ALBERTON, P.E.I. — Back-to-back nights of emotion honoured the memory and passion two 17-year-olds from the O’Leary area had for hockey.
The Western Regals’ under-18 AAA team retired the numbers of forward Ethan Reilly (7) and defenceman Alex Hutchinson (19) in Alberton on Saturday.
The Western Red Wings of the Island Junior Hockey League retired Hutchinson's No. 14 in Abram-Village on Sunday.
Hutchinson and Reilly, who each played two years with the Regals, died when a boat they were in capsized near Alberton on Sept. 16. Hutchinson played the 2019-20 season with the Red Wings.
“The ceremony was a good way to thank the boys for what they’ve done for the Regals, and all the teams they’ve played on,” said Western captain Mike McRae. “We will be working hard and playing for them every game.”
Regals assistant coach Joey Dumville said the ceremony, before the team’s home opener against the Mid-Isle Matrix, was “a beautiful way” for the organization to pay its respects.
"It was nice to have everyone together to remember them, to cry, tell stories and find a way to bring a smile to everyone that is hurting by remembering them as outstanding young men," said Dumville.
Honoured
Kyle Reilly said his family is “completely honoured” that no one will ever wear Ethan’s No. 7 again with the Regals.
“We love that he will always be remembered and never forgotten by his wonderful team and coaches,” said Ethan’s father. “Ethan was blessed to have his family and friends at home, but even more important to him was his rink family.
“Ethan played a lot of hockey throughout the years, and he was never treated as good as he was here at home with his Western Regals. Hopefully, when you think of the Regals' jersey No. 7, you think of Ethan, and it will leave you with a smile, a laugh and, most of all, a real love for the sport of hockey.”
Alex’s love of hockey was evident at a young age, said his father, Darren Hutchinson. He started skating at age three.
“Alex was a student of the game and worked hard to improve his skills,” said Darren. “Alex loved to watch hockey, whether it was the NHL or just a good local senior game. He loved being part of a team and the special bond between teammates.”
Kyle and Darren said their sons would be honoured to have their jerseys retired, but not without showing their humble personalities. Kyle said Ethan’s first response would no doubt be asking about what’s all the fuss about while Darren said Alex would think only superstars have their numbers retired.
Characteristics
Dumville said Alex and Ethan were a big part of the Regals’ pre-game meeting. The team talked about playing with Alex and Ethan’s characteristics – working hard and playing with passion and intensity.
“We could feel their presence in the Jacques Cartier Arena, and we will carry that with us throughout the season and the rest of our days,” said Dumville.
The Regals won the game 3-2, but this night was much more about the final score.
The Matrix provided a touching moment donating over $1,000 to the Hutchinson and Reilly families.
Red Wings
Red Wings head coach Nathan DesRoches said Alex, who is the first player in franchise history to have his number retired, was on his way to becoming a superstar at the junior B level.
“Alex, in his short stint with us, embodied everything that we want our players to be, whether it's an overall great teammate, working hard day-in and day-out, being personable and coachable,” said DesRoches. "Most importantly, when we think of Alex, from a hockey standpoint, is the pride he had to put on the Red Wings' jersey. We are very honoured that he was part of our program."
DesRoches said the Red Wings and Hutchinson family remain close. Darren has been a regular at the team's on-ice sessions this year.
“This has been a good support for our boys and coaches,” said DesRoches. “It’s been nice that we have been able to use hockey as an opportunity to lean on each other and to cry together and laugh.
“Alex got all that passion for the game of hockey from his father. Darren is always great to chat with about the game.
"We’ve had hard times during practices and visiting, but we have also shared a lot of good memories of Alex. I think it’s been important for us that we continue that relationship with one another.”
Red Wings captain Chandler Wood grew up with Alex, and the two were close friends. He said the touching ceremony was a testament to the person Alex was and what he meant to the organization.
“He fit in so well, and everybody thinks of him as a brother,” said Wood. “We are a tight-knit team as it is, and he came in as an under-ager, and people wondered if he would fit in.
"It was right up his ally, and I can’t imagine doing anything but this for Alex.”
Jason Simmonds is a sports reporter for the Journal Pioneer.
