The hockey community in Cole Harbour will come together this weekend to honour a teenager who died in a tragic motorcycle crash on Main Street over the summer.
Noland Lillington, 16, was known for being easy-going, hilarious and a “great buddy to everybody” according to close friends Patricia Thoms and her 17-year-old son, Jordan.
Jordan and Noland had grown up playing hockey together with the Cole Harbour Minor Hockey Association who will host a memorial game this Sunday for the family to create a fundraiser in Noland’s name.
In an interview with our newsroom, Patricia and Jordan spoke fondly of Noland when describing navigating life without him.
“He would never put up a fuss about anything,” said Jordan. “You could always talk to him. Always just be there with him. And funny. Just a great person all around.”
Jordan told us starting school without his friend this year, was weird.
“Just an awkward time without him being there. Supposed to be our graduating year together. We would always pick our classes around each other,” said Jordan.
Jordan Thoms (left) Noland Lillington (right) Photo: Patricia Thoms
To pay tribute to Noland on the first day of school, a group of students wore t-shirts and sweaters with a number 6 and a wing on it, to represent Noland’s jersey number and his team, the Cole Harbour Wings.
Patricia said it was “heartbreaking and heartwarming”.
Photo: Patricia Thoms
Hockey season is just about to start and this year, Jordan said, it is no longer just about the game.
“It’s going to be bigger than hockey type of thing because we’re not just playing hockey for our last year. It’s kind of like for Noland,” said Jordan.
He added, Noland was the type of player who gave it his all on the ice, every time.
“He would never slow down. Even if he was tired, waking up at like 6 a.m. for a practice, he’d still give it his all…be flying by every single time,” said Jordan.
Photo: Patricia Thoms
Patricia told us the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
“He comes from an amazing family, hockey players as well. Always been there for everybody. Community teammates. At least we can do is be there for them during this really unfortunate time that never should have happened,” said Patricia.
The memorial game will be September 14 at Cole Harbour Place, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Scotia 1.
