A Halifax artist and hockey dad has teamed up with one of many greatest names within the recreation to assist a younger American participant he is by no means met in particular person.
Glen McMinn has partnered with Boston Bruins’ participant and fellow Nova Scotian Brad Marchand to create a portray to fundraise for 19-year-old Jake Thibeault.
The Massachusetts teen suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed in September 2021 when he hit the boards throughout a recreation.
McMinn stated the younger man’s story of resilience moved him.
“Jake was recounting what had occurred and he had stated one thing within the podcast that actually drew me in, and I’ve to say it was transformative,” he informed CBC Radio’s Info Morning Nova Scotia.
“He stated that his dad was on the glass when he was injured and it actually impacted me to say the least.”
McMinn’s son is youthful than Thibeault however performs hockey in the identical league. He may image himself in the identical scenario, and he knew that he wished to assist.
It did not take lengthy for McMinn to provide you with a plan, and join with Marchand by means of his long-time coach, JP MacCallum.
“I used to be in a position to contact him and inform him what I used to be enthusiastic about doing. He was truly seeing Brad that day and that night time I received a name again … and JP stated that Brad was 100 per cent in.”
McMinn determined to color a picture of Marchand’s hockey glove and make copies that might be bought to lift cash for Thibeault.
The primary time Thibeault noticed the design he stated he was perplexed. Marchand is one among his favorite gamers and the 2 haven’t solely met, however preserve in contact.
“One factor I’ve discovered massive time is there’s simply so many good folks on the market,” Thibeault stated.
“Glen, he is gone above and past on this and it is past what I can say for a way a lot he is finished in such a brief time frame.”
Hearken to the total interview with Glen McMinn:
Info Morning – NS9:15Artist and NHL participant group as much as assist paralyzed hockey participant
Halifax painter Glen McMinn tells us about his plan to make use of artwork to assist a younger hockey participant who was paralyzed. It includes a cope with Brad Marchand.
‘A biography’ in a portray
The portray of Marchand’s glove incorporates all types of “Easter eggs” for individuals who comply with the star’s profession, McMinn stated.
The font and magnificence of his No. 63, for instance, is a nod to his time on the 2016 World Cup championship group.
The artist and athlete had a number of conversations to provide you with the deeply private design. McMinn stated it was attention-grabbing to listen to how Marchand questioned whether or not he was ok despite the fact that he had gained a Stanley Cup.
“It is like a biography within the type of a glove as an alternative of a e book,” he stated.
Since final fall, Thibeault has been going to intensive remedy for spinal chord accidents 4 or 5 days per week, plus doing workouts and bodily remedy.
He says there’s now motion in his legs which offers him hope.
The cash raised will assist pay for his bodily remedy that is not lined by insurance coverage.
“When the injury occurred I knew I needed to combat, and I am nonetheless doing it till I am on my ft,” he stated.
McMinn stated it has been an honour to get to know him.
“He is an individual with an enormous quantity of focus and willpower,” he stated. “He is pushing himself and never giving up.”
Marchand and McMinn have made 63 prints of the unique portray which can be signed by each of them. They’re promoting them for $2,500 US, which McMinn admits is a steep value.
However he hopes there are 63 folks on the market prepared to assist the trigger.
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