Eagles Fandom Part 3: Mama Birds & Papa Birds

Article by N. Schoonderbeek/Media by C. Archer & Jan Visca

This is the third article in a multi-part series exploring the Eagles’ fandom – a community of people who passionately support the team.

Eagles don’t have natural predators; nonetheless, the mama birds and papa birds are attentive and protective.

Coleen Poulin is the mother of speedy forward Kolby Poulin. Although they never played at the same time, Coleen’s older son Brett Poulin also played for the Eagles (more from Brett is coming up in the next article about alumni). Coleen says she was born to be a hockey mom, having had plenty of experience at the arena when her four brothers played and as a former hockey girlfriend. She finds camaraderie at the rink with the other hockey parents and enjoys spending time with many of them outside the arena.

Coleen with Kolby; Coleen with Brett & Rick:

For Michelle and Treffor Davies, hockey is literally a family affair. They have two sons currently on the team. Mitch Davies has a few years left as he is part of the 2004 cohort, but Connor is an overager in his final year of eligibility. Their nephew, Brady Darrach, is also an important part of the team. Game nights are typically family reunions with parents, grandparents, siblings, and cousins.

But hold on to your hats Davies fans! Their younger son Bryson is also an aspiring Eagle. “We were hoping to have the trifecta with all three boys on the ice, but the age didn’t quite work out,” said Michelle. Bryson recently switched from defence to forward, and Treffor mentions that Connor has been sharing a lot of his best advice on things such as face-offs. Not every younger brother takes well to this, but Bryson has responded favourably.

Suffice it to say, this article was written with insider Eagles knowledge from elite parent royalty. And one of the things they told me with certainty was this: the boys thrive when there is a boisterous crowd and atmosphere at the games.

“When it comes to playoffs, the boys feed off of everything,” said Coleen. “So as parents, as family members, as fans, we’ve got to bring it to the arena.”

The Davies have made the same observation. “The boys always loved the energy of the crowd. So it’s exciting to come and cheer them on,” said Michelle.

Heed their advice, Eagles fans! The team is relying on you to help create an electric atmosphere at Rickard Arena for our final home game this year. On Saturday, May 6, the Eagles will play the Stayner Siskins at 5:00 pm.

We need all Eagles fans to be there to create that electric atmosphere for our team, no exceptions!

“Even though the weather is great, you want to support your community and come on out. It just helps the boys. They have to feed off the energy,” says Coleen.

While these hockey families excitedly attend every game and cheer their boys on, there are some moments that can be especially difficult for the mama birds. In particular, being in the stands when the rough stuff starts on the ice.

“I’m okay with it,” said Treffor. “Michelle’s behind me.”

“Yes, it’s a little nerve-wracking for me,” agreed Michelle.

Coleen agreed that this is the toughest part of being a hockey mom, especially after Kolby experienced a significant injury. But that doesn’t stop her from enjoying her son’s games. “There are not many games I miss,” she says.