Drayton Brennan, born in 1995, began his hockey career in Manning, AB at the young age of 4. Hockey quickly became an important part of Drayton’s life and that of his family’s. The family moved to Peace River when Drayton was 5 and he played out the rest of his hockey years with Peace River Minor Hockey. Drayton continued playing hockey for an additional three years at the Junior B level and then back to Manning to help the Manning Comets finish off the 2016 Season. Drayton was lucky enough to wear his dad’s #17 jersey for those games.
2015-2016 was a special year for Drayton as he shared his love and knowledge of hockey coaching the Bantam AA Sabres. This was exciting for Drayton and his younger brother Terrik who played on the team!
In May 2016, the Peace River Minor Hockey community lost a valued member of their family. Many memories were made at the rink and lifetime friendships were formed. Drayton was always a team player and recognized the importance of being a part of the special bonds that are built between the players and coaches on a hockey team.
At the time of Drayton’s passing, the family wanted to give back to the community that helped to raise Drayton. The Drayton Brennan Memorial Scholarship Fund (DBMSF) was born. This scholarship is intended to remind the players and families who apply to remember the importance of being a player, a friend, a competitor, a coach, and to always believe in the game of hockey.
Words from Coach Mike Tookey
"I first had the opportunity to coach Drayton as a young Tom Thumb and again in Peewee. From the first day in Tom Thumb, I could tell he had a natural ability and was going to be an excellent hockey player. Drayton excelled throughout minor hockey in all divisions. I again coached Drayton for 3 years as a Peace River Midget Royal. He was one of the few players that had the skill to play as a rookie 15 year old in a very competitive league.
In my time coaching Drayton as a Royal, not only was he one of the top forwards on the team and in the league, he also was a good leader. He had a great work ethic and lead by example. I remember Drayton as a player who put the success of the team first and always stood up for his teammates. He coined the phrase “we are the Rowdy Royals”. I loved how he helped all of us celebrate our successes and also more importantly how he was able to put our losses in perspective with his easy-going positive attitude. He was a great team guy who made it enjoyable for all of us around him."
- Coach Mike
Words from Coach Barry Himer
"Drayty was a young man who had a passion to be involved in his community playing baseball or at the rink playing hockey. I coached Drayty for a few seasons, he was a dedicated teammate and would never back down from a challenge. This is where Drayty excelled; he would protect his teammates and when his team needed a lift, he would provide that spark. Drayty also gave back to the game he loved. He had coached for a few seasons to ensure that the younger players had the opportunity to play.
Drayty was also a great friend to many, his smile was contagious. Drayty and his friends spent countless hours playing sports, PS3, and having a few laughs as they enjoyed time together. This was important to Drayty; he always was there to comfort his friends when they needed him.
The Drayton Brennan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to ensure that deserving players can continue the legacy. Drayty has left an impression on all of our hearts and his spirit will continue to endure."
- Coach Barry