A teenager with a bright future in hockey and had just signed with the Northumberland Stars was struck and killed by a vehicle near his home on Monday, October 5, 2020.
Nolan Showers had just signed in the Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League with the Stars in Colborne just days ago becoming a member of the team.
Showers was in-line skating when he was struck and killed by a vehicle in Brock Township in the area of Highway 7 and Highway 12 at approximately 10:30 p.m. just two days after signing with the Stars.
General Manager of the Northumberland Stars spoke with Today’s Northumberland said when he first heard the news on Tuesday morning he was in shock and disbelief.
As the day went on, informing team members that shock and disbelief is still there.
Buchanan said Nolan meant so much to the team in such a short period of time.
Buchanan has known Nolan’s father for at least 25 years.
But saying that, Buchanan is quick to point out, he didn’t tell anyone. If Nolan was to make the team, he would do it on his own.
“Nolan came in and right off the bat, the coaching staff was very impressed with him.”
“He was very, very eager to learn.”
Buchanan said everything the defenceman was told to do, “he did it with pride.”
“Nolan always had a smile on his face,” Buchanan said speaking through tears.
“And I can honestly say you’d never see that kid without a smile on his face.”
When Nolan signed with the team alongside Buchanan and owner Glen Campbell, Buchanan said the 16-year-old, was beaming with pride.
“He was on cloud nine.”
Buchanan said the smile in the photo was something he always had – just like his father.
“The smile on that kids face – that’s what he was 24/7. He probably slept with a smile on his face.”
“Nolan didn’t tell his sisters or any of his family that he’d signed with us. He wanted that to be put on Instagram so everyone could see he’d made the team.”
Buchanan said Nolan’s drive and ambition said a lot about his character.
“He’s come along way with his hockey.”
Nolan played AA hockey last year.
“He did everything his dad or his trainers told him to do – and he excelled at it.”
Buchanan has no doubt that Nolan had a bright future ahead of him with hockey and would have surely been picked by a higher league.
“He progressed that much in the year-and-a-half that he dedicated his life and everything to both hockey and schooling.”
True to his ambition, Nolan was in-line skating which helps strengthen legs and moving ability on the ice when he was struck by the vehicle.
“Nolan, slept, ate everything – it was all hockey and schooling.”
“In the little bit of time Nolan was with his, he touched 27 kids hearts.”
Throughout Tuesday, Buchanan said he’s reached out to team members and also received calls from team members who are visibly distraught at the teenagers death.
“He was such a wonderful kid, such a outgoing person. Always willing to help everybody.”
“Family, friends, teammates – that’s Nolan Showers.”
“Rest In Peace number 23.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
