Thank You, Aidan Brown.

(Jeff Bothwright / CPS)

I wanted to put something together on the website for Aidan Brown who's last season was cut short due to everything currently going on. This post is simplistic, I just wanted to personally thank Aidan Brown.

I have always been a big fan of Aidan Brown, and not only on the ice where he would always put in 100% effort and was an effective player. Brownie could score goals, skate well, fit in most roles and threw massive hits. And while I will get into his OHL career a little in this post, I want to take a moment to mention how nice of a guy he is. Anytime he would see me at the arena, he would come and at least say hello. Whether I was in the front concourse of the arena or I was lined up for one of my many coffees during a game, he took time to say hello. As small of a gesture as this may seem, it meant a lot to me and made games more enjoyable.

(Jeff Bothwright / CSP)

You could tell that his teammates liked him as well. I always loved watching him in warmups, especially when Tyler Tucker was around. Watching them take a knee and joke with one another was always great. In a sport that takes itself more seriously than it probably should, it was always nice to see that element. Just two buddies making jokes and enjoying time together. 

One of my favourite videos on the Barrie Colts YouTube page was when they put microphones on players, one being Brownie. Here is the video if you have not seen it or want to enjoy it again.

Brown also did a lot for the community. He constantly would visit local schools to talk with the kids and always stood out as an active and enthusiastic contributor when the team would collect food donations to help the needy for the holidays. While hockey is generally, and obviously the focus around the league it is nice to see someone passionate about helping the community.

Brown was selected by the Colts 36th overall at the 2015 Priority Selection Draft. His time in Barrie ended with him producing well and improving his game a great deal. His final season saw him surpass his career highs recording 20 goals and 27 assists. He ends his OHL career with 46 goals and 60 assists. His 275 games as a Colt is the 3rd most in team history. Only Hunter Tremblay (317) and Ben Hawerchuk (290) played more. His 106 career points also have him in the top-50 (48th) for total points as a Colt in team history.

Oh, and who remembers this video of his blind taste test with Jason Willms?

One of the hardest things about watching this level of hockey is guys coming in, knowing they have to move on in a few years. And while it is never easy, I can honestly say Brownie leaving might be one of the harder ones I have witnessed for myself. 

Brown has recently been recruited by the University of Guelph. I have no doubt that Brown will be successful there.

RECRUIT ANNOUNCEMENT: We are excited to welcome Aidan Brown from the @OHLBarrieColts to our Gryphon Hockey Family! #CULTUREBEATSSTRATEGY pic.twitter.com/kR5fRdy2TG

— Guelph Gryphons Men's Hockey (@gryphonsmhky) March 30, 2020

Thank you for everything you did for the community, for the team and for always being a friendly face around the arena. While I wish I could do more to show how much you are appreciated, I felt this was still a step up from just putting another cat head on you.

Best of luck moving forward, and please don't be a stranger!