Quilt traces collegiate hockey player’s career

Val Calder is truly proud of grandson Jason Cupp’s hockey career, and this Christmas she let him know how much by making a king-size quilt that features 20 photos of him playing the game from the age of 18 months to 22.
When Cupp opened the gift last Wednesday, he was nearly speechless. “It’s awesome” was the only comment he could make before he hugged his grandmother.
Cupp, the son of Pat and Ken Cupp of Thunder Bay, has been playing hockey as long as his family can remember, including recent stints with the Thunder Bay Flyers (two years) and Green Bay Gamblers (one year).
He now plays centre for the University of Omaha Mavericks after getting a full scholarship to attend the school. His major is criminal law.
“One day he mentioned that he was cold while on a hockey trip and he was using another player’s blanket,” noted Calder. “So I decided to make him a blanket to keep him warm.”
But Calder added her grandson is so happy with the gift that he’ll hang it up for all to see in his room at the university.
“We’re super-proud of him not only as a hockey player but he’s also a superb young guy all around,” she added. “He’s really got heart.”
As far as making similar quilts for her other grandchildren, Calder didn’t rule out the possibility.
“My husband, Ray, said ‘Just remember. There’s five more grandchildren,’” she chuckled.
Calder thanked Dot and Bob Cupp, the Fort Frances Times, Mar-Te Sporting Goods, Cathy Gunderson of Crazy Ladies’ Fabrics, Diana Martin, Gail Govier, and Ed Johnson for contributing to the quilt with ideas and encouragement.