My name is Sam Plaquin and I spent my final season of junior hockey eligibility playing in Fernie for the Ghostriders. Having spent parts of the previous three seasons on four different Jr. A teams in the AJHL (Bonnyville Pontiacs, Calgary Mustangs, Calgary Canucks and Okotoks Oilers) I came to Fernie expecting it to be a step down. Boy was I wrong. The Ghostriders as an organization are run at the highest level. It allowed for me to succeed as an individual both on and off the ice as well as elevating our team play to what at times, and more often than not, was the best in the league.
From the day I decided to come to Fernie I was completely taken care of. Head Coach Craig Mohr along with James Ouimet, Jeff Zmurchyk and Gerry Pang are not only great hockey minds but also outstanding individuals who create talented hockey players while helping shape us as young men. I can say without a doubt my time in Fernie was the best of my entire life. The memories I have from the community, fans, teammates, staff and my billets are ones that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Whether it’s 1,500 people going crazy as you bury the puck or a fan recognizing you in the local candy shop on 2nd Avenue, the people in Fernie are equally as passionate as they are kind.
My billets are the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I always had three delicious meals a day right when I needed them depending on when practice or our games were. They came to every game and always had a big smile on their faces when we got home, win or lose. On road trips we stayed in the best hotels and ate the best meals, which was both enjoyable and a huge advantage when it came to competing. We traveled in great buses with the best drivers who always got us where we were going safely and efficiently. We also got top of the line equipment all the way from sticks to under gear.
Most importantly it is fun to be a Ghostrider. Fernie is a great community to be a young adult in, off the ice and on the ice there is a long tradition of winning. I will never forget my time as a Ghostrider and I encourage anyone with the opportunity to come out here and give it a try because I promise you won’t regret it.
Sam Plaquin
Former Ghostrider