PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Todd Skirving
PHPA.com | March 1st, 2023
Player Rep Spotlight: Todd Skirving (Newfoundland Growlers)
Todd Skirving is the PHPA Player Representative for the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL. Skirving played four years at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he helped the Tigers win the Conference Championship in each of his first three seasons (2014h, 2015, 2016). Following his first pro season in the ECHL split between Orlando, Utah, and Atlanta, Skirivng found a home with the Newfoundland Growlers, winning a Kelly Cup Championship in 2019. He is now in his fourth season with the Growlers where he is an Assistant Captain and represented the Growlers at the 2023 ECHL All-Star Classic. Not only has Skirving become a fan favourite, but he is also a member of the PHPA Executive Committee.
How did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?
Upon my arrival in Newfoundland, I built a good relationship with our Captain and Player Rep James Melindy. He brought me on as an Alternate Rep to start the season and then gave me full reign to take over. He has helped me along the way, as well as many others throughout the league such as Derek Nesbitt when he was playing for Atlanta. Over the last few years, I have learned a lot that I am able to share with the new/young players that come to our league. There are several roles and responsibilities to being a PHPA Player Representative. From knowing the CBA to players rights and medicals. To me the most important thing is being another resource for my teammates. If there are any questions or concerns regarding the hockey side and / or personal side, it’s making sure their questions and needs are answered or directing them to someone who can help.
This is your fourth season playing with Growlers. How does living in Newfoundland compare to living in Thunder Bay?
There are many similarities between Newfoundland and Thunder Bay. I always say there’s a lake in my backyard in Thunder Bay and an ocean in my backyard in Newfoundland. Definitely similar weather too. Between the two, you might get lucky and experience 4 seasons in one day. I’ve experienced the sun, rain, wind and snow all within an hour in Newfoundland. You do get the big snow dumps at times too. The outdoors are beautiful in both places as well. Home is always home, but Newfoundland has become a second home for sure. They have some of the best people and best food around. Definitely one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I always tell people if I could explain Newfoundland in one word I would say, “unique”.
Describe the feeling of hoisting the Kelly Cup on home ice in Newfoundland during the team’s first season?
There are so many words and so little words at the same time, but AMAZING would be the best way to describe it. Obviously, you set out at the beginning of the season to win a championship and to have it all come together in front of our fans in Newfoundland was something special. We had extra motivation knowing we were pushing to win the first ever professional championship in Newfoundland in our inaugural season to boot. The entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador was off the rails. That building was electric for our last game. The streets were buzzing and George St. had to be rocking until at least 4:00am (they close at 3:00am). The parade that followed later in the week throughout downtown was incredible. Ending on the George St. stage in front of our Growlers faithful was wild. You see it at the NHL level, but to go through that at the ECHL level and share it with our fans was something I will never forget. To have my career come full circle where my Mom and Dad sacrificed so much to be where I am today and to win it for them was special too. The most memorable hockey experience of my life to this day and I would love to do it again before my career comes to an end.
Favourite memory from your four years playing NCAA hockey for Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)?
There were many memories from my time at RIT. Being a part of the outdoor game at Frontier Field my freshman year was a cool experience, but I think the biggest memory was being back-to-back Conference champions. A big reason for my commitment to RIT was the winning tradition and the culture they had there. It seems that every class that goes through RIT is able to capture some sort of regular season championship or playoff championship. Another memory from one of the championship seasons was being the first ever 16 seed to knock off a 1 seed in the Sweet 16 when we beat Mankato St. Mavericks. RIT is on a roll this season so it would be nice to see them back atop the Atlantic Hockey Conference.
Can you explain what “The Skirvy” is and how this idea come about?
“The Skirvy” is my Movember moustache. I started it about 10 years ago when I was playing junior hockey in Sioux Falls to raise awareness for men's health issues. This season it hit closer to home when my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Growlers super fan Paul Loder designed a logo with my moustache. I reached out to Niall and Brenden Hickey at The Newfoundland Embassy, a local pub in St. John’s who are big supporters of the Growlers to see about teaming up. They connected with Caitlin Noseworthy from Saltwater Designs and we were able to make a shirt that would help promote and raise awareness for prostate cancer. We will be announcing the final donation total soon and that donation will be made to an organization right in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in my Dad’s honour.
What types of things do you enjoy doing during the off-season or in your down time?
In the offseason I enjoy spending time with my parents since I am unable to see them during the season. I enjoy the outdoors and being outside on the hiking trails. Any time I can get on a boat or be by the water is always nice too. I enjoy golf, but I am not very good at it. We also got a new dirt track in Thunder Bay last summer so I would hit the races up with my Dad every Wednesday night. My Mom would join occasionally along with other family members. Family time is the best time and I feel like last summer we’ve gotten closer than we have ever been, which I am grateful for. Between those two in the off season, I would say that’s my biggest get away from hockey and training. It’s a good escape and allows me to get my mind off the game for a bit.
