Hockey Moms, Families Help Mold Griffins
Photo Credit: Grand Rapids Griffins/Mark Newman and Nicolas Carrillo
Within 36 hours of getting booted from the playoffs by the Texas Stars, the Grand Rapids Griffins held exit interviews and cleared out their lockers at Van Andel Arena. This year’s end-of-season interviews just happened to coincide with Mother’s Day. Throughout the day, Head Coach Dan Watson, and rookies Gabriel Seger and Shai Buium echoed the same sentiment; they wouldn’t be working in the American Hockey League if it wasn’t for the unconditional love and unending support their moms put in growing up.
Coach Watson fondly reflected on how his mom was his biggest supporter growing up going to every home game from peewee through junior hockey and even noted a few of her sacrifices. “She was at every game supporting me and making sure we had what we needed to get the job done hockey-wise. It was hard,” explained Coach Watson. “Probably harder than what I anticipate going through it now as a father. But even back then, understanding the time commitment that she gave away.” Watson continued, “I owe a lot to her and the commitment and dedication she gave to my hockey career. She is still my biggest fan. Cheering me on and watching every game. It doesn’t go away.”
Throughout many hockey player’s lives, they get used to not being in close proximity to their family. Growing up in Southern California, Buium traveled two hours one way from San Diego to Los Angeles to play for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings (T1EHL). This means, he had the privilege of getting to bond with his mom and his little brother Zeev on those lengthy road trips up the coast. Then, at the age of 14, Buium packed up and headed Northeast to Shattuck Saint Mary’s in Faribault, Minnesota for high school. So, being away from his family during his professional rookie season wasn’t quite a shell shock for Buium. “Honestly, I’m used to it,” said Buium. “I went to Minnesota when I was 14. I was used to it. It’s not too hard for me.”
For others, like Seger, a rookie season came not only with the challenge of adjusting to the style of play but also the added toughness of not seeing his mom since August. “Even in college, she usually came over once a year, or I went home for Christmas or something,” explained Seger.
But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Seger as he gets to travel home to Sweden in the next few weeks and spend some much-needed time with his mom and his support system. “I definitely miss them. I’m excited to see them,” said Seger about seeing his family in Sweden.
Moms are just a piece of the support system.
Coach Watson spends the season four and a half hours away from his family who are located in Cleveland, Ohio. While he was the Head Coach of the Toledo Walleye, he commuted between Toledo and Cleveland.
So, what is it that keeps Watson in Northeast Ohio?
Simply put, his family and support system are located there. “I think anytime that you can keep them all in one spot where they are happy, they know the routine, everything like that, it's better,” said Coach Watson.
Watson continued on by praising his wife, “I don’t know how she does it, she’s the reason why our family is the way they are, the kids are the way they are. She’s done an unbelievable job with that.”
The support system Watson spoke of earlier? His wife’s family is in the Cleveland area to help when needed. So, for now, the Watsons will stay in Northeast Ohio. “Who knows what down the road brings. It’s a crazy business,” said Watson. “They’ve got the support. It just made sense for our family.”
Coach Watson then went on to explain how even his sisters had to sacrifice a bit for his hockey career while growing up. “Our family trips were based around my summer hockey tournaments,” said Watson.
Speaking of siblings, Buium had the bonus of having a little brother close in age playing hockey, too. Zeev Buium, a 2024 first-round draft pick for the Minnesota Wild, also played for the LA Jr Kings and Shattuck St. Mary’s. Growing up with a sibling taking a similar hockey path gave Buium extra motivation to hone his skills and make it to the pros.
On top of that, Buium loves having a built-in workout buddy in his brother. “I’m really excited to get out there with my little brother. We’re really competitive. Especially, against each other,” said Buium. “It’s only going to help us get better when we are competing against each other.”
On April 20, 2025, Buium had the pleasure of being in attendance for Zeev’s first NHL game with Minnesota. “I’m so happy for him. I was lucky enough to go for the first game in Vegas,” said Buium. “It was amazing for the family. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
As you can see, when it comes to having success in your hockey career, as Coach Watson said at the end of our interview, “It takes a village.”
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You can watch their interviews on the “Graced By Rain” Youtube channel:
