CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Charlie Gillis sees no need to determine his favourite game or the best season of his beloved UPEI Panthers men’s hockey team.
“You enjoy them all, I guess,’’ says Gillis.
“I have too many memories to put any one ahead of the other.’’
Plenty of memories, indeed.
Gillis, who turned 90 on Nov. 15, has been regularly attending Panthers hockey games since the Saint Dunstan’s (SDU) Saints became the UPEI Panthers in 1969 after SDU merged with Prince of Wales College to become the University of Prince Edward Island.
Gillis took in Saints’ games as well, but Tuesday night was all about his unwavering support of the Panthers.
He and Frankie McIntosh, the young fan of the pair at only 83 who also lives in Souris, were recognized for their lengthy loyalty to the team.
The good friends enjoyed a nice moment in the spotlight at centre ice, dropping the ceremonial puck before the Panthers took on the UNB Reds.
Longtime Panther supporter Mike O’Brien thought it was time to give Gillis and McIntosh a tip of the cap for their laudable ongoing attendance at the games – even more impressive, notes O’Brien, considering the ages of the two fans and the fact they make a one-hour drive from Souris to Charlottetown to watch the action.
“I was just absolutely impressed with fans that would have that level of interest and show so much support over the years,’’ says O’Brien.
The acknowledgement, which also came with some Panthers merchandise and complimentary tickets for the team’s entire playoff run this season, was truly appreciated. Both Gillis and McIntosh say they are honoured by the special nod.
“I have to say ‘thank you very much'," says McIntosh, who has been going to Panthers games for about 25 years.
McIntosh and Gillis have been going to the games together for about a decade, alternating driving duties.
McIntosh says the weather has to be “pretty bad’’ for the buddies to decide not to make the trip to the MacLauchlan Arena.
“Some years, I have never missed a game,’’ says Gillis, who has been happily settling into the same spot – Section 14, Row M, Seat 11 – since the rink opened in 2003 on the UPEI campus.
While he does not make much noise in the stands, Gillis finds the hockey very exciting.
“It’s always good hockey and you like to support the university,’’ he says.
“Those fellas are students and they put a tremendous effort into the games… You have to admire the effort they put into it.’’
Gillis did not play hockey growing up, but he certainly has had a hand in the game in his community.
He was an active member of the committee that built the Eastern Kings Sportsplex in Souris in 1977 and operated the facility. He also coached his son’s minor hockey team for five or six years.
Watching hockey – Panthers hockey, to be precise – has proven a much longer commitment.
Gillis is quick with a response when asked if he thought, say a couple decades ago, that he would still be attending hockey games roughly 80 kilometres from home as a nonagenarian.
“I didn’t know I’d be around at 90,’’ he says.
“I just lucked out and made it.’’
McIntosh says he plans to keep attending games as long as he is able to put his feet on the floor.
Gillis hopes to accompany his friend to the rink as long as he can.
“I don’t know who will control that,’’ he quips.
Related links:
• Men's hockey Panthers lose to UNB 3-1
