Curtis Glencross

From the frosty rinks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Brooks Bandits, where his number now hangs retired, to the bright lights of the NHL, Curtis Jack Glencross carved a path marked by persistence and grit. His journey took him through the ranks of collegiate hockey with the University of Alaska-Anchorage, laying the foundation for a career that would defy the odds. Glencross, an undrafted talent, broke through to the NHL with a relentless drive, ultimately donning jerseys for teams including the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Washington Capitals.

In Calgary, Glencross not only found his stride as a formidable goalscorer but also as a community pillar, earning the Ralph T. Scurfield Humanitarian Award for his contributions. Despite an offer from the Flames that saw him take a hometown discount, his dedication never wavered, highlighted by memorable performances like his three career hat tricks, each a testament to his skill and determination on the ice.

However, the ever-changing tides of professional sports saw Glencross facing a crossroads. After exploratory stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche went without a contract offer, he chose to hang up his skates, concluding a career that spanned over 500 games. Off the ice, Glencross's legacy is equally profound, marked by his advocacy for the Special Olympics and his involvement in the world of chuckwagon racing.

Now retired, Glencross's journey from undrafted free agent to NHL stalwart and community advocate underscores a career defined not by how it began, but by the perseverance, impact, and passion with which he played every game.