May 28 2026

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS

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Vol. 30, Issue 36, May 28, 2026

Diane's Dream Turns Over a New LEAF

by Steven Ellwood money will be used i a n e toward funding the D a i g l e - purchase of much D i n e l ' s needed computers. charitable organiza- Diane's work raises tion has awarded its money by returning 7th winner in as empties that othermany months. Lyne wise might well end P i l o t e ( r i g h t ) up in the landfill. If accepted $500 on you'd like to contribb e h a l f o f t h e ute, contact Diane Chapleau Public o n F a c e b o o k Library's L.E.A.F. Messenger to find p r o g r a m . T h e out how.

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The Mystery of Bill Barilko R ecently, I was in Toronto, being interviewed on the ice level of Varsity Arena, where so many historic hockey games have been played. I was with Canadian broadcasting legend Long Term Steve Paikin, and we Forecast were talking about Bill Thursday Barilko.

High 21 This spring is the Low 8 75th anniversary of the Friday most famous goal ever High 20 scored at Maple Leaf Low 4 G ardens — the Saturday High 19 Low 7 Sunday High 20 Low 6 Monday High 20 Low 9 Tuesday High 24 Low 11

spectacular overtime shot by 24-year-old Bashing Bill Barilko that brought home the Stanley Cup for Toronto in Game five against the Montreal Canadiens.

When it comes to hockey lore and statistics, I am not the guy people usually turn to.

But I know the story of Bill Barilko.

I have visited his grave every year since I was six years old. I grew up immersed in the mystery of the goal and the tragedy that followed.

Bill Barilko was born to Ukrainian immigrants in the gold mining town of Timmins – the same town where my immigrant

grandparents arrived. They came for the same reason — to work the mines in what was an isolated industrial outpost.

By the time Bill’s Dad was in his late 40s, he was dying from silicosis, a brutal disease that killed so many of the immigrant miners in the dust-filled gold stopes of the deep mines.

Boys like Barilko had a choice — play hockey or work in the mines.

In Timmins, every neighbourhood had a rink. Every alleyway sported impromptu games of pick-up road hockey. And every kid shared the Cont’d on P.2

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 2

The Mystery of Bill Barilko Cont’d from P.1 same dream — skating out of this town and into the magical radio world described every Saturday night by Foster Hewitt’s broadcasts from Maple Leaf Gardens.

For a working-class kid, the only ticket out of the mines seemed to be the prospect of learning to skate faster and hit harder.

The really good ones settled for the honours of playing in the local mining leagues. Others converted their winter skills and took starring roles in the summer softball tournaments.

A good ball player wielded a great deal of respect in town.

They were guaranteed work in the local mines or mills, and their games were closely followed by the large crowds who gathered in the wooden bleachers of Hollinger Park.

Every now and then, however, a local kid made the huge step into the Cinderella world of professional hockey. Fans cheered the radio exploits of local heroes like Allan Stanley, Pete Babando, Pat Hannigan, Les Costello and the Mahovolich brothers.

Each story followed the fable-like ascendancy of pauper to prince. It’s a tale that has become ingrained in our national folklore — the myth that a kid from nowhere can become king of the world just because he can skate.

But the Bill Barilko story stands apart because it is a story of magic, mystery and heartbreak.

I have images in my mind of Bill Barilko, as told to me by my father. They were school chums at Central Public School. He was big, tough and very good-looking. But his future options seemed little different from those of his classmates.

He was considered a good goalie, but other kids had even more noticeable standing - Richard Moscorello, champion pole vaulter and baseball hotshot; young Leo Curik, a kid dreaming of a future in hockey.

By the time Bill finished high school, he was heading underground at the Delinite Mine. But Bill’s days in the mines proved to be very short.

Noticed by the Leaf talent scouts, Bill was scooped out of the mines and sent to Hollywood as a defenseman on the farm team — the Hollywood Wolves. Something of the Hollywood aura rubbed off on young Bill. His perpetual tan and matinee idol good looks added to his sense of dash and daring on the ice.

Halfway through the 1947 season, he was called up to the Maple Leafs and made an immediate impact with his hardchecking approach. Twenty-six games later, he was sporting his first Stanley Cup ring.

