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Doc pays tribute to one tough Grizzly

Brandon Rude received the most dedicated player award
MVT-Brandon Rude-2
Brandon Rude is one tough player, according to Olds Grizzlys team doctor Andrew Jackson.

OLDS — During the Olds Grizzlys award banquet team doctor Andrew Jackson paid tribute to Brandon Rude, who received the most dedicated player award.

The banquet was held Feb. 28 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Olds.

Team vice-president Trent Wilhauk told the crowd the decision to present the award to Rude was the lone “totally unanimous” decision.

“He came to camp, was in the best shape of his life, and got hurt and wasn’t able to play the rest of the season for us because of his injury,” Wilhauk said.

“But he still came, still worked the camera, was a full part of the team, did everything that was asked of him.”

When the award was announced Jackson came on stage and went to the mic.

“Brandon called me. I was in bed 11:30 at night about a week ago,” he said.

‘Hey doc, are you on call?’

‘No mate, what’s happened?’

“He says, 'I got high-sticked. I’ve got a cut. Can you fast-track me through?'

“I said, ‘no, but you know, you can come out. I’m at home.'

“With my directions, he came out with his dad. I laid him on the couch, sutured him up and his dad was there.

“He says, ‘I’m gonna smash the guy that did this to me the next day.’

“I said ‘oh, OK.’

“I’m waiting to hear on Monday to see if he split this laceration up. It’s all good now. Didn’t hear from him.

“Two days ago, I’m lying in bed, 11:30.

‘Hey doc, you on call?’

“I said, ‘no.’ I left it. Then I picked up the phone. I said, ‘what’s up?’

“He said, ‘blocked a shot. Puck to the face. My jaw’s fractured. Can you fast-track me through?’ Jackson recalled, sparking loud laughter.

“I said, ‘sorry buddy, I haven’t got an X-ray down in the basement.’” That sparked more laughter.

“So I said, ‘can you open your mouth?’

‘Yeah, I can open my mouth.’

“I said, ‘can you move it side to side?’

“He said, ‘not very well.’

“I said, ‘might be fractured. You’re going to have to go to ER.’

“Sure enough, fractured in two spots.

“I texted him yesterday. I said, ‘hey bud, what’s happening?’

‘Oh, went in for surgery.’

“I said ‘f-bomb, that’s a shame; season’s over for you.’ So I said, ‘well, next year’s another year.’

“So here’s a guy that I want to see what this club has for him next year because, what a character,” Jackson said, adding he and the club wish Rude the best.


Doug Collie

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