JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Even off the ice, Maverick Baker had a knack for major the Johnstown Warriors journey hockey squad, mentioned his longtime coach, Chris Glessner.
Halfway as a result of a championship run three a long time in the past, Baker’s teammates found on their own nervous and uneasy inside a Detroit locker room just moments prior to dealing with off versus a formidable foe, Glessner recalled.
“At a instant the phase seemed way too major for them, Maverick stands up, and I considered he was going to give a speech. But in its place, he started off dancing – skates on, that hair of his traveling and flashing that massive smile,” Glessner stated. “Within seconds, the stress was long gone. Absolutely everyone was bobbing their heads, singing alongside with him.”
Then, Glessner recalled, “he goes out and scores a hat trick to gain it.”
It’s reminiscences these as that just one that athletics communities in Johnstown and Northern Cambria were being clinging to on Saturday after the unexpected loss of life of the 16-year-aged.
Baker was a Northern Cambria Higher School football and baseball participant who also skated for the Bishop McCort Catholic and Johnstown Warriors hockey teams.
Crimson Crushers coach John Bradley was between numerous spot coaches and hockey plans that paid tribute to Baker on social media. Bradley’s post depicted a photograph collage of the teenager in his No. 88 jersey and the words, “We will skip you.”
Northern Cambria’s football crew shared an picture on social media of Baker having a handoff for a get about a pursuing Meyersdale player this earlier fall.
Northern Cambria soccer mentor Sam Shutty claimed that he to start with fulfilled Baker when the teenager was in eighth quality. His “unforgettable” smile, selfless frame of mind and generate to realize success were being unmistakable, Shutty mentioned.
On the discipline this previous slide, the shifty jogging back gained continuous actively playing time for the Colts as a sophomore.
“But you could explain to he desired a lot more,” Shutty stated, recalling how Baker normally uncovered a way to dedicate time in the pounds area, even whilst logging ice time each individual 7 days for two hockey groups.
“He was profitable at no matter what he did, and he’s actually likely to be missed,” Shutty reported.
Prior to Saturday’s contest from the Maine Nordiques at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, the Johnstown Tomahawks held a minute of silence for both equally Baker and Joe Letizia, the father of Johnstown Tomahawks mentor Mike Letizia, who passed away on Jan. 19. A video tribute was performed for Baker.
“Please be part of us in sending our views, prayers and condolences to the Shell and Baker people,” the NAHL club wrote in a Facebook tribute. “RIP 88.”
Glessner, who reported that he’s recognized Baker because he was a 6-year-aged actively playing at the mite amount, stated his teammates and the local hockey group are “heartbroken” by Baker’s passing.
Glessner organized a breakfast for the group on Saturday morning to enable players and coaches to grieve and share recollections.
Northern Cambria and Bishop McCort Catholic university officials also achieved out to college students to let them know that support was accessible.
“You hardly ever anticipate to shed an individual so youthful,” mentioned Shutty, who fulfilled his group at a restaurant Saturday to communicate with them for the duration of the “tragic” second. “Right now, it is about allowing these children know that we’re all here for each and every other.”