Bill quickly established himself with his powerhouse body checks and powerful puck-handling. The press dubbed him “Bashing” Bill, and he became a stalwart on an emerging hockey dynasty. The Leafs won three cups in a row — 1947, 48 and 49. he image of Bill ingrained in public memory is him — airborne and flying forward in front of the Montreal goal. It was sudden death overtime in the fifth game of the 1951 Stanley Cup against the Montreal Canadiens — the only series in history in which every single game was decided in overtime.

Going into overtime on this crucial game, Leafs coach Joe Primeau gave Barilko strict orders — hold the blue line at all costs and don’t try anything fancy.

Bill’s job was to protect the Leaf goalie. But Barilko had a reputation as a free spirit. Primeau knew Barilko’s habit of taking Cont’d on P.5

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 3

St. John's Anglican Church marks 130th Chapleau anniversary in 2015 as it plans for the future

Moments

From the archives of

Michael J. Morris April 30, 2015

St. John's Anglican Church marks its 130th anniversary in 2015, as members of the congregation plan the future of one of the last historic public buildings in Chapleau.

St. John's was established in 1885 with the first services being held in a boxcar used by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a station. The first church building was located on the old tennis court across from the present church.

The first service in the present church was held on March 29. 1908 when its was dedicated by Bishop George Holmes. From 1905 to 1913, St. John's was the Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Moosonee and Bishop Holmes and his successor Bishop John Anderson both lived in Chapleau.

Let's fast forward to 1935 in the midst of

the Great Depression when St. John's celebrated its 50 anniversary. It was not only a highlight in the parish history, but in the interests of full disclosure, it is of great personal interest to me.

First, family members were greatly involved in the 50th anniversary celebration. My grandfather, George Hunt, was the choirmaster; my mother, Muriel (Hunt) Morris was a soloist at the anniversary service, and my Chapleau adventurers on canoe trip Chapleau to James Bay in grandmother, Edith Hunt and aunt 1932 at Moose River. From left are Mike Turner, Fred McAuley, Elsie were in the choir. My Donald White, (just celebrated his 102nd birthday) Doc Potts. grandmother with Mrs. P.J. Collins (Courtesy Dorothy Turner) was a convener of the anniversary Nicholson died on January 1. Mr. Nicholson was banquet.

Second, the visit by Rt. Rev. Derwyn T. Chapleau's first reeve from 1901 to 1913, and at Owen, Archbishop of Toronto and Primate of the the time of his death was the Member of Anglican Church as guest preacher contributed Parliament for the area.

For 25 years Mr. Nicholson. who had to me being hired by the Kingston Whigbeen People's Warden for many years, also Standard some 30 years later.

Prior to the actual celebration St. John's, conducted an Adult Bible Class for 25 years, Chapleau lost an outstanding citizen when G.B. returning from Ottawa on weekends to teach it.

In 1935, despite the depression and loss of members through CPR transfers after it moved its district offices to Schreiber, and other factors, the church was debt free. Cont’d on P.4

St John's Church

First St John's opened in 1886 across from present church building. Rev Robert Warrington in photo

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 4 John Corston, Fred Matters, A.C. Whybray, W. Broomhead, E. Woodard, Harry Searle, F. Bacchus and W. Card. George Hunt was Cont’d from P.3 Choirmaster and Miss Nettie Herner, the church Archbishop Owen preached at the organist. anniversary service and gave address at the The Chapleau Post reported that a banquet. A vote of thanks was given to him "splendid banquet" in the Town Hall brought the moved by P.J. Collins and seconded by Albert anniversary celebration to a close.

Evans.

Here is part of the newspaper report: William Card spoke on the early history ..."the hall was tastefully decorated for the of the parish. Church wardens were Charles W. occasion. The tables looked very pretty each Collins and Albert Evans. Vestry board members table having silver baskets with yellow mum. included George Collinson, Charles McKnight, also yellow candles, white and yellow being the F.J. Morris, Jim Good, R.J. Hopper, P.J. Collins, colour scheme throughout."

My grandmother and Mrs. Collins were overall conveners, assisted by George Collinson and Charles Collins, decorations; Mrs. A Simpson, tables and ladies in charge of tables were Mrs. W. Card, Mrs. F. Matters, Mrs. J. Vehicle Corston, Miss Swanson, Mrs. A. Whybray, Mrs. Bacchus, Mrs. C. Matheson, Mrs. Glabb, Mrs. W. Decals McMullen, Mrs. W. McLeod, Mrs. Machan and Safety Mrs. Encil.

