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Musician suffers fatal heart attack playing hockey By Graham Rockingham METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP 7 · Thursday, March 18, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Despite efforts by the public, Town staff and paramedics, noted Canadian musician and producer Dan Achen died after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest during a hockey game at Glen Abbey Recreation Centre Monday night. He was 51. Achen, former lead guitarist for the Hamilton rock band Junkhouse and owner of Catherine North recording studio in downtown Hamilton, was playing a game of pickup hockey with friends late Monday when he suddenly dropped to the ice. "There were paramedics on the scene within minutes but they couldn't revive him," said Duke Foster, a sound engineer at Catherine North and one of Achen's hockey teammates. "All of our community centres, pools and arenas have public access defibrillators on site," Nina de Vaal, the Town of Oakville's director of recreation and culture told the Beaver in Dan Achen an e-mail. "On Monday night, when Mr. Achen collapsed, a member of the public used the defibrillator located in the arena. Shortly thereafter, a Town employee arrived and began to administer CPR until paramedics arrived and took over. It is our understanding that Mr. Achen had vital signs present when he left the Glen Abbey Community Centre by ambulance. "The Town of Oakville extends its thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Achen," de Vaal added. Achen was part of a closeknit crew of music industry insiders who had been getting together for the past 10 years to play a friendly hockey game every Monday and Thursday. "We realized we shared a love for both rock `n' roll and hockey and we quickly became friends," said Andy Curran, a prominent artist manager with SRO Productions. "Our most recent addition to the team was (former Canadian Idol contestant) Rex Goudie. Dan was slotted to produce Rex's next record." During the 1990s, Achen was a key part of the band Junkhouse, which scored international success with the hit Out of My Head. Achen, originally from Regina, moved to Hamilton in 1981 and became part of the local music scene. "He rode from Regina on his Kawasaki Ninja (motorcycle) all the way to Hamilton," said Junkhouse frontman Tom Wilson. "He stopped at the Gown and Gavel and that's where he met Colin Cripps. That's basically how we all met him." Achen formed a band called the Go Devils while living with Cripps, who is now a soughtafter session guitarist for artists such as Bryan Adams. Eventually, both would play in Junkhouse. Several internationallyknown artists have recorded at Catherine North over the past 10 years, including Achen's niece Feist. At a concert two years ago at Hamilton Place, the Grammy-nominated singer held up her favourite red guitar and proudly announced that it was a gift from "Uncle Dan." Achen co-produced the 2008 album Bring Me Your Love by City and Colour, a solo project by Dallas Green of platinum-selling rock band Alexisonfire. Green won a songwriting Juno for three songs from the album. "Making that record with Dan was one of the best experiences I ever had," Green said yesterday in a statement. "Not only in my career but in my life as well. I am deeply sad- dened by the loss of someone who I considered a good friend and a wonderful talent. I will miss you." Achen is survived by his mother Phyllis, brother Norm, and sisters Lyn, Lynda and June. Achen is also survived by his 13-year-old son Riley and Riley's mother, Judy Donnelly. Funeral arrangements will be announced later this week. -- With files from Tim Foran, Oakville Beaver staff New Faces and Talent for Acting / Modeling Have you ever wondered how people get into commercials, movies, catalogues and print ads? It's no secret that many of those people got their start by registering with StarCast Scouting Services. Many people are having fun in the industry and have been involved with projects for companies including those you already recognize such as - Walmart, RBC, Pillsbury, West49, Canadian Tire, Sears, Zellers and much, much more! Our agencies currently require many different looks, shapes, sizes and ethnicities - children (min. 4 yrs), teens, adults and seniors. No experience necessary. Growing demand for adults and seniors - 25 years and up! Don't miss your opportunity - be sure to attend our event in: OAKVILLE · Wednesday, March 24th Holiday Inn 2525 Wyecroft Rd. Attend anytime between 5 pm - 8 pm Registration fee $39 plus GST. Refunded if you do not qualify. For more info visit: www.StarCastScouting.com sweet smoke Oakville's Best Kept Secret Lunch. Dinner. Take Out. Oakville's Best Barbecue · Burgers · Sandwiches · Barbecue · Salads · Pulled Pork · South Western Flavours · House Made Desserts Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm BARBECUE AND GRILL 3420 REBECCA ST., UNIT 1 OAKVILLE, ON www.sweetsmoke.ca 905.465.0335