Storm Make Sunday Al Stewart Day as Stewart Set to Retire
March 6, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Summerside Storm News Release
(Summerside, PE) The Summerside Storm announced today that Al Stewart will play his last STORM game this coming Sunday afternoon against the Halifax Rainmen at Credit Union Place at 2pm. The STORM has named this "Al Stewart Day".
Stewart, a fan favorite and face of the STORM franchise over the two years of its existence, is leaving the STORM to take a full time teaching job in his hometown of Chicago. Stewart does teach during his pro basketball off season and a full time position was waiting for him after the season. But recent changes within the Chicago School System mean that he will have to take his teaching position beginning next week or lose the position. With a family to support and pro basketball being 6 months during the year, letting the full time teaching position go was just not an option for him.
Al Stewart will leave the STORM as a franchise leader in almost every important statistical category. Stewart is franchise leader in points scored at 751, rebounds with 338, assists with 438, steals with 145, and free throws made with 203.
A true professional, Al Stewart led the STORM team off the court as well. Over two seasons Stewart would have made countless visits across PEI to schools, hospitals, parades, and many events to sell professional basketball and the STORM to the Island community. His outgoing personality and big smile made people he came in contact with an Al Stewart fan and a STORM fan.
"Of course Al has been critical to our performance on the court," said Duncan Shaw. "More importantly, he's been a leader in the locker room, a positive force in the community, and the face of our franchise. He's going home now because it's the best thing for his daughter, and that will just be one more thing she'll be proud of her dad for." "Al was the Defensive Player of the Year last year in the NBL. He's a strong defender and a pass-first point guard that makes everyone around him better. He's one of the most intelligent basketball players I've ever seen."
"You really can't put into words what Al has done for this organization both on and off the court", says STORM Head Coach Joe Salerno. "From the first day he stepped on the Island he has been the heart and soul of our team. Not only has he been a great player for us on the court, he has been a role model in the community and a fan favorite. "
"I know this has been very tough for Al, as it should be, for he truly cares about this franchise, but i think it is a reflection of his character, making the right decision for him and his daughter. We will miss Al in many ways."
Salerno went on to say, "Other guys on the team will really have to step up. I expect some of veterans like Greg Plummer and Chris Cayole to really step up and try to fill the leadership void that Al will leave behind, but we are focused on one task, bringing a championship banner to PEI, and I am confident our team will step up to the challenge"
STORM Fans will have an opportunity thank Al Stewart for his contribution to the Island sports community this Sunday in the pre-game of the STORM game against Halifax as the team honors Stewart as part of Al Stewart Day.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from March 6, 2013
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- Storm Make Sunday Al Stewart Day as Stewart Set to Retire - Summerside Storm
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
