Win or lose, the Moncton Wildcats fans always support their team.
Many expressed sadness on the unofficial fan club Facebook page after team owner Robert Irving passed away.
Season ticket holder Jason Stewart, who is not affiliated with the team or the Irving family, felt they needed to come together to honour Mr. Irving. “He was passionate about his team. He knew every single player that has ever worn the Wildcats jersey. He knew them by name and knew their families, and he knew everything about them. And he just loved the team.”
Stewart has been a season ticket holder for around 12 years now. After seeing condolences from many fans on their unofficial Facebook page, he decided to organize a night where they could come together, wearing their jerseys, hats and show their fandom.
“To also reflect on Mr. Irving, what he meant to the team, what he meant to the fans, and what he meant to the city. Nothing glamorous and spectacular. There’s not going to be a big sound system, or food trucks, and everything. It’s just a gathering of fans to talk amongst ourselves, reflect, and remember the man and what he meant to us,” Stewart explained.
It’ll be held on Friday, May 29, at the Ian Fowler Oval in downtown Moncton, starting at 8 pm.
“If anybody wants to say anything, or if they want to sing a song, it’s a very informal gathering, just to reflect on the man, and the team, and the great season we’ve had,” Stewart added.
He told us he initially went to games to check it out, but he began making friends with other season ticket holders. He said sitting in the same place, you see the same faces, and they would have watch parties, and it’s like having a Wildcat family.
“As Canadians, we’re hockey fans. But I really enjoy the social aspect of it. We kind of miss each other over the summer, but look forward to the fall when we can all get back together,” Stewart added.
He never had the opportunity to meet Robert Irving, but Stewart recognized his passion.
“I’ve just never seen an owner who was there for almost every game. Everybody saw him. Everybody knew he was there. He was cheering with the fans. Happy at the best of times and angry at other times, just like any other fan,” Stewart expressed.
He encourages all of the fans to show up, wear their jerseys, and take a moment to hear some stories. “It’s going to be very informal. We had a great season. It didn’t end as well as we had hoped, but we’re appreciative of the team and what they did for us. I just felt it’d be a nice thing for everybody to get together and have a wildcat send-off.”
Robert K. Irivng passed away on May 11 after a battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.
A funeral was held today in Sussex at the Saunders Irving Chapel.
