Number 9 will no longer be worn by one of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats after Travis Ludwar’s jersey was retired in a ceremony prior to Saturday’s game.
“It was an honour, definitely,” said the former team captain. “I really enjoyed playing with the team for the five years.”
Ludwar, who was born and raised in Creston, joined the Thunder Cats in 2006, and stayed with the team through the 2010-2011 season. In that time, he broke team records for the most points (208), goals (100) and games played (223).
Ludwar was one of several Thunder Cats who turned 21 and aged out of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League after last season. Since then, he’s been working in town, as well as keeping involved with hockey as one of the Thunder Cats’ assistant coaches.
And while his future hockey plans include coaching, he does miss being on the ice.
“It’s a good way to stay involved, but it’s definitely not the same,” he said.