Page 35 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 123

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #120 January 2023 35

Continued from page 32 to Muhammad Ali’s training camp of the players that Cam recruited lease, I had gotten to know a lot of
hitting my head and getting knocked in Deer Lake, just to see what he did was former Cornwall Royal Robert people before I even moved there,
out. The trainer has me on the table, for his workout before his last fight Savard, who played for St. Mary’s then got to know a lot more once
the coach is there asking me what -- what he did different from us -- we in 1982-‘83. Graduating with a I played there. I’ve been invited to
happened, I’m still groggy and have got to meet and talk to him. Another degree in Economics and wanting to people’s homes for dinner, invited
no clue. Spinner comes in, puts his time we were in Portland, Maine, be closer to home, Cam eventually to parties, boating, and out golfing.
hand on my shoulder and tells them, for a game and Sugar Ray Leonard ended up spending twenty-five years The people of Cornwall made
“Just getting my buddy into the walks into the hotel restaurant and in Ottawa as District Sales Manager the experience of playing hockey
game, he likes that.” Brian Spencer we had breakfast with him. He asked for Loomis Courier. Following that, there great.” Danny Geoffrion and
was the most intense individual that us how we could possibly fight Cam spent several years as District I lived with Margaret and Rheal
I have ever met, a real character. wearing skates and with ten other Manager with Purolator, responsible Blais and their daughter, Lisanne.
Cam goes on to say that most (all) guys on the ice, how did we know for North & Eastern Ontario plus the Their family made it a great home
hockey players are characters and that we wouldn’t be sucker punched Maritime provinces. Cam then took to live in and always a lot of laughs.
have a respect for each other. Even -- when we told him that we never a position as Director of Hockey Danny and I had a lot of fun during
though guys may be on other teams, knew for sure, he said, “You guys Operations at a large arena in New those days, there never seemed to
each of them has been through the are crazy.” At the Buffalo Sabres Jersey. He retired in 2015 due to be a dull moment. We always found
same grind, players get to meet and training camp, we were staying various health issues. Cam and his something fun to do with teammates
know each other, and there is a level at the Statler Hilton Hotel, Tony wife Linda reside in Southern New and local friends. To this day, I still
of respect there. My second year in McKegney and I are having breakfast Jersey and enjoy travel, the Jersey communicate with friends from
Hershey we just made the playoff by in the restaurant and there is a group Shore, concerts, shows, and returning Cornwall and whenever I am in the
2 pts. We had a lot of injuries and of longer-haired guys sitting near us. to Canada to visit friends and family. area, I always try to stop in to see
missing players a lot of the games, One of them asked, “Who are you Hockey has always been a huge part them. A lot of time has passed but
some nights only dressing sixteen guys? We noticed people stopping of the MacGregor’s. Reflecting on the great memories still live on and
players. We ended up winning the by your table for autographs.” his years in Cornwall, Cam shared, it’s always great to catch up with
Calder Cup and most of the teams We introduced ourselves to Joe “Going to Cornwall gave me a new anyone from Cornwall.
we played had a lot more talent on Perry, Steve Tyler, and a couple of
paper. But that doesn’t do you any members of Aerosmith. They gave
Cornwall’s Oldest Paint,
good unless everyone shows up. Tony and I backstage passes for
Blind & Shutter Store.
I recall games that all the players their concert that night and what Family owned Business Since 1988
pushed each player, every shift, to an experience that was. Frisbee’s,
give your all. In the end it was a very articles of clothing, you name it, Presents “Famous Sports Quotes”
valuable life lesson never to give up being thrown on stage -- when the
on your goals no matter the situation. lights went down, guys with brooms “Champions never complain, they are too busy getting better.”
During the Calder Cup finals, we would run out and clear the stage. John Wooden
played against Moncton Hawkes Things happening backstage that
and on that team was my childhood you never get to see. Then the after-
friend and former line-mate Rick party in the visitor’s dressing room
ALL BLINDS
Paterson. I recall him giving me was something else, furniture set up, ALL BLINDS
one of the best compliments I ever music playing, food, and of course,
received. During a double overtime a ton of girls. What a different life
game and Rick was on the bench they had than hockey players.”
and I was skating on to the ice he
Following the ‘79-‘80 season Cam UP UP %
kept yelling at his teammate to not decided to go back to school. He had SAVE 50
let me touch the puck and don’t let previously been offered a scholarship TO TO
him shoot it.
to St. Mary’s, but would have to sit
Cam goes on to mention that the out playing hockey for one year, as SOL-R
circle of people that he met over the he had been playing pro. Because
Since 1988
years goes beyond hockey and due of his experience and hockey
to all of the travel and hotels, he connection Cam became a scout Celebrating 35 years
had the opportunity to meet several for the university. He would fly into Quality & Service At The Right Price!
celebrities. “When I was in Hershey, Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto for the Paints, Blinds, Shutters
four teammates and I took a drive up weekend to scout, and then back to 240 Pitt Street • 613-933-8924 • www.jas-mar.com
Halifax for classes on Monday. One