By Brian Kalisher –
NOVI – In the world of professional hockey, players are judged for how they have most recently performed on the ice. Saturday morning at Novi Ice Arena, however, Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom was recognized for what he has done off of it.
On Nov. 5, the Novi Youth Hockey Association held a ceremony to honor this year’s ‘TopCat’ award recipient during their 10th annual ‘Game Day’ celebration – a day in which every NYHA team plays. The award is given to an individual who is committed to advancing youth hockey in the city through volunteerism. And in a fitting testament to how Holmstrom has juggled the responsibility of his job with helping his local hockey program, the Red Wings’ forward was at Novi’s rink, just hours before a crucial game at Joe Louis Arena.
“It’s an honor for sure,” Holmstrom said. “You come to the rink and it’s a second home, it’s a great setup here and it’s always been really good for me and my family.”
The veteran Red Wing showed up to accept his award humbly – wearing a crisp, white No. 96 Novi hockey jersey. Novi Mayor David Landry and Novi Youth Hockey Association President Bob DeSpirt were on hand to deliver the award.
“The NYHA is presenting Red Wing and long-time Novi resident, Tomas Holmstrom, its highest honor – the ‘TopCat’ award,” DeSpirt said. “This award is bestowed to those having shown exemplary volunteerism and dedication to the advancement of youth hockey in the Novi community.”
Holmstrom joins select company as only the fourth winner of this award. Past recipients include Jim Lewis and Paul Flavin, who were involved in the early organization of the association, as well as Bernie Crowley, the father of Novi ‘Game Day’.
Holmstrom has been a staple in the Red Wings’ organization for 16 years and has always been popular with fans due to his hard-nose style and willingness to take abuse in front of the net. But no matter how many gashes or bruises he takes during his day job, he has always found time to give back to the community.
“Its lots of driving and all that kind of stuff for the kids,” said Holmstrom. “I love to come to the rink.”
Hundreds of kids, parents and hockey lovers engulfed the rink on Nick Lidstrom Dr. in the large celebration of the game in the city of Novi. The ‘Game Day’ agenda included over 20 hockey games, with players ranging in age from Mini-Mites all the way up to the Midget level. Every youth hockey team in the NYHA got a chance to show off their skills on this occasion.
“It’s a fun day for the Novi Youth Hockey Association,” said Jodi Mitchell, staff member at Novi Ice Arena. “It’s just a fun day for the kids to enjoy hockey and play with their friends.”
Players celebrated goals to the cheers of their parents along with the booming sound of ‘Jock Jams’ music playing over the loud speakers. And if that wasn’t enough, there were plenty of auctions to take part in, merchandise to buy and even an on-ice spectacle in which the players’ mothers got a chance to shoot pucks at the nets.
After Holmstrom accepted his award, the Novi resident – and father of Novi hockey players – addressed the packed bleachers.
“All you guys are ‘TopCats’ too,” Holmstrom said.
What will Holmstrom do after he hangs up his skates and has even more time to spend with his kids at Novi Ice Arena? He had a couple things in mind.
“Who knows? We might stay here afterwards and I might start coaching here too. Since I’m such a good skater I might [put on] some skate clinics for you guys,” he joked.