Forever young and forever missed

The Whitecourt Wolverines wrapped up 2019 in a glittery bow as they beat the Spruce Grove Saints at the Scott Safety Centre on December 21. The game was extra special as it was the annual Ryder & Radek Memorial Game. Ahead of the action, the players lined up on the ice to take part in the memorial celebration. Those in attendance were treated to a beautiful and touching video followed by a musical tribute.

Earlier in the day, fans and friends were invited to paint messages of love on the ice with blue and green paint. The messages spoke about great love and admiration for the two young brothers who are deeply missed by many. Near centre ice, there was a large drawing which showed the earth, pyramids, fireworks, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty with the hashtag #rnrseetheworld. This hashtag has provided comfort for the Stark family as it as bloomed into a constant flow of love for the boys. People from all over the world have shared the hashtag and have enabled Ryder & Radek’s memory to travel far and wide.

Stickers featuring a black heart with white R’s inside two red boxes have been placed on poles, walls, windows, rocks, jackets, bags, and personal vehicles in several countries. The boys have been given new life through the endeavour. Each time the hashtag is used, it helps to build the memory. At the memorial game, fans were treated to stickers and temporary tattoos featuring the heart logo along with candy and chocolate as a Random Act of Kindness (RAK) in memory of Ryder & Radek. The hope is that fans will help continue spreading the love of the boys by using the stickers in some way. Fans were also provided with a bracelet which featured the hashtag, too.

Once the puck dropped, the Wolverines immediately pushed hard. They wanted to win it for the fans and head into 2020 on a high. The Saints were the first team to notch one in and get onto the scoreboard at 2:55 of the first with a powerplay marker. A few short minutes later, the Wolverines had a powerplay opportunity and capitalized on it, tying up the game 1-1. Just over two minutes later, they managed to score again and took the lead 2-1. In the second period, both teams had two penalties but neither team found the back of the net. In the third period, the Wolverines added to their lead by scoring one final goal at the 14:35 mark. The final score was 3-1. As fans departed the arena, R&R bracelets could be seen on many wrists.

Ryder & Radek’s mom, Tracy Stark, has chosen to turn her heartbreaking loss into something special for area children through her R & R Memorial Foundation. The foundation ensures that youth in Whitecourt can play minor hockey without being hindered by financial limitations. Forms provided during the memorial evening stated that the foundation aims to raise $10,000 this year and that the money will be used to help underprivileged children play. All applications are strictly confidential and will be reviewed by Stark herself. If you would like to help her in this goal and support the foundation or if you would like to apply to receive a hockey grant, please visit www.rnrmemorialfund.com. Ryder and Radek, forever young.