With the disbanding of the Player Adoption Program, thanks to dear Fred Traynor, an adoption was no longer in the cards -- or so we thought. The first year (2001-2002) that the program was gone, several players came to town and wanted a family. Unofficially, our family was introduced to Derek and his girlfriend Barbara, and thus started two years of friendship. Ernie was a pleasure to know, and we feel very lucky to have been able to connect with him.

Ernie came to the Nailers via Hampton Roads and Dayton. He started his pro career with John Brophy in Hampton Roads and then ended up in Dayton when the HR Admirals jumped to the AHL. Brophy invited Ernie to camp in 2001, and he made the team as a tough defenseman that wasn't afraid to drop the gloves. Ernie became a fan favorite for dropping them with those deserving of his attentions.Unfortunately, that was his only role this past season, so he saw very limited ice time.

Ernie is a mellow, laid-back kind of guy from Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, who very rarely has anything nasty to say about anyone or anything. No matter how tough things got for him on the ice, he rarely complained, though we sometimes thought he had every right to. He rolls with the punches and makes the best of his situation, whatever it may be. He can be rotten ornery when he wants to be, though, but can be quiet and reflective at other times. He is a definite animal lover, having a beautiful Spaniel, Lady, that is his special friend. When he would visit us, Holly just loved him, and Punkin would lay on his lap and look up at him adoringly. I secretly think she was his favorite.

When it comes to food, "Brown Dogs" (brownies) are his personal favorite. Ernie is also very adventurous and will try most anything, especially if it's spicy. I took him to an Indian restaurant in Pittsburgh, and though he was sweating by the end of the meal, it must have done something for him because he went on the ice the next night and scored a goal!

With Ernie's status being that of a veteran this season, it's hard to say where he will end up playing. I won't be surprised if he doesn't come back to Wheeling, but if he does, we will most definitely be glad to see him. He's a special guy that deserves the best and we wish him great success wherever he ends up. Go get 'em, Big Ern!

2004 Update: Last season was not a good one for Ernie. He did not return to the Nailers and ended up playing for the newly formed Columbus Stars team in the UHL. Between suspensions and a torn ACL of the knee, Ernie's season on the ice was short. The season was cut even shorter when midway through the year the team disbanded. I did manage to get in a few visits with Ernie in Columbus as well as a visit with former Nailer player Ryan Gillis and former equipment manager extraordinaire "Biff Octane", better known as Chris Plumhoff when their respective teams came to town. Ernie still stays in touch and has recovered very well from his ACL surgery. He is hoping for a favorable tryout with the Dayton Bombers this season. Whatever Ernie ends up doing, I'm sure we'll be seeing him somewhere along the way, and I'm glad that we are still in contact. Ernie is just one of those special guys you hate to lose contact with. Good luck, Ernie!!