| Subject: Tapper can't shake grief over Snyder |
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Anonny
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Date Posted: 08:24:25 10/17/03 Fri
Tapper can't shake grief over Snyder
By KEN WIEBE -- Winnipeg Sun
ROSEMONT, Ill. -- When he goes to the rink and when he returns home, Brad Tapper's thoughts are never far from his good buddy.
Tapper, a member of the AHL's Chicago Wolves, was Dan Snyder's roommate last season and the sudden death of the youngster from Elmira, Ont., has been making it tough for him to focus on hockey.
"I've been breaking down at least once a day," said Tapper, who met Snyder in 2000 when the Atlanta Thrashers were heading to Finland for a camp. "It's the worst, it's so shocking. I've been really trying to focus, but I even break down sometimes when I'm on the ice. He was such a warrior, one of the toughest guys I've ever known. He'd do anything for you."
So while hockey can sometimes provide solace in times of tragedy, being at the rink can also trigger so many emotions.
"Yeah, you can go play but this is real life and your friend just passed away," said Tapper. "We'd come home from a road trip from Utah and we'd stop at McDonald's and chill out on the couch telling stories. He could always put a smile on your face. There are so many memories, it's so tough to let go."
Wolves owner Don Levin had two planes chartered last Friday so players and staff could attend the service for Snyder.
Tapper was among the group and said being at the burial brought an element of closure but also more disbelief.
"Your buddy is right there and there is nothing you can do," said Tapper. "It's really sad."
Tapper is still living in the apartment near Wrigley Field that he shared with Snyder, but he's moving out in a couple of days.
"Here I am walking around and there are all of his boxes that are ready to be shipped to Atlanta," said Tapper. "All his personal stuff is still sitting there and it's a shame none of it is going to be used. I was going through his boxes to find (Snyder's) championship rings for his mom and I could barely do it."
In a tribute to Snyder, the Wolves will wear No. 19 on their helmets this season. Snyder's number has been painted on the ice behind the nets at Allstate Arena.
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