You always seem to have a smile on your face. What is your favourite thing about being a professional hockey player?
I feel like this is a very loaded question. I believe one of the best things about being a professional hockey player is that I get to play a game for a living. I enjoy the highs and lows of hockey because at the end of the day, it’s just a game. Spending time with my teammates at the rink is always a good time. COVID really puts things into perspective. Sitting out for over a year, wondering if you’d ever play again was not ideal. I was always grateful to be playing the game I love, but I am now even more grateful knowing that it won’t last forever and one day this journey will end. It’s taking those learning lessons along the way and passing them on to the young guys. It’s always rewarding when our young guys get the call up to the next level or move on to higher leagues. We professional hockey players, especially with the Newfoundland Growlers, are very lucky to get what we get and do what we do and I’ll always be thankful for this opportunity.
What type of music do you enjoy listening to most and who are some of your favorite artists?
For those that know me, I can listen to anything and everything. It all depends on the mood, but I enjoy it all. I can throw it back or keep up with what the younger guys are bringing to the locker room. I will say that the Newfie music has stuck with me though. I enjoy the Irish Newfoundland Show every Saturday morning with Greg Smith and Jigs and Reels every Sunday morning with Danielle Butt. I am a huge Alan Doyle fan too. The pride and joy of Petty Harbour. He is a staple in Newfoundland and does a lot with his music and talents to help those with mental health addiction across Canada through his “A Dollar A Day Foundation”.
Favourite movies or TV shows you have watched recently?
I am a big Disney/Pixar guy. I’m a big fan of Toy Story. I went as both Woody and Buzz as a kid for Halloween. Toy Story 1 might be my all-time favourite movie. As I get older, the kid in my heart has always been there. We watched Wedding Crashers during our last bus trip. That brought some good laughs. Anything Will Ferrell cracks me up too. I don’t watch many TV shows at all. I’m a big Yankees fan so now that Spring Training has started up, that is what I’ll be watching on the TV. In a 162 game season, I will probably catch close to 100 of those games. Hoping to get back to Yankee Stadium sometime this summer.
If you could only choose one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could choose one food to eat for the rest of my life it would have to be chicken. I love my steaks, sushi and pastas, but with chicken you can cook it many different ways if that’s all I was able to eat. Let’s hope it never comes down to that though. I love my food.
Funniest / most entertaining teammate you have played with in the ECHL?
There’s a few entertaining teammates I’ve played with. In my first season with Orlando, I would say Darryl Bootland. He was my stall mate. I was all ears around him. He had all the stories. In my time with Atlanta I would say Luke Sandler. That guy was a character and a half. Always talking and always buzzing around. Here in Newfoundland, I would have to say James Melindy. He knows how to play around with you. He knows how to scare you and make you laugh. Sometimes you don’t know if he’s joking or not. He’s full of pranks and stories too. Thankful for him and all he’s brought to this organization and my life in general. Glad he’s on my side and happy to call him one of my best friends!
Your Go-To spot on George Street?
My go to spot on George St. would have to be Green Sleeves. They have live music playing there 7 days a week. For me, it never gets old sitting around with a few teammates enjoying the local talents. We are fortunate to build good relationships with the artists in the area so we’re usually able to request whatever we may be feeling on a given night. Shoutout to Dave White, Damien Follett, Nick Earle, Chris Ryan, Derek Graham and Dave Whitty. They keep us going every time we’re out and about. Their dry spiced wings are elite too. Christian’s after midnight is also a good spot. It seems to be bumping right around that time. This is a great spot to become an honorary Newfoundlander and get screeched in if you ever plan on a visit.
Any advice for players at the ECHL level?
I would say enjoy the grind. Embrace the challenge. It won’t be easy at this level. There will always be a lot of moving parts because it’s a developmental league. Players coming and going. Teammates and friends moving on. Have fun and work hard. You’ve made it this far, so you owe it to yourself to give it your best shot. The AHL and NHL isn’t far off. Use your resources. Take advantage of what your organization can provide for you. Use the PHPA resources. They are there for a reason. Lots of tools to get you ahead away from the game. Ask questions. If you don’t know, just ask. Get involved. Get in the community and make those connections. It’s more enjoyable playing for your team when you know the people that are cheering you on in the stands. Give back and get to know them. You were a kid once in those shoes asking for an autograph. Take a few minutes of your day to make that difference. You never know what someone may be going through. Be thankful. Let your staff know it too. The heart beats behind the seasons that work so our job can be more effortless. Thank those that got you to this level. Whether it’s your Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, family member or friend. This life won’t last forever so enjoy the lows and the highs. We get to play a game for a living. Thank you to my Mom Doris and my Dad “Squeaks”. I love you both!
