It has already been difficult for the Allen Americans family from a health stand point with the passing of bus driver Scotty Alexander and and the stroke suffered by former Ice Angel, Tessa David. Things went from bad to worse yesterday. The day started out great with a few hours of bass fishing with some of the Allen Americans family in some ranch ponds out in the country forty miles north of McKinney. There were five of us and everyone took advantage of a day off to catch a few bass and enjoy the time away from the city and the rink. When I arrived home I got the news that another member of the Allen Americans family had lost his battle with cancer. Long time season ticket holder and huge Allen Americans supporter, Jack Poynter, has passed away. To know Jack was to love him as he was full of energy, enthusiastic, and always positive. Jack, who played hockey as a youngster, and his wife Anne are from Canada, lured to North Texas to be close to grandchildren. Jack always describes his two young grandsons as hockey fanatics who absolutely love the Allen Americans. You could always find Jack and his family sitting in Section 112 so the grandsons could be close to where the players entered and exited the ice. They have been junior starters and you might remember them as they were the mini Blues Brothers several times last year dancing in the audience. Jack and Anne live at Heritage Ranch as I do and Jack was one of the founding members of the Allen Americans fan club for Heritage Ranch residents that now numbers over 200. I will never forget bringing the Presidents' Cup to Jack's house last May after the Americans won their second championship. He was not feeling well and very weak after undergoing a bone marrow transplant and other cancer treatments. He was sitting in his recliner in his PJ's and when I handed him the trophy he wrapped his arms around it, gave it a hug and a big smile came across his face. He said to Anne, "I know I don't look very good but you have to take a picture of this." Jack's Allen Americans family brought him joy that day for sure. Rest in peace Jack Poytner. You will be missed but not forgotten!
TESSA DAVID UPDATE:
With all of the bad news concerning the health issues of the Allen Americans family, I wanted to end this with some positive news about former Ice Angel, Tessa. Many have been following her story but just in case here is some background information which Brooklyn Rivera (former Ice Angel and front office employee) was kind enough to provide to me. We all want Tessa to know her Allen Americans family has her in their thoughts and prayers.
Natessa (Tessa) David is a former
Ice Angel and Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Candidate. Tessa cheered the
Americans on to their first CHL Championship in 2013. Before becoming an Ice Angel,
Tessa cheered for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
On December 1st, Tessa suffered a moderate-to-severe stroke in her sleep. She has been in the ICU under the care of a phenomenal team of physicians and therapists. Though the odds were against her, in just a week, Tessa has improved tremendously. Yesterday was a great day for Tessa as she was moved out of ICU and into her own room where she can receive flowers and cards from everyone. Tessa has such a bright spirit and her smile is contagious. Although she still does not have movement of her right extremities, she is able to sit, stand and walk with assistance. Due to the type of stroke, Tessa was also left unable to speak. While surround by former Ice Angel, Brooklyn and current Angels Amy and Brieana plus a few other friends, Tuesday night Tessa blurted out her first few words. The team caring for Tessa have faith that she will continue to recover.
She is the epitome of the word strength and we all admire
her courage. We have cried together many times through this period of darkness
but we have already began to laugh again. We know that she will come through
this stronger than ever! She is a true superstar! Her gofundme donations will
help cover the long road of in-patient and out-patient therapy she will need. http://www.gofundme.com/i7azc0
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| Tessa David |
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