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Rich ParentStick |
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This Sher-Wood stick was used by Rich Parent while playing with the Detroit Vipers. The stick was last used on April 25, 1998.
It was game four of the best-of-five conference quarterfinal playoff series between the Detroit Vipers and Michigan K-Wings. I traveled to Kalamazoo with the Vipers Fang Club (booster organization) to root for the team. I also knew full-well that Rich Parent always gave away his warm-up stick to a cheering young fan at the Vipers tunnel entrance. In Detroit, there were normally a dozen children at least. In Kalamazoo, I was the only one -- and I was thrilled when Rich extended the stick up to me while leaving the ice!
The Vipers went on to win the game, clinching the playoff series and advancing to the conference semifinals. After the game, the Fang Club went to the arena's exit to meet the Vipers as they boarded their bus to head home. While there, I met up with Rich and thanked him for the stick. He signed it for me on the blade.
What could make that whole experience better? April 25, 1998, was my 13th birthday. Quite a gift, indeed!
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