact on our lives.” Treliving said. “His intelligence was matched only by his incredible kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering love and dedication to his family and friends.
“Chris was an inspiration to all of us by facing his relentless battle with ALS head-on and refusing to let it define or derail him.
“On behalf of my family and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, I send our thoughts and prayers to his beloved wife Kelsey, son Cohen, and daughter Willa during this unimaginably difficult time. The love Chris leaves behind. May they be comforted in the knowledge that their strength will last forever.”
The league pays its condolences.
NHL teams also offered support through written statements, tweets, and public comments. Coach Spencer Carberry said after the Washington Capitals preseason game. paid a tribute To the snow.
“Before I begin work tonight, on behalf of the organization and myself, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Snow family and the Flames organization,” Carberry said. “Over the past few years, I have been watching my family closely. I don’t know Kelsey or Chris personally, but I do know their family stories and their heartbreak and courage. We… I’m thinking about them a lot right now.”
The announcement was made by Jeff Gorton, executive vice president of the Montreal Canadiens. statement on behalf of the team in both English and French.
“Despite the many obstacles along the way, Chris continued to show great courage,” Gorton said. “Chris is a source of inspiration to many across the NHL as he never gave up in his battle with ALS. Our thoughts are with his wife Kelsey, children Cohen and Willa, his family, and Calgary. -It’s throughout the Flames organization.”
Commissioner Gary Bettman also issued the following statement: statement His own.
“The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the passing of Calgary Flames Assistant General Manager Chris Snow, whose courageous and relentless battle with ALS was an inspiration to many. A great person who gave,” Bettman said. “An innovative student of our game with expertise in data analysis, Chris oversaw and built the Flames’ analytics department, influencing every aspect of the club’s hockey operations decision-making. But first and foremost, he was a beloved husband to Kelsey, a devoted father to Cohen and Willa, and a friend to everyone in the hockey world who was lucky enough to know him. .
“The Snow family’s willingness to share the trials and triumphs of Chris’ long ALS journey has inspired many and greatly raised awareness about the need to find a cure for this debilitating disease. The NHL extends its deepest condolences to the Snow family, the Calgary Flames organization, and all those affected by this special individual.”
Eddie Vedder memorial
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder dedicated the song “Just Breathe” to Snow during a performance last weekend.Formerly Vedder I participated With a social media challenge called #TrickShot4Snowy to support the fight against ALS.
(Top Chris Snow photo: Jim Davis / The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
