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Where Are They Now? Spike enjoying life after Kamloops Blazers

By Marty Hastings / Kamloops This Week
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By Marty Hastings / Kamloops This Week

The mention of Greg (Spike) Wallace’s name over the public-address system at Sandman Centre can still spur a standing ovation.

Wallace worked for the Kamloops Blazers for nearly 30 years, first as a trainer/equipment manager and later as the club’s community and sponsorship co-ordinator.

In March 2012, one day after Wallace received the WHL Distinguished Service Award, the club announced Wallace and the Blazers were parting ways.

“I’ve moved on,” Wallace told KTW. “I did my time and enjoyed my time, but I’ve moved on.

“I’m happy with what I did and happy with the situation now.”

Wallace works mainly as a cashier at Save-On-Foods in Valleyview, but still stays involved in the hockey community by working part-time at Dolson’s Source for Sports.

“I see lots of people that know me,” Wallace said. “I like keeping my hand in with hockey people and sharpening skates for people.

“At Save-On, they like me at the front end. I do quite well.”

Wallace said his relationship with the Blazers remains strong.

“They invite me back to alumni events or year-end awards, that type of thing,” said Wallace, who was with the Blazers for Memorial Cup victories in 1992, 1994 and 1995.

“I’m always invited back. We had a lot of success.”

Wallace was a teenager when he picked up his nickname.

Someone recognized a resemblance between him and the character Spike, who was Fonzie’s nephew on the TV show Happy Days.

Most hockey fans in Kamloops will think of Wallace, not Happy Days, when they hear the name Spike.

“I guess I was well-respected by the fans and our alumni players,” Wallace said. “I think back on the good times and, obviously, there were some not great times, but I’ve moved on.”