Grande Prairie Storm superfan and local legend Doug Edey is being recognized with the 2024 AJHL Viterra Salute to Service Volunteer North Division Award for his dedicated service to both the Storm and his community as a volunteer.
GP Storm Executive Director Nicole Menzies says Doug’s heart and dedication to his hometown have continued to shine through in each and every volunteering job he takes on. Whether it’s selling 50/50 tickets or his work with the local Special Olympics, Doug is beloved by many as a community leader and friend.
“I think legendary is a totally accurate way to describe Doug, Doug’s so special is he has the biggest heart out of anyone, and he cares so deeply about this community,” Menzies says. “It’s not just the storm, but he helps minor hockey extensively, he helps the athletics, he helps minor baseball, he’s heavily involved in Special Olympics, so anywhere you turn, anything, any organization that’s bringing something positive to life in Grande Prairie, Doug Edey is always there.”
Each year, the AJHL helps teams organize and recognize the people who dedicate their time to helping out their teams through the Viterra Salute to Service Award, and Menzies maintains that Doug embodies everything the award is about.
“They asked all of their teams, to nominate an exceptional volunteer, just somebody who goes above and beyond and really enhances the culture of their organization, and for us, Doug was such an easy pick,” she says.
Doug will be recognized on September 20th prior to the Storm vs Grizzlys puck drop with a special pregame ceremony when the volunteer will take center ice alongside AJHL and Storm officials to receive his award, and Menzies says the team has a special gift for him to mark the occasion.
“We have a few words to say about Doug and then we’ve got a special storm gift for him just to show him our appreciation for all he does for us,” she says.
Fans are encouraged to come out and show Doug some love ahead of the Storm vs Olds Grizzlys puck drop at 7:00 p.m. at Bonnetts Energy Centre.
