Opposing Goalie Helps Former Icehog Make It To 1st Child Birth
Former Rockford Icehog (now Milwaukee Admiral) P.C. Labrie found himself in a little bit of a jam last week when he almost missed the birth of his first child. In fact, according to Journal Sentinel, he only had 40 minutes to prepare for Lionel's birth. The four-and-a-half hour drive didn't help the situation, but an opposing goalie did.
Pierre-Cedric "Nacho" Labrie was scrambling for advice once he received the “Water broke.” text from his girlfriend, Jana. He was sleeping in a hotel room 4 1/2 hours away in Grand Rapids, Michigan after playing the Griffins when the news broke. The closest flight to Milwaukee was Chicago but there were delays because of weather. And, according to the story, no taxis would make the trip, either. Thankfully, a Grand Rapid Griffin would come to Nacho's rescue.
One of P.C.'s teammates suggested asking Griffin goaltender Tom McCollum if it was OK to use his truck. With time ticking and a baby on the way, PC sent a text to McCollum who was on a bus headed to his team's next game but his girlfriend was home and they just happened to live across from the arena. The Griffins' goalie called his girlfriend and got P.C. Labrie his truck and, long story short, Labrie made it in time watch the birth of his first child, Lionel. Mom and baby are both doing great.
P.C. and McCollum hadn't actually met prior to the text so the two were excited to meet after their next game. Tom McCollum being the guy he is, didn't want money from Labrie - just a tank of gas. Labrie honored the request and tossed in a car wash. Talk about good sportsmanship.
Side Note: Here's a video of P.C. Labrie throwing a fist at McCollum during his time with the Hogs.
[H/T Journal Sentinel]