Page 21 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 15

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Whistle Stops
The “Team” has just completed Issue # 15 and as always,
I would like to thank Lynn (Graphic Design), Terry (Editorial),
Bernadette (Website), the writers and editorial contributors,
our distribution locations, our advertisers and of course the
kid’s and people who make our stories possible. I hope you
enjoy # 15.
It’s that time of year again with the puck about to drop
on the 52nd edition of the Cornwall Allstate / CMHA Bantam
Midget Hockey Tournament. This tournament has, over the
years provided me with many special memories, first as a
participant playing for the local Cornwall bantam and midget
Teams and later as a coach, first with Seaway Valley “AA”
bantam and midget teams (I believe we won the “AA” major
bantam Title in 1992) and more recently with both bantam and
midget “B” teams from Cornwall. I have also had the pleasure
of working as a member of the CMHA executive the past six
years. A tip of the hat to Brian and Debbie Caskenette who
spend so much time and energy on this tournament and minor
hockey as well.
Many people have asked me why I get involved now that
my kids are older and out of hockey. My response has been
simple: minor hockey gave me so many fond memories growing
up and my parents have always told me I should give something
back to the community and volunteer at something.
My first and last coach in minor hockey was Larry Gabri.
Larry was my coach in atom house league and then many years
later with the midget travelling team. After putting up with
me, Larry spent many successful years as a volunteer coach
and organizer in Cornwall and area and is a member of The
Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame. I see Larry and his wife Sheila
on numerous occasions and always enjoy a good visit with
them. Other coaches I had in my youth included Bert Kelly, a
very keen hockey person, and Ed Hills, a coach who was also
a very good salesman. I always enjoyed the conversations I
had with Mr. Hills and in the real world I drifted into sales as
a career. I often wonder if those conversations with Mr. Hills
had something to do with it. The one thing I have found is a
player can learn something from every coach they encounter
in their journey.
I got away from hockey for many years until a friend,
613.936.0660 • www.minimaxexpress.com
605 Education Rd. Cornwall, ON, K6H 6C7
21
Mike Groulx, asked me to help him coach the Seaway Valley
“AA” midget team. Jumping in with both skates, (had to buy a
new pair) I quickly became hooked on the game again. The next
season, I put my name in to coach again and was offered the
minor bantam “AA” position. Here I met many people who are
still friends today. One person in particular was Don Derry, who‘s
son Ryan was a goalie on the team. When the Cornwall Royals
left town in 1992, Don purchased the Massena Americans Jr.
“A” team and moved them to Cornwall. I was asked to become
involved with the Jr. “A” Colts and a volunteer position soon
became a full-time job in hockey. I could fill an entire edition of
Sports Energy with tales of the early Colts days. We had a great
team of people involved, fantastic players, very cooperative
team sponsors and unbelievable loyal fans, and as a group we
probably had the most fun at a junior hockey game each week. It
all felt like one big family. Does anyone remember Brian Ladas
and Kenny “The Colt” McLaughlin squaring off at centre ice in
Sumo wrestling suits? Or Bill Murphy and his “Hillbilly” band,
I believe consisted of Don, Bill, Jacques Trottier and Richard
Waldroff, sitting in the back of a pickup truck, bluegrass music
blaring, driving around the ice? Joan Lawson and Bob Johnson,
working in the office? The Colt’s Clowns? Originally they were
my bantam players who wanted to see the game and loved to
entertain. I believe three of the original Colt’s clowns went on to
play in the OHL. Let’s not forget the hockey, two championship
teams, numerous NCAA scholarships, OHL graduates, NHL
draft picks, the list is long. A big thank you to Don Derry for
starting it all. We have shared and continue to share many laughs
when we get together.
While writing this, my thoughts also go to my wife Shirley
and sons Jamie, Christopher and Patrick, who have always
encouraged and supported my involvement in sports, even
though they often took a back seat to scheduling conflicts.
On behalf of the Cornwall major midget Colt’s I would
like to welcome all the teams participating in our tournament
and hope you enjoy your stay in our great city. We would also
like to thank all the volunteers for their countless hours in making
this tournament the event it is.
Until next month, Enjoy the Energy.
Mike Piquette
“People Pulling Together for you”