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The group lucked out and had a large portion of the upper restaurant to meet up with old friends and welcome newcomers to the SIHR family. After dining, members got a sneak peek at Saturday’s meeting venue, the elegant Belleville Club. Hats off to new member Jeffrey Freeman who traveled from Maryland just to attend the Friday night event.
Hurstie made everyone feel at home and tended bar while members and guests mingled and looked over memorabilia, with a special focus on items relating to the 1959 Belleville McFarlands. A member from that world championship team, Wayne “Weiner” Brown was on hand to answer questions about his experiences.
Good things come to those who wait, and Belleville mayor Neil Ellis announced that the city had finally given the McFarlands their dues; a sign on Pinnacle Street, north of Moira, citing the Belleville McFarlands as Canadian and World Champions greets people heading into downtown. Another sign will be placed near the Quinte Sports Centre.
Saturday morning saw the business portion of the meeting, in typical SIHR fashion, running a bit late. Minutes from the 2008 Fall Meeting were approved as were reports from the President, Executive Vice-President, and Secretary, in addition to those from the Website and Minor Pro Committees.
A new vision for the SIHR newsletter was presented and approved, with James Kubus of Pittsburgh taking on duties as editor in chief. The newsletter will now have regional editors responsible for creating and soliciting content – James Mancuso, USA; Benoit Clairoux, Quebec and Monika Moravan, Ontario.
Details of the James Creighton Memorial were discussed, and that event will be dealt with in a future report.
In February 2008, Bill Fitsell and