Mrs. J. Coulter and Mrs. F.J. Morris were Signage in charge of the food table while Mrs. G. Collinson looked after tickets; Mrs. Westerman, Posters the kitchen assisted by Mrs. Folkerts, Mrs. Herbert and Mrs. Chappise.

The young men "ably assisting pouring tea" were John Woodard, Lorne Woodard, Harvey Glabb. John Way-White, Bill Pepper, ken

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Crowhurst, Harry Searle, David and Elbert Collinson and Percy Encil.

Rev. Harold Hesketh, Rector of St. John's was "in the chair".

I am sure it was a precious moment for my Grandpa Hunt to be the choirmaster on this special occasion and have his daughter singing a solo. Mom, who would have just returned home to teach at Chapleau Public School sang "Now the Day is Over". Having my grandmother and aunt in the choir would have made it even more special.

Fast forward to 1965 and I went to Kingston for a job interview at the Kingston Whig-Standard as a reporter with Robert D. Owen, the executive editor of the newspaper. Mr Owen was a nephew of Archbishop Owen, and knew where Chapleau was, and the anniversary of St. John's In the course of the interview he asked me if I was staying the weekend. Mom was visiting in Toronto at the time, and had driven over with me. I told Mr. Owen we were and would be attending St. George's Anglican Cathedral where they had a magnificent choir. That did it. Mr. Owen hired me. Small world!

I wish the good people of St. John's and Bishop Tom Corston who has accepted position as interim priest in charge of St. John's as they plan for the future of this historic place in the life and times of Chapleau

The Mystery of Bill Barilko Cont’d from P.2 chances. Leave the scoring opportunities to the forward lines, he ordered the young Barilko.

Three minutes into sudden death, Barilko decided to defy his coach and take the biggest gamble of his career. A shot from Howie Meeker had just bounced off Montreal goalie Jerry McNeil and had flown back into open ice.

McNeil was down, and for a split second, both teams were frozen, unsure of where the puck had gone.

Barilko saw the puck and, with his powerful stride, dashed off the defence line. He swooped up the puck and pounded it past McNeil before the Montreal goalie had had a chance to get back on his feet.

The photo captures Barilko flying forward.

The faces of the other two men in the photograph tell it all — Maurice “the Rocket” Richard looked stunned as Barilko sailed past, while McNeil stared over his shoulder into the open net.

The goal gave Toronto its fourth Stanley Cup in five years. And firmly established Barilko as a national hero. Seventy-five years later, the moment is acknowledged as the greatest goal ever scored in Maple Leaf Gardens.

Bill returned to Timmins that summer to bask in the glow of local adulation. As the summer neared its end, Barilko joined two friends — Dr. Henry Hudson and Dr. Lou Hudson — for a fly-in fishing trip to James Bay. The three men loaded up the Fairchild 24 three-seater with supplies and then began to pull the float plane off Lake Porcupine. The plane, however, was too heavy, and it was clear it wouldn’t clear the trees.

Lou motioned to his brother to stop the plane. “There’s not enough room for the three of us,” he said. “You guys go on, I’ll stay behind.”

So Lou climbed out, and the Fairchild 24 flew off, never to be seen again.

The plane, scheduled back on August 29, 1951, never arrived.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 5 There was no radio call for distress. No surrounding Barilko hasn’t diminished. signs that it had gone down. A few days passed, I have written in a previous Substack and then the media began to pick up on the about how my Granny (a mining widow) used to concern that was clearly emanating from the take me to the graveyard in the summer. As part Porcupine region. Canada’s hockey idol was of our visit, we would always stop by Bill missing.

Barilko’s grave.

Leaf owner Conn Smythe kicked into His face peering out of the gravestone oval has action. Barilko had to be found, and costs were been etched in my mind since I was a little boy — no option. What followed was the largest searchand-rescue mission in Canadian history. Two RCAF DC-3s loaded with rescue teams were sent to Kapuskasing to begin searching the land south of Rupert House.

Days went by without any clues being found.

Two giant Lancaster bombers were added to the search along with a flying boat and another DC-3. The nation’s press was intently following the search. Everybody was clamouring for answers.

