In 1980, when his son Ryan was two years old, Dave accepted an offer to play in Europe with the Swiss 2nd division Ambri Piotta hockey team. This photograph was taken during that time and Dave recalls, “I was playing for Ambri Piotta and Jim Proudfoot (a sports writer for the Toronto Star) came out to visit us. He wanted a photo of me and Ryan so he came to the rink with a professional photographer and had it taken.”
Ryan began playing minor hockey in Switzerland while his dad was playing there professionally. He fondly recalls:
“While growing up my dad was my hero, I got to watch him play and he was my favourite player always. Being overseas with just the family we got to spend so much time together, which is something I got to enjoy also with my kids. Still to this day my dad is my best friend, we speak almost everyday.”
