Page 28 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 19

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Benson Cornwall Lions
MURPHY’S SPORTS LAW

Club Sports Award Dinner:

By David Murphy
A Chat with Marty
Lions
The Cornwall Lions Club recently celebrated
The
celebrated
recently
Cornwall
Club
its 50th Benson Sports Awards Dinner. A A
its 50th Benson Sports Awards Dinner.
little over 300 people filled the Salons at the By Terry Tinkess

Civic Complex to take in the recognition of
athletes, coaches, volunteers and builders of ou would think that with
all ages. Ya chance to watch the
Guest speaker Marty McSorley took a different Montreal Canadiens eliminate
Guest speaker Marty McSorley took a different
approach to reach the crowd. Instead of the the Boston Bruins from further
approach to reach the crowd. Instead of the
usual guest speaker pose of standing behind the
usual guest speaker pose of standing behind the Stanley Cup playoff action, most
podium, he grabbed a chair and planted himself in the middle of sports fans in Cornwall would
the stage and took questions from the audience. That allowed him be glued to their television
an opportunity tell stories. His respect for Wayne Gretzky was ever sets, but that was not the case.
present (and who could blame him). He spoke about his junior Although they had their smart
hockey days and how had to keep reminding himself how lucky he phones in hand, more than 300
was to be playing in the best league in the world (NHL). people recognized local athletic
Adding to the evening was Cody Sorensen (RBC Olympian), excellence at the 50th Benson
Hockey Hall of Famer Billy Smith and CFL Hall of Famer Moe Cornwall Lions Club Sports
Racine who all took the time to sign autographs prior to the dinner, Award Dinner, which this year
and they mingled with the crowd after too.
was held in the Salons at the
But stealing the show were the award winners. From the Jacques Cornwall Civic Complex. If you had to come up with a phrase
Richard winner as the top sports personality, Kelly McGillis was to describe Marty McSorley’s
honoured for her accomplishments in weightlifting. The best part One of the highlights of the feelings about playing hockey in
about McGillis winning is she’s only just beginning her career and evening (and there were many) the National Hockey League, love
of the game would be appropriate.
already is a national champion! came in the form of guest speaker Photo by Terry Tinkess
The Joe Assaly trophy representing the top Junior Athlete went Marty McSorley. As often
to Sophie Contant. She’s the multi-sport star who not only won seems to be the case with NHL stick boys.’
the RBC high school volleyball award; she was also nominated “enforcers” McSorley proved “Wayne never talked about
for soccer and hockey too. Not to mention, Contant will always to be a captivating speaker, his own ability,” said McSorley,

hold the distinction of being the first girl to ever play in the annual abandoning the podium to have a “He’s not a braggart.”
Bishop Cup hockey game. “kitchen table chat” and answer
Then there was Art Murphy winning the Benson Friends of the questions from the audience. What came across clearly
Round Table Award for Lifetime Achievement. Whether it was With stops in Pittsburgh as McSorley led the audience
football, lacrosse, tennis or golf, the current member of the Cornwall (twice), Edmonton (twice), Los down memory lane was his
Sports Hall of Fame Executive reached levels some of us can only appreciation of the opportunity
Angeles (twice), New York,
dream about. he had to play in the National
San Jose and Boston, McSorley
But the highlight of the night for most were the acceptance speeches Hockey League, and how, when

has memories enough to fill an
of the Boxing Award co-winners. Max Bourgon set the tone with you love what you are doing, it
a heartfelt and entertaining speech that lasted longer than some entire evening, but as would never feels like work.
boxing matches but it was Isaac Benedict that didn’t leave a dry be expected, most of what he “I wouldn’t give any of it up.
eye in the house with a tribute to his late mother. The picture of related to a captive audience It was so great: the experience
the night (caught on the TV Cogeco cameras) was both young men revolved around his role as of playing, the opportunity I
getting a group hug with their second father and trainer Jorge Luis Wayne Gretzky’s “bodyguard.” had to play a game I love,” said
after they spoke. If that doesn’t make you respect what boxing, true In the stories he told, McSorley McSorley.
sportsmanship, dedication and effort is all about, nothing will. stressed how Gretzky was just a
There were a lot of memories created at the 50th Benson Cornwall normal guy with extraordinary “I had a great ride. I enjoyed
Lions Club Sports Awards Dinner but none of them would’ve been talent. playing in the National Hockey
possible without the award winners. Other local media captured “He was never unapproachable League; it was a tremendous
the spirit of the evening extremely well. from his teammates, although honour. I really, truly believe I am
As I wrap up this tribute to the Sports Awards Dinner, I’d like to a lot of guys treated him at surrounded by the best people in
thank the Cornwall Lions Club members for their support especially arms length and were almost the world. We cared about each
Stuart Gordon, Marc Philippe, Marcel Lapierre and Mitch Lapierre. intimidated by him,” said other and I had chances to have
If you are a past award winner, are related to one or know a former McSorley. “He once said to life experiences that the game
winner of any sports award take the time to thank them. They’ve me ‘You can really tell about a of hockey afforded me. It was
earned it. great.
young guy by how he treats the