Written by Mat Torgerson on behalf of Minor Pro Hero.

“Whatever you need from me, I got you.” – Shoresy, Season 2 episode 6.

If Justin Barr someday opts to write his hockey memoirs, I hope the above quote is at least a chapter header, it defines who he is as an athlete and a leader.

As a fan of this great game we all enjoy I’ve seldom found a Captain that embodies the role to near perfection. I won’t say he was perfect but damn close.

You don’t always need the big “C” on your jersey to be the Captain or part of the leadership group, Barsy has been a leader through 102 AAHL games , 185 FPHL games, a Davidson Cup Championship with the 2010/11 Battle Creek Revolution.

From Chicago, Illinois down to Biloxi, MS Justin has played through a number of scenarios including a memorable playoff series against the Dayton Demonz in which few FPHL series could match in physicality and penalties.

Justin outlasted four franchises he played for; Danville Dashers (technically), Cape Cod Blue Fins, Fayetteville FireAntz, Elmira Jackals.

Outside of the rink Justin is a proud Husband & Father, his wife Maria and their children are a constant source of love and reassurance through the best of times and worst of times.

Barr also risks it all as a firefighter & EMT, stepping into scenarios that many would have great difficulty navigating. Justin is always doing a service for someone, always looking to help. He’s reliable, quick witted, confident, quiet and gives respect when respect is earned.

Tonight is his final professional game of hockey, while I know he wishes it was with an opportunity to earn another Championship in a long career, he simply cannot be more proud to have been a member of the SeaWolves, the community, the comradery of the room and the special moments that make hockey so endearing to each and every one of us.

Thank you Captain for ten years of pro hockey, thank you for the memories, thank you for your time and for instilling the lessons you have learned along the way upon the next generation of great hockey leaders.