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Sunset Side of Cape Breton 2012
Lots of lobsters, but not Port Hood’s best-known export! Teeming with athletic and artistic talent! Al MacInnis
Port Hood is the birthplace of National Hockey League Hall of Famer Al MacInnis. That Lobster Supper mentioned above will be held in the Al MacInnis Sports Centre, commemorat-
Bruce Beaton
ing the famous native son whose 20 plus years as an out standing defenceman with the Calgary Flames and the St. Louis Blues, add up to one of the most memorable careers in the sport of hockey: seven times chosen the NHL’s hardest shot; won the Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames 1989, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff’s MVP; was the 1999 Norris Trophy winner as best defenceman; chosen to eight All Star Games; and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. While MacInnis was
John Allan Cameron
Mitch MacDonald
Tu r n - o f - t h e - 2 0 t h - c e n t u r y athlete Silver Medal Olympian Duncan Gillis carries Canada’s standard during the 1912 Summer Olympics.
Lynn Chisholm
tearing up the NHL ice, another Port Hood native was earning Grey Cup rings for his football ability. Bruce Beaton played 13 years in the Canadian Football League. A product of Acadia University, Beaton was drafted by B.C. in 1991. He was traded to Ottawa and spent two seasons with the Rough Riders. He spent one season in Calgary (1995) before moving on to Montreal where he was a CFL East all-star in 96 and 97. Signed as a free agent in 1998, Beaton never missed a game in seven seasons with Edmonton; and in 2002 he was the West Division finalist for the CFL’s outstanding lineman award. He won two CFL championships with the Edmonton Eskimos and a place on the CFL All-Star Team three times. Yet, almost a century before MacInnis and Beaton, another Port Hooder brought hon-
our to the village. In 1912, Duncan Gillis of Port Hood carried the Canadian standard in front of the Canadian contingent at those summer games in Stockholm, Sweden. He competed in both the hammer throw and the discus. With a discus throw of 48’ 39”, he earned a Silver medal for Canada. But among those who didn’t go away to play sports were those who stayed around home picking up the musical tradition of the region. Most notably, was the late John Allan Cameron, the man christened the Godfather of Celtic Music, whose energetic brand of music made him the first Cape Breton troubadour to capture an international audience for the Island=s music. Playing the Celtic guitar and possessing a compelling stage presence and amazing storytelling talent, John Allan opened the way
Local flavour, with a twist ! Weekly entertainment, jam sessions, deck overlooking the ocean and port hood island, fully licensed Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 am-10 pm ... Fri. & Sat. 11:30 am-1 am 8790 Highway #19 Port Hood
A Beautiful West Coast Drive ! www.clovehitch.ca
www.fourmermaids.ca
Four Mermaids Gifts Souvenirs, Housewares, Handmade products from Cape Breton and the Maritimes Sunday 12 pm-5 pm Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm