22 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Flyers celebrate alumni with win over Chatham
Flyer captains and coaches by the decade in attendance were, from left, Kris Manery (1970s) Terry “Wacker” Jackson (1950s), Jim Butcher (player in 1960s and coach for six years, including 1971-72 champions), Reg Mulholland (four years coaching, including 1979-80 champions), Dave Drummond (1980s), Andy Herring (1960s), Greg Enns (1990s). In front is Bill Ruiter (1960s). SUN photos by Greg Coulter
Flyers alumni share lots of memories By Greg Coulter Their oft repeated tall tales still brought a snicker to the faces of the Leamington Flyer alumni hockey players as they gathered Thursday night, February 9, to watch the Flyers best their long-time rival Chatham Maroons 3-1. Stories of seasons past are greeted with the same enthusiasm even though they have been heard at virtually every time the old boys get together. With thinning hairlines and maybe a couple of
pounds gained over the years, the pride of wearing a Flyer jersey was evident in the expression on everyone’s face as they caught up with old teammates. Thanks to the generosity of the current Flyers ownership and the organizational enthusiasm of former players Terry Jackson, Terry Quick and Mike Epplett, upwards of 100 alumni kibbitzed over a couple of cold pops from Kingsville Brewery and snacks as they marvelled at the
speed and agility of this year’s players. The organization marks its 7th decade of operation and players from each period were present at the event. Many talked of the appreciation and commitment of early Flyers owners Bill Burgess
and Fred Epplett, as well as the multitude of volunteers it has taken to make this franchise a leader among amateur hockey teams. All alumni are encouraged to follow the current Flyers and Alumni on Facebook.
Pet of the Week HARLEY
Harley is a happy-go-lucky girl with a fun and excitable personality. She loves to spend time with her humans, going for walks, playing, and of course getting in some cuddles! Harley tends to be a little anxious when left home alone, but does settle with time. She would love a family with lots of time for a young girl like her, so she can get lots of love and attention, as well as some guidance to work on house training and jumping when excited. Harley would do best in a home with no cats, but does great with other respectful and friendly dogs. If you think your home will be the perfect place for Harley, visit the Dogs & Puppies page of our website, www.windsorhumane.org to fill in the online adoption application. If you do not see Harley’s picture, she has been adopted! Please consider one of her friends who are still looking for their loving forever homes.
Windsor/Essex County Humane Society 519-966-5751 windsorhumane.org IS FEBRUARY
T NATIONAL PE H LT DENTAL HEA MONTH Leamington, ON 129 Erie St. Just North of Oak St. 519-325-1112 Leamington, ON • 129 Erie St. • Just North of Oak St. • 519-325-1112
Rick Stickney (1970s), left, and Don Bruner (Flyers goaltender 1950s) with Doug Vickery in the background.
By C. Scott Holland After sustaining a 6-4 loss to Chatham earlier in the week, the Leamington Flyers got their revenge last Thursday night, Feb. 9, at home when the organization celebrated its 70th anniversary and alumni night. A large crowd of 1,164, which included a contingent of Maroons’ fans, watched the intense action that ended with Leamington claiming a 3-1 victory. Then on Saturday night in Sarnia, the Flyers doubled the Legionnaires 8-4. Pre-game ceremonies included Flyers’ goalie Boe Piroski receiving the goaltending of month award (for January) from the league and Scott Holland being honoured by having the Highbury Canco press box named after him in recognition for his many years of dedicated work with the Flyers. “Great bounce back game. Chatham is never an easy opponent,” said head coach Dale Mitchell after the game. “They (Chatham) play hard and don’t let off the pedal. I am happy the Flyers were able to experience a great night having the large number of alumni back in the building. Despite the victory, I didn’t love our third period and it’s something we will work on going forward.” After a near miss in the opening minute, the Flyers would strike first. Gabe Piccolo cruised behind the Chatham net and flung a pass to Kale Couvillon, who was anchored in the slot. Couvillon drilled the rubber past starting goalie Brett Fullerton at 1:39 for a 1-0 lead. Puck control was a key element as the Flyers continued to dominate the Maroons. At 2:43, Griffin Grundner’s shot bounced
off Fullerton and was collected by Ryan MacPherson, who backhanded it into the Chatham net and put the Flyers ahead 2-0. Next, Koen Taves sent Cody Brekke and Ryan MacPherson on a two-onone shorthanded breakaway, which MacPherson finished off in fine fashion for a 3-0 lead. In the second, the lone puck to elude Flyers’ starter Bryce Walcarius came at 2:09 on an intercepted pass and a shot from inside the left faceoff circle that went over his glove. That would be the last goal scored in the game by either team. The Flyers’ defense was outstanding in the second as they limited Chatham’s chances, allowing only four shots on net, while the Flyers put 14 on Fullerton and missed extending their lead on some excellent scoring opportunities. On Saturday, the Sarnia Legionnaires battled the Flyers extremely hard from start to finish, but it was the Flyers who emerged victorious 8-4. The chippy game featured quite a number of flare-ups between the two teams and the Flyers did lose the services of captain Gabe Piccolo when Piccolo took exception to Ty Moffatt’s manhandling of a Flyer late in the first. Both players were ejected. It was knotted 1-1 after one frame before the Flyers went ahead 5-2 and never looked back. Adrian Bosev notched his first Jr. B hattrick and Cody Brekke netted two. Ryan MacPherson, Seth Martineau and Owen Holmes fired one each. Boe Piroski stopped 20 of 24 and Sarnia’s goalie halted 45 of 53 Flyer’ shots. The Flyers next home game is Thursday, February 16 versus St. Marys Lincolns at 7:10 p.m.
Wheatley vying for Hockeyville
ANNOUNCEMENT
Dr. Robert McCormick Optometrist, Leamington Eyecare Dear Leamington, Wheatley and Tilbury patients, for the time being I am now only available at my Kingsville Eyecare Clinic to assist you with your eyecare and eyewear needs. We welcome you to call 519-325-0123 or 519-733-3560 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions.
Thank you for your continued support.
375 Main St. E., Kingsville www.kingsvilleeyecare.ca
519.733.3560
The residents of Wheatley and surrounding area are pushing forward with a bid to get the village on the map through the Kraft Hockeyville contest. A Wheatley Hockeyville Facebook page has now popped up and organizers say there are currently over 400 submissions nominating Wheatley for this year’s contest. Each year, Kraft and the NHL put on a contest where one community in Canada is chosen to receive $250,000 toward arena upgrades and an NHL exhibition game in that arena.
Nominations are heating up and the group is hoping to rally as much support as they can ahead of the February 19 deadline. The top four nominations will become the finalists in the contest, which then goes to a Canada-wide vote promoted on Hockey Night in Canada. In 2008, Kingsville Arena became a finalist but lost out to Roberval in Quebec that year. Log on to hockeyville. kraftcanada.ca to nominate Wheatley and support the initiative.