A fundraiser to help with medical expenses for a former Powell River Paper Kings player and captain turned into a memorial tribute when he died on the Friday before the event on Sunday, February 18.
Mike Warriner, 43, wore a Kings jersey from 1991 to 1995 but his Powell River experience went back to his minor hockey days. Shirley Court, his billet mom, told fans that Warriner first came to Powell River at age nine with his Comox team to play against her son David’s team.
“He asked if he could always stay with us and over the years, there were many trips back and forth until Mike, at age 14, moved with his family to Alberta,” said Court.
When he was 16, he returned to try out for the Kings, and spent the next five years as an important part of the team.
“He really enjoyed his time here,” Court added, “and made many friends who remained close throughout his life. He was well-liked, respected for his hard work ethic and always the first to be there for anyone who needed him.”
She said that Warriner knew the event was happening, and was honoured to have that recognition in the town that was such a big part of his youth. He had spent the last part of his life undergoing experimental treatment in the United States for esophageal cancer.
Court concluded, “On behalf of the Warriner and Court families we thank the Kings organization for their efforts for this event, and all of you attending today, and your generous support, care and concern for Mike’s family.”
Hundreds of people came for the pregame tailgate party and five short of 1,000 fans attended the game. Donations for the family totalled $7,800.
Jocelyn Williams, Court’s daughter, and Dale Christensen organized the tailgate barbecue and Save-On-Foods donated all the food. John Turner of Economy Rentals donated the heaters and musician Dan Richard provided music.
“Nadine Porchetta, Kings marketing and promotions manager did a great job of planning the event,” said Court, adding she was told attendance at the game was more than any other this season other than the home opener.
Court flew to Invermere earlier this week to be with Mike’s wife Shawna, son Lane and daughter Mya as well as his parents. His mom, Linda, called after the pregame tribute to say their whole family was able to watch it on video stream and how much it meant to them to see the support from the Kings and the community.
