(Edited): Retired jersey was used in error for two seasons

By Sean Rooney on January 24, 2019.

Note: The original version of this story incorrectly stated the jersey was worn starting in 2016. This was based on information provided by athlete Alfred Dalevik. Coach Mark Porter says this was incorrect and that the jersey was worn from Sept. 2017 to Nov. 2018.

srooney@medicinehatnews.com @MHNRooney

After allowing a publicly retired jersey to be worn for the past two seasons, Medicine Hat College’s men’s volleyball team has reversed course after being contacted by the late honouree’s parents.

Brett Bell’s No. 8 was retired in a Nov. 8, 2013 ceremony, but Alfred Dalevik had worn it since new jerseys were ordered in 2017.

“We were discouraged and disheartened,” said Dan Bell, Brett’s dad. “It’ll be coming up six years in April (that Brett died in a motorcycle accident) and it’s not as raw, but it’s still there with you all the time.

“I think that the decision rectifies however it came off the rails, it continues with the great honour that was bestowed upon our son by Medicine Hat College in relation to his contributions with the Rattlers.”

Dan and his wife Angela, who live in Red Deer, found out about the situation last season but were initially hesitant to complain. They did so in November 2018, emailing associate vice-president of student development Irlanda Price.

Sport and Wellness manager Terry Ballard, who was in his position when the retirement ceremony occurred, claims there was confusion about whether the jersey was to be fully retired from the team or merely honoured. But the News reported in two stories in 2013 that it was indeed a retirement.

“I think there was some confusion whether the jersey was retired or simply honoured,” said current men’s volleyball coach Mark Porter. “So there was a lack of communication. When we ordered new jerseys we ordered a No. 8.

“When the family reached out and said this is not what we thought, people at the college said it was a valid point and we will take the jersey out of circulation out of respect for the family and for the kid, do what’s right.”

Dalevik wore No. 2 his first season and began wearing No. 1 this month. He didn’t know Bell’s story, a bright young paramedic student whose positivity, leadership and work ethic inspired when he played in Medicine Hat from 2009-2011.

“I just wanted to play volleyball, jersey number doesn’t matter to me really,” said Dalevik, a team captain. “The only thing weird is that when we call out the lineup, I get on the court first.”

The black No. 8 memorial jersey has hung in the Snake Pit ever since the retirement ceremony. Fittingly, the Rattlers play Red Deer this weekend, the team the Bells see Medicine Hat play when they come through their hometown.

“We go to the games, we have Rattler T-shirts, we’re one of the few people with Rattler swag,” said Dan Bell. “The retirement of his number for our family was a great honour to recognize our son Brett.”

The 9-9 Rattlers will meet the 14-4 Kings at 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday, looking to score an upset that would significantly help their playoff aspirations.

The Rattler women, also 9-9, are in a key matchup with the 10-8 Queens who they likely need to surpass in order to make the post-season.

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