The Charmont Memorial Game last Saturday in Drumheller attracted a crowd, which nearly filled the Drumheller Memorial Arena to pay tribute to a part of Drumheller Minor Hockey’s family.
Chris and his son John Charmont were killed in an explosion at a resort in Mexico in November of last year. Last Saturday the community came together to support the Charmont family. They were also there to support the Encana Atom Raptors who have played the remaining season without their manager and teammate.
The impact and security of the gesture was not lost on Terra Charmont, John's mother and wife of Chris. She and her daughter Megan watched the game surrounded by family and friends.
“The Charmont Memorial Game was very special to us. I am shocked at how many people worked together on the plans, memorials and barbecue that day. Megan and I were both honoured to be there and grateful to see so much support and how many lives Chris and John touched,” said Terra.
She also praised John's teammates.
“This game was very important to our Atom team, because Chris and John were an important part of their lives for so many years. You could see the pride and determination on the kids' faces when they stepped on the ice and they played a great game. I was proud of them. This has been tough on these kids but they never quit, choosing to focus on playing for Chris and John, not without them. I admire their determination and strength, their understanding of what 'team' really means. We are tucking this day into our special memories of our boys. We look forward to being able to move on with our lives, especially knowing we have so much support. It means so much, we know how lucky we are to be part of the hockey community and our Drumheller community,” she said.
The simple #4, John’s number, was written on the ice with pucks as the Raptors entered to warm up to play the Indus Hurricanes in their final game of the regular season. Before the action began on the ice, there were a number of presentations made to the family and the team in memory and support, including the retirement of John Charmont’s jersey. From now on, no player in Drumheller at the Atom level will wear the number four in Drumheller hockey.
“I would like to say how honoured I am to be a part of the hockey community which has come together in light of this tragedy,” said Drumheller Minor Hockey president Linda Lacher upon raising John’s number to the rafters of Drumheller Memorial Arena. “It is with a heavy heart that we raise this banner in memory of Chris and John Charmont. John was an upbeat enthusiastic player who was an inspiration to his team.”
In addition, in memory of the John and Chris, Tammi Garbutt created a shadow box with John’s jersey as well as photos and words in memory of their teammate. It was unveiled at centre ice and is now displayed at the arena.
It was not only the Drumheller Hockey community who were touched by the tragedy but the entire league. The Indus Minor Hockey Association and the Bow Valley Agriculture Society presented cheques to the Charmont Family Trust. Players from the Indus Hurricanes also presented flowers to the family.
The Central Alberta Hockey League and representatives of the High River Minor Hockey Association also donated to the Charmont Family Trust.
The Atom Raptors were sporting a new look at the game thanks to CJ92. The members of the team were wearing their new “third jersey.” Radio personalities Gerry Forbes, Red Dawg, the Reaper, Chris Foord and Steve the Grunt came for the presentation of funds to purchase the jerseys, and stayed for the game.
“When we heard the story, we were compelled to do something,” said Forbes. He also read a letter to the crowd from a couple who were staying at the same resort as the Charmonts when the tragedy occurred. They sent a donation to support the Charmont Family Trust.
The Raptors took to the ice and provided an exciting game for hockey fans. Last time the Raptors and the Hurricanes met, Indus had the upper hand. The action on the ice Saturday was back and forth, but in the end, the Raptors won 7-6. Garbutt said the team will remember the experience on the ice with such a supportive crowd and having the game announced.
“When it was all said and done, I think having the music and Jason (Blanke)’s commentary, I have never seen them so excited when it was all over. They won, and they were thrilled, they were just pumped. They had a great time,” she said.
Following the game, the CJ92 crew helped serve up Spolumbo’s Sausage on a bun, with the proceeds going to the Charmont Family Trust.