Page 8 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 24

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Former Colt Jeff Legue continues his hockey pursuits

across the pond

By Ashley March

n the Ontario shores near the
Ocentral part of the St. Lawrence
River lies a city whose habitants
ignite a passion for a cold and frosty
game. As most Canadian cities do,
this one has been breeding hockey
players and fans for the better part
of 100 years. The history of hockey
runs deep in the hard working and
blue-collar city of Cornwall, Ontario.
Many teams have come and gone;
championship memories are few
and far between but most residents
can recall where they were when
the Memorial Cup was raised on
three separate occasions and which
Team picture of Jeff Legue’s latest team, the Sheffield Steeldogs from the UK. Legue is bottom row, third

hometown boys have made names from the left. Another Cornwall native, Andre Payette is the coach of this team and he’s top row, third from
for themselves in the game.
the right. Photo by Roger Williams.
After the demise of the major
junior powerhouse, Cornwall Royals team is any young players dream,” part in helping our team become over a few offers, the Bulldogs that
in 1992, fans were left with a gaping recalls Legue fondly. “When I got the successful.” belonged to Ferris State University
hole in their hearts. Junior hockey chance to play in front of a sold out Successful they were. Legue lists became the perfect fit for Jeff to

had just started to become a major Si Miller Arena, I fulfi lled that young off players who he recognizes as the start his successful collegiate career.
attraction across the country. Prayers hockey players dream.” It wasn’t “unsung heroes” on the ice that year. Located in Big Rapids, Michigan,
were answered quickly however just his dream. Family, friends and Names like Lindsay Campbell, Ross the Ferris State Bulldogs skate out of
when across the river in nearby fans alike knew how special it was McCain, Sylvain Moreau, Jarret the Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena;
Massena, New York, the Junior “A” to have a homegrown superstar stay Robertson and Tim Vokey are thrown an arena that seats just about 2,500.
Americans were sold over the Seaway on the city’s squad. “Both my friends about with smiles and fondness. The Along with former Colts teammates
International Bridge to Cornwall. and family got to watch me grow and ultimate compliment however is Tim Vokey and Matt Verdone, Legue
Renamed the Colts, the new group progress as a player and to this day skated alongside current NHLer and
quickly grew an intensive following I believe that’s what helped me the reserved for someone who doesn’t Pittsburgh Penguins’ Chris Kunitz;
even if it was step down in play from most throughout my junior career.” need any introduction to Cornwall no doubt learning as much as he could
the Royals. hockey circles: Coach Al Wagar. “Al from such talented leadership.
In the late 1990’s, the Cornwall believed in me,” says Legue with
Small Canadian cities such as this Colts were nothing short of a wrecking authority. “I was put in all situations After contributing a point in each
always come with their own breed crew. Finishing atop the Robinson at the beginning of my career which of his 152 collegiate games, it was
of hockey fan. This fan will not only Division in the Central Junior gave me lots of experience early.” time to turn professional. After a stint
know the life story of every player to Hockey League, capturing two Art Wagar coached the Colts for the on two different teams in the East
ever step onto the hometown rinks, Bogart Cups, which sent the squad better part of the decade and along Coast Hockey League, Europe came
but every stat that comes flowing in. to the Fred Page Cup championships. with ownership played a pivotal calling. It was time to make some

It was no different when hometown During his second season with the role in the teams’ success. “He told hockey ‘Anarchy in the U.K.’.
boy Jeff Legue laced up his skates Colts, the dominance continued as me my job was to go out and create In the middle of the United Kingdom
night after night and stepped out onto they won the Fred Page tournament opportunities. He gave me freedom lies a city of just over 500,000 people.
the ice at the Si Miller Arena. He felt and headed off to Nationals in Fort on the ice. Al Wagar was a great A hard working and blue-collar steel
like a superstar as fans would stop McMurray, Alberta. Even though the coach for me.” town, the passion for sport runs deep
and ask him for autographs and kids Colts went winless, Legue remains in the city’s inhabitants. Football was
would chant his name as they filled proud of the accomplishments. “That Legue’s skills both on and off a main stay for many in the city of

the old barn. “Growing up in a small year stands out to me the most; we the ice started catching the eyes Continued on page 10
town that has a successful hockey played as a team. We all had our own of NCAA recruiters. After looking