"Every day my feet hit this ground, it's a good day."
That's what equipment manager Bill Baldridge said while walking towards the Spruce Kings dressing room in the Coliseum. Since joining the team in 1990, Baldridge has been involved in a number of different ways. He was on the board of directors, a score keeper, the team trainer for six years, and now the equipment manager.
Everyone in the crowd might not know Baldridge but he keeps the team running, and things wouldn't operate half as smoothly without him. On practice days he gets equipment ready for team, and that includes sharpening skates, putting the clothes out for the boys when they get to the rink and making sure the room is tidy for the team (although it might not stay tidy for long once the guys get in). Then when games roll around, he has to do all of his regular jobs, plus hanging up the jerseys, stocking the fridge with whatever is needed and double checking all the equipment.
On road trips, Baldridge helps to package up all the jerseys, equipment and sticks. Then he makes sure that there are extras in case anything happens during a game. A jersey can rip, a skate can break or a helmet can lose a screw. None of those situations can allow for a player to sit out the remainder of the weekend, so there has to be more than enough gear to cover any situation for a number of players.
"Just being around the young fellas. I've been in this sport for probably 50 years, so when they hit a few difficulties I can take them aside and talk to them, or keep things smoothly running," Baldridge said regarding his favourite things about working with the Spruce Kings.
That's some advice the Spruce Kings will be needing, as starting Friday they'll be facing some very tough Interior Division teams in Trail, Vernon and Salmon Arm.
There aren't many complaints to make regarding his work, but Baldridge said the least enjoyable job he's tasked with is the cleaning. Showers, toilets and the floor all need to be cleaned, and as the equipment manager, those are among the many things Baldridge does along with his team of trainers.
Just from talking to him you can tell that Baldridge absolutely loves his job, and even though he's been with the team for 25-plus years, he wakes up every day excited to get to the rink. Prince George is a hockey town, and Baldridge is one of the many members of the Spruce Kings staff who makes sure the team is running smoothly. He is happy to share his experiences and helps the boys on the team as they grow as players and men.
Ryan Lepper is Broadcaster and Communications Director for the Prince George Spruce Kings.
