Page 22 Friday, April 12, 2019
The MessengerSPORTS
The real ‘Ogie Oglethorpe’ comes to Manotick Manotick hockey author Liam Maguire and legendary hockey tough guy Goldie Goldthorpe to appear at Rideau View Golf Club Sunday The man who inspired possible the most iconic fictitious hockey player of all time is coming to Manotick. And who better to bring him to the area than world renowned hockey expert and Manotick native Liam Maguire. Goldie Goldthorpe was the notorious minor league hockey enforcer of the 1970s whom the character of ‘Ogie Oglethorpe’ was based on in the movie, ‘Slapshot.’ Maguire has spent the last two years spending time with Goldthorpe and writing his biography, ‘The Real Ogie! The life and legend of Goldie Goldthorpe.’ Maguire and Goldthorpe
are touring together to promote the book, and their jaunt through Eastern Ontario includes an afternoon at the Rideau View Golf Club Sunday, April 14 from 12-4 p.m. “He’s an incredible guy and he has some incredible stories,” Maguire said of Goldthorpe during a chat with us last year. “Not only will his life story make a great book, but it could be a great movie.” Maguire has long been a fan of Goldthorpe’s. In fact, Maguire’s pen name in the Manotick Messenger when he provided entertaining and insightful weekly write-ups on the Manotick Intermediate Hockey League was
‘Ogie Oglethorpe.’ If there was ever a fight in the local Sunday night league, Ogie’s column was a mustread in the village. The book took two years to write and produce. With a forward written by legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas, Maguire calls this month’s launch the most anticipated book launch in sports history. “There’s a macabre interest in the facts, the real story of the man regarded historically as the world’s most violent athlete,” Maguire said. The book launch tour began in Goldthorpe’s hometown of Thunder Bay last week. Maguire and
Goldthorpe have private events in Ottawa Thursday and Friday, with a public event at Liam Maguire’s on St. Laurent Avenue Saturday beginning at noon. On Sunday, Maguire and Goldthorpe will be at the Rideau View Golf Club in Manotick. “The bar will be open, alcohol for sale, finger foods available and for sale, we’re going to do another Hot Stove session there,” Maguire said. “And by the way, we’ll have Master’s coverage on as soon as it’s available and the afternoon NHL playoff games.” Copies of the book will be available for $30 at the book signing event.
MANOTICK MESSENGER