Parker Tobin
September 22, 1999 – April 6, 2018
Hometown: Stony Plain, AB
#30
Position: Goal
Parker played his first few years of Initiation hockey in Fort McMurray. There was a small outdoor rink by our house and Parker would be “stuck” as the goalie when his older brother and friends played. He was always interested in playing goal and would take extra turns if his teammates didn’t want to play goalie. He loved playing on a team and also enjoyed playing baseball and lacrosse.
After moving to Stony Plain, Parker continued to play and develop his skills. He developed many friendships along the way as well. After playing Bantam AAA in neighbouring Spruce Grove, Parker would be invited to the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) fall camp. He would attend that camp the following season as well. Parker would continue in Spruce Grove for his first year midget (M15 AAA) before making the Leduc Junior Athletic Club AAA midget team the next season. He would be joined by teammates Tyler Smith and Ryan Straschnitzki. The following season Parker and Tyler would continue to be teammates for the Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL. After an off-season trade to the Spruce Grove Saints, coach Darcy reached out and acquired Parker for the Humboldt Broncos.
Parker was a strong academic student, but his teachers and classmates would always point out his kindness first. He was always willing to help out his classmates with their assignments or be part of the school community. He enjoyed participating in school concerts, public speaking and would participate in school sports like badminton during the off season. He also found time to play baseball and was especially proud of his floorball team that captured the Canada Cup championship 4 years in a row. Ultimately Parker had planned to secure a NCAA scholarship and earn a Business degree.
Parker believed in being a team player and he rarely focused on individual stats. His teammates would describe him as enjoyable to be around and having a good sense of humour. He was typically optimistic, competitive and passionate about hockey. Team building events were important to him and as he got older he really enjoyed community events involving the team. He felt that hockey had given him so much, it was important to give back. This was what he enjoyed the most about his time spent in Humboldt.