Page 35 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 49

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #49 DECEMBER 2016 35

Hockey Adventure Continues for Travellers

By Todd Anderson discreetly. I’m not sure how
much we have donated over the
his December the Osie years. It doesn’t matter. One time
TVilleneuve Arena in Maxville sticks in my mind. We hoped to
will host the 34th annual AJK donate $2,000 to a group in need.
Highland Travellers Men’s The results came in and we were
Recreational Hockey Tournament. about $300 short. All the guys in
It’s regarded as one of the longest- the room kicked in $20 or $30 to
serving tournaments in this area reach our goal.”
and one of its founders is proud of
that moniker. Enjoying his 41st year of
marriage to his wife Merle,
“Our tourney may very well Marjerrison has three daughters
be the longest running tourney in and seven grandchildren. His
Glengarry,” says retired school passion for hockey has never
teacher and tournament co-founder dissipated and he continues to
John Marjerrison. “Larry and Phil skate with the Travellers on the
Harrison, Gregg McCulloch, Glen odd Thursday night this season. During one of their trips overseas, the AJK Highlanders enjoyed a
Campbell, and I came up with the He was asked to talk about some round of golf at the world-famous St. Andrew’s Golf Course.
idea of a tournament. We were of his favourite teammates over Photo Submitted
hoping to go on a trip and raise the years. long as they can. The laughter in realized that it was us Canadians
some funds. After raising money the room is contagious.” against them and we played some
“As far as having a best
for the trips, we decided to keep pretty amazing hockey. We played
going and donate to various needs teammate, I couldn’t choose Long-time teammate Jeff several pro teams that are now
in the community.” one. They are all special. Some MacLean says Howie has been part of the European Elite League.
of the characters over the years a great friend on and off the ice.
The tournament has given have been named Blade, Ace, He has always been one to keep Our international record is 7-4-4.
to organizations like CHEO, Schultzie, Tigger, Flip, and C. balance with the team as well. I’m very proud of the fact that our

The Children’s Make-A-Wish Hands down, the best hands on the team was always invited back.”
Foundation, and others in need team belonged to Brian Wensink “One thing with Howie, he The longest distance a team
locally. and Tigger. Kevin Villeneuve and always preaches everyone on has travelled to play in the AJK
the team has a role. If you are
“One family was having a hard Ace Benton may have been the a checker, check. If you are a tournament is from St. Louis
time with cancer treatments, so best at stick-handling and Paul passer, pass. Do your job and when Maxville native and former
we donated to them,” recalls Villeneuve had the second-best don’t worry about others.” NHLer, and AJK Traveller, John
Marjerrison, known as Howie to voice.” Wensink brought his old-timer’s
At one point the AJK tournament
his friends and teammates. “I think a hockey dressing team to play.
was a very competitive affair.
“The guys decide and wherever room is like no place else,” says Each team would hand in a list of “Our team rarely wins our
the need is, that’s where it goes, Marjerrison. “Almost every players and a committee would tournament,” says Marjerrison.
Canadian wants to play hockey as “We always say you don’t set it up
decide who was eligible to play
to win but to be good hosts.”
... and who wasn’t. Some team
leaders could get quite angry Recently Brad Quaile as the
based on decisions. The event lead, Josh Harrison, Steve Quaile,
would feature beer-chugging Andrew Arkinstall, Chris Leroux,
contests (which, at times, the and Andrew Wensink have taken
trophy for the winner may have over the roles of organizing the
been more prestigious than the club.
hockey trophy); prize draws every “Brad is a great leader,” says
hour, and live bands performing Marjerrison. “The team is in great
music.
hands. The torch has been passed.
While the Travellers play only They are planning for another
locally primarily these days, super tournament this year.”
the team has experienced trips In the meantime, Marjerrison
to Europe on five occasions,
will continue to lace them up here
including games in Cardiff, Wales;
and there and re-join his Travellers
Edinburgh, Scotland; Holland; teammates for a game of hockey.
Ireland; and England.
“I hope to don the blades for one
The AJK Highlanders played against the Devils in Cardiff, Wales in “After getting spanked in Oxford more season; old hockey player,
1988 in front of 4,000 fans. John Marjerrison is pictured skating up the by a very mediocre team, we
ice with his centre, former NHLer John Wensink. Photo Submitted just keep rolling.”