GRAVENHURST — Every team has a No. 1 fan. For four years Gravenhurst resident Susan Cook has been that aficionada for the South Muskoka Shield.
Whether she’s billeting players, cheering boisterously at games both at home and on the road or supporting the team through regular posts on the hockey league’s web forum, Cook is a valuable member of the Shield.
“She’s been a huge supporter since Day 1 and shows no signs of stopping,” said Dallyn Telford, head coach of the Shield. “She’s very proud. I think she wanted us to win the championship as much as the players did. It’s nice to have those people in your corner, regardless of the outcome We’re so grateful for her support.”
Cook was presented with a plaque recognizing her as the Shield’s No. 1 fan during the Jr. A hockey team’s year-end banquet on April 12.
The Royal LePage real estate agent was thrilled to accept the award.
“I was very taken aback,” she said. “I consider myself a team player, too. To be recognized was very heartwarming.”
Cook has always loved the game of hockey, which was a part of her life growing up. Her uncle is Harry Sinden, managing director of the Boston Bruins.
“He always said to me his best experience leaving home for the first time was with his billet family,” she said. “It hit home when we were getting a hockey team here that maybe I can make that difference, too.”
In accepting the award, Cook told the players regardless of this year’s finish, “you’re all champions in my books.”
Cook’s contributions to the team for the most part go unnoticed.
She was the first person to step forward as a billet mom and offer her home to out-of-town players. She has done so for the past four years, billeting three players this season alone.
“That gives the players an opportunity to play,” Telford explained. “If we didn’t have billets, we wouldn’t necessarily have players. All that stuff trickles down and makes the team better, and allows the club to run smoother.”
Cook commissioned the team’s popular “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” banner and donated it to the club last year.
She attends more away games than anyone else and is always energetic and loud, Telford said. She can be found in the stands faithfully wearing Shield gear and buttons with clappers and noisemakers. During last year’s Russell Cup championship, she took a cue from players sporting red Mohawks, and dyed her hair and styled a red faux-hawk.
“She even shined the Russell Cup and drove it to Deseronto for Game 6, and then brought it to Bracebridge for Game 7,” Telford said. “Even when we’re down 3-0 she’s still pushing us. We’re lucky to have her.”