Joining Gilroy in his journey through minor hockey was his kid brother, Timmy. They grew up only a couple of blocks from the Nassau County Coliseum, the home of the New York Islanders. But the only player they knew was Wayne Gretzky. When it came time to sign up for numbers, the brothers both wanted No. 99.

"That was the first one taken and we got to practice late that day. I went 98 and he (Timmy) went 97."

But now No. 97 is the only number Gilroy will wear. That's because Timmy died at age 12, the result of a bicycle accident.

"On the day he passed away, I promised mom I'd always wear his number," said Gilroy.