Community honours young hockey player

The Kawartha Lakes community has come together after the sudden death of 12-year-old Rowen Greening, after an ATV accident earlier this month.

Greening played on the North Durham Warriors under-12 AA hockey team. Several teams across the league placed the number two, his jersey number, on their helmets in his honour. As well, residents across Kawartha have been encouraged to place two hockey sticks and a jersey at their front doors to remember the young player.

Last week Woodville Elementary School played tribute to the Grade 6 student during a first responder vs. student game. The game had already been planned and, “once we heard of the unthinkable tragedy, knowing how much hockey meant to Rowen, we decided as a staff it would be best to move forward with the game but add a tribute to Rowen at the beginning,” said Sharon Nielsen, principal of the school.

Students made signs, with one side showing Greening’s jersey and number, and the other saying “go first responders” with two hockey sticks.

Greening’s family was made aware of the tribute and attended the beginning of the game. Before the puck dropped all the players, joined by Greening’s dad, formed a circle on the ice. “In the middle of the circle of players we placed the items we had on display — a large picture of Rowen, a lovely bouquet of flowers, his jersey and two hockey sticks,” said Nielsen.

After a few words were spoken the crowd collectively said, “for Rowen,” while the players banged their sticks on the ice. “The crowd went silent. It was extremely powerful and healing – exactly what everyone there needed,” said Nielsen.

At the end of the game, the first responders presented two trophies. The first was awarded to the students who won the game. The second trophy was dedicated to Greening, who was named the MVP of the game.

Nielsen said the game seemed like the perfect way to honour Greening. “It was absolutely amazing to see the community come together like they did to honour one of our own. We know Rowen will always be a part of our school and our school community. We have a long road ahead, but this was a very natural way to celebrate his too short life in a way everyone could participate and honour it together.”