This week the Florida Eels lost of its own. Our Eels lost one of its family members and no doubt one of our most loyal fans and supporters: Marie Stock. Most of us knew her as “Grand Ma” Marie came to the Eels program over 3 years ago as the Grand Mother of Dillion Kaufman, who was a recruited played from Colorado. Dillion’s mom and dad were very excited as their son would be living with his grandparents while he played on our Florida Eels Junior team.

When Marie and her husband Gerry came to the rink we saw all smiles. They came to every home game and actually traveled to Tampa to watch their grandson, they traveled to Palm Beach and the Space Coast as well. We noticed that despite Dillion playing for the Empire team, Grand ma and Grand Pa were at the Elite games as well. They brought a new sound. The “Cow Bell” When ever the Eels scored or made a great play we heard the loud ring. We often heard her loud yell at the referees when they made a bad call which was often. LOL.

In fact Grand Ma and Grand Pa even traveled to Atlanta GA to Raleigh and Charlotte North Carolina and Potomac Washington. In fact on numerous occasions they traveled to Boston Mass for the Eels showcases. Now one might think well they were there to watch their grand son right? Yes and no. Even after Dillion moved on to college they continued to support in traveling to so many away games and never missed a home stand.

The true heart of Marie and Gerry was they often gave words of confidence and encouragement to every player. This was so phenomenal as 40+ players are living here away from home. Texas Colorado Mass New York Illinois Indiana Oregon California Russia Latvia Sweden Michigan Minnesota Louisiana etc. The boys looked for them. When they had good games and when they struggled they were there. Every player loved having them. But the love for our guys went well beyond games and well beyond ice hockey.

Moreover, Grand Ma and Grand Pa stepped up to a become billet host family to a number of our players. There is no doubt how deeply and affectionately Grand Ma and Grad Pa effected their lives. The boys who lived there have been impacted for time memorial. How luck you were.
They gave so much in unselfish generosity to those in need. Never wavering or turning their backs on any player. She often would invite a number of our players over to her home for a nice home cooked meal. And boy could she cook. An plenty too. It made her feel good and she made the boys feel even better. She squashed any feeling of being home sick.

Never a negative word from her. Winning was great. Boy did she have a mile wide smile when the Eels USP3 team defeated the Blades last season. All cheers. But when we lost she would be yelling we will get then back the next day. She always reminded our coaches they are still only young boys. She knew how to put things in perspective. It was funny even the Referees loved them, smiling as they made their calls and seeing her agitated face. LOL A face we all loved and will forever miss.

As you all heard by now, Grand Ma took a turn for the worst earlier this week. The deadly cloud of Cancer took over her body and in short order pulled her down. I will tell you with her passing there is a forever void amounts all Eels.. A void that will be evident in her empty seat at the rink, a deadened cow bell that will go um rung, a silent yell at the refs, and devoid whispering to our players. But Grand Ma, I know you are looking down upon us and I state steadfastly, we will never forget you. You were an amazing individual who touched so many lives in our organization, both players and parents alike. You will always be remembered by all of us. I can say emphatically i will always think of you at every game and every time i see or hear a cow bell it will bring a smile to my face. We were truly blessed to have had you part of our Eels family. I regret that like all amazing people your presence was cut short much too early. We don’t know God’s plans and the mystery of life and death. But i feel unequivocally confident, you will be looking down on us and providing your blessings and watchful eye to all of our players as they advance on in life. We love you Marie.

Coach Frank