Page 52 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 112

52 Issue #112 May 2022 www.sportsenergynews.com

Marcello and Jean Delgreco Reflect on Their Recent

Leafs Game Experience

By Molly Kett original NHL teams with Toronto
winning 3 to 2.

ecently, Scott Pearson and his “It was the first time we saw
Rwife took his father-in-law two original NHL teams playing
(Marcello Delgreco) and mother-in- live against one another with fans
law (Jean Delgreco) to a Leaf’s game cheering for either team at one time or
as an early 85th birthday celebration another. Kind of exciting,” said Jean.
for Marcello. For Jean, it was her “We certainly enjoyed the game but
first NHL game in 66 years. truly we were so thrilled to be sitting
or standing beside former Leaf
“At almost 85 years of age, I can
readily say every part of the night was players such as Doug Gilmour, Rick
Vaive, and Wendel Clark. Thanks
beyond my wildest dreams. Never
did I ever think I would be sitting to our son-in-law Scott Pearson and
our daughter Debbie who invited
or standing beside former Toronto us to join them in the Leaf Alumni
Maple Leaf players watching a
Leafs vs. Canadiens game live with Box. What a wonderful long-lasting
experience. We were treated royally
them and having them treat you like
you were a grandparent to them,” by all. At our age, that wonderful
experience may not come again, and Wendel Clark, Marcello, Jean, Back, Scott Pearson, Tom Fergus, Kevin
said Jean Delgreco. “It was just a we will never forget it. It was so nice Maguire, Rick Vaive Photo Submitted
wonderful night, a memory that will
last forever.” to be treated so wonderfully by the is missing the last 10 days or so of “It was a very special night for
former Toronto Maple Leaf players
the season but is looking forward to Debbie and I to be able to take Jean
For Jean, it had been 66 years since and the box seat staff who were so
she last watched an NHL game live. friendly with us. It was a great, great more opportunities next year.” and Marcello to the game. It’s a
experience.” Of course, with a family that has memory we will always cherish,”
“I can recall going to the Maple said Pearson. “To see the smiles on
Leaf Gardens with my dad who was The reason the Delgreco’s were such deep respect for and experience their faces was priceless. We had
a strong Toronto Leaf fan when I invited to the Leaf Alumni Box with the game, it’s no surprise that many laughs and really enjoyed the
this night at the game is one that all
was 14 years old and watching my was because their son-in-law Scott game together.”
of them will cherish forever.
favourite player, Dick Duff who was Pearson was drafted first round,
from Kirkland Lake, Ontario. I was sixth overall to the Leafs in 88.
born and raised in New Liskeard,
“They treat the Leafs alumni
Ontario about an hour from Kirkland players with such respect and dignity
Lake,” said Jean Delgreco. “It was
exciting to see one of our favourite - it’s very appreciated. They offer
tickets to their alumni box and really
players playing live for the Leafs.
That was a dream come true for a take care of the guests. The Leafs
are a first-class organization,” said
14-year-old girl coming from a small Pearson.
town. It was another dream come
true watching the recent game with Pearson’s son, Chase, has recently
Austin Matthews scoring and other played a few games in the stretch
players such as Marner and Captain run of the end of the season for the
John Taveras. The game I saw this Wings.
month was much faster than it was “Debbie and I have been able to 2022 OSGA District 8 Cribbage Winners
66 years ago. The new Scotia Bank Left to right: Loreen Toutant and Sandra MacKay, bronze medal, Hubert
go to the games. Our family is very
arena was certainly much nicer.” and Lise Cardinal, gold medal, Pat Granger and Libbie Vipond, silver
happy for him. It’s been surreal to be medal winners. The gold and silver medal winners have qualified to
According to the Delgreco’s, it able to watch him play in the NHL,” participate in the Provincial
was an exciting game between two said Pearson. “He got injured and Games in August in Peterborough. Photo Submitted