Two B-25 bombers joined the search along with a privately-owned Grumman Goose. a gravestone oval of a cocky young hero wearing And yet, despite the power of the technological the fabled blue and white of the Maple Leafs. age, 17 RCAF aircraft, and numerous private I have always marvelled at the seven sets of dates planes, the boreal forest remained mute and chiselled on the marble: W.M. “Bill” Barilko 1927-1951; Stanley Cup steadfast. winner 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951.

It didn’t seem possible. How could a And then the most telling dates: plane disappear without a trace? After nine solid Died Accidentally Aug. 29, 1951 - Buried weeks of searching, the planes were called back June 15, 1962. to the hangars. There was no sign of Bill Barilko.

Barilko’s goal was soon overshadowed by Cont’d on P.7 rumours and intrigue.

Some claimed to have seen Barilko in Florida. There was a theory that had Barilko flying north to defect to Russia and help start a Soviet hockey program.

And what would a mysterious disappearance in the Porcupine be without a stolen high-grade connection? One outlandish story claimed that Barilko and Hudson weren’t really going fishing but were using the plane to move stolen gold bars. The weight of the gold had caused the plane to crash.

Barilko’s disappearance jinxed the Leaf dynasty. Ten years passed without a word of Barilko and without the Leafs winning another cup.

Then, in the 1962 play-offs, the Leafs threw off the jinx, winning the series from Chicago. Soon after, in June, a bush pilot on his way to Moosonee, spotted what looked like a plane hidden in the trees near Fraserdale. Flying over, he tossed rolls of toilet paper out the window so that he would be able to later identify the location.

And it was here that searchers found the bodies of Hudson and Barilko.

Their plane had flown in bad weather, crashed into the trees, and the thick foliage formed a canopy over the plane, obscuring it from the eyes of would-be rescue teams.

Nothing mysterious. No great conspiracy.

And yet, as the years have gone on, the mystery

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 6

Last weeks solutions MOMENTS IN TIME On March 10, 1948, the communist-controlled government of Czechoslovakia reported that noncommunist Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk had died after jumping out of a window. The story was met with suspicion in the West, but nothing to the contrary was ever definitively proved.

CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 7

Ontario Honours Outstanding Bravery of Paramedics Five paramedics receive the 2026 Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery The Ontario government is honouring five paramedics from across the province with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery. The medal recognizes paramedics who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating exceptional courage, risking their own lives in the service of others.

The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, will present medals to five paramedics in a ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum today.

Recipients are recognized for their individual acts of outstanding bravery, including: • Rescuing a drowning man from deep water while off-duty • Saving victims from being mauled by an aggressive dog without any protective

equipment • Preventing a potentially armed individual from fleeing an accident until police arrived • Rescuing a resident from a burning building “ E v e r y d a y, O n t a r i o ’s h e r o i c paramedics risk their lives in the service of their communities,” said Minister Sylvia Jones. “The courage displayed by this year’s recipients represents the very best of Ontario and I am honoured to present this year’s recipients with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery.”

While these medal recipients have been selected for their acts of extraordinary selflessness, the government recognizes that all paramedics in Ontario have a profound impact on the health and safety of people across the

The Mystery of Bill Barilko Cont’d from P.5 Those eleven years between his death and his burial have clouded the memories of the fantastic goal in a swirl of mystery, fate and speculation.

Bill Barilko’s overtime goal thrilled a nation the way Paul Henderson’s overtime goal electrified a later generation. Imagine the impact if, within weeks of the 1972 series, Henderson disappeared without a trace.

It is 75 years since Bill went missing, and the story has only grown with age. The Tragically Hip wrote a song about him. My band, Grievous Angels, wrote the Bill Barilko Song. Books have been written and are still being written.

This summer, as I have done every summer throughout my life, I will take up my late Granny’s ritual and return to the fields of the dead. And I will stop to pay my respects to Bashin’ Bill Barilko.

Gone but never forgotten.

Charlie with the puck from the 1951 Stanley Cup playoffs, a goal scored by Bill Barilko

province and thanks them for their continued service and bravery.

“The Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery honours paramedics who stepped forward when it mattered most,” said Her Honour, Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “These acts of courage speak not only to their character, but to the difference they make in communities across Ontario. I am proud to recognize their service today.”

The Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery recognizes individual acts of outstanding courage and bravery performed by members of Ontario’s paramedic services.

Nominations must be made through the nominee’s paramedic service and endorsed by their paramedic chief.

There are over 12,000 paramedics currently employed in Ontario, the largest group of paramedics in Canada.

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CHAPLEAU EXPRESS, May 28, 2026 - Page 8

Ontario Welcomes $306 Million Steel Manufacturing Investment by Tenaris in Sault Ste. Marie Expansion will create 200 new jobs and support province’s plan to build a stronger, more resilient Ontario economy The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of $306 million by Tenaris, a global manufacturer of steel pipe products for the energy industry, to modernize and expand its operations in Sault Ste. Marie. Building on a strong foundation of approximately 800 existing employees, the expansion will create up to 200 new, good-paying jobs, while generating broad economic benefits across Ontario’s steel sector in the face of U.S. tariffs.

“Tenaris’ investment in Sault Ste. Marie is a strong vote of confidence in Ontario’s worldclass workers, and in our plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive and resilient economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Our government will continue to stand up for workers in industries impacted by tariffs both here in Sault Ste. Marie and across Ontario by diversifying our economy, finding new trading partners and supporting new pipelines, rail lines and other projects that use Ontario steel to open up new markets for Ontario products around the globe.”

As the sole Canadian producer of seamless oil country tubular goods (OCTG), which are pipes used to drill and complete oil and gas wells across the country, Tenaris’ operations play a critical role in supporting Canada’s selfreliant steel and energy supply chain. By introducing advanced automation and process improvements across their production lines, the company will increase its manufacturing output by 80 per cent and expand its product offerings to meet a growing demand from Canadian energy and industrial markets.

“Amid global uncertainty, Ontario’s stable, reliable and predictable business environment continues to instill confidence and attract job-creating investments,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We congratulate Tenaris on this latest milestone and look forward to seeing Northern Ontario’s talented steel workers remain at the heart of their success.”

As Canada advances natural gas,

bitumen and other energy infrastructure projects, Tenaris’ expansion will reduce the OCTG market’s reliance on imports, unlocking new opportunities for Ontario-based suppliers and subcontractors in the process. With U.S. tariffs increasing volatility across the steel industry, Tenaris’ decision also reinforces Ontario’s position as a resilient, competitive and secure jurisdiction for large-scale, nation-building projects. In support of this investment, Ontario is providing up to $72 million in funding through the Invest Ontario Fund.

“In Canada, we know energy connects us. Tenaris steel pipes, manufactured in Ontario and delivered through our Rig Direct service network to oil and gas operators across the country, enables Canadian energy sovereignty,” said Martín Castro, President of Tenaris in Canada. “With this more than $300 million investment, on top of more than $350 million invested since 2020, we illustrate Tenaris’ steadfast commitment to Canadian manufacturing. Today’s milestone builds on this momentum to expand Canada’s domestic supply chain for OCTG and line pipe.”

Since 2018, Ontario has attracted over $222 billion in investments, supporting the creation of one million new jobs. In the face of global economic uncertainty, the Ontario government continues to deliver on its mandate to protect local workers and businesses by lowering taxes, reducing red tape and creating the conditions for long-term investments.

Through strategic investments, Ontario is building a more resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy.

Employing approximately 25,000 people worldwide, Tenaris operates an integrated network of steel pipe manufacturing, R&D, finishing and service facilities, with a direct presence in major energy markets across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Home to three large producers, Ontario is the steel-making hub of Canada and the leading

province for manufacturing key industrial materials. The province’s steel supply chain supports nearly 16,100 direct and 53,000 indirect jobs.

Ontario’s manufacturing sector is a driving force behind the province’s economic strength and global competitiveness, employing over 800,000 workers across the province.

As part of Ontario’s broader strategy to protect Ontario against U.S. tariffs, the province offers programs to ensure long-term economic competitiveness and resilience including the Trade-Impacted Communities Program, the Ontario Together Trade Fund, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit.

Since its inception, Invest Ontario has announced $14.5 billion in investments by companies, resulting in the creation of more than 13,110 jobs across the province.

Since 2019, the Ontario government has provided $9 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to help Tenaris upgrade its facility, purchase new equipment and expand operations in Northern Ontario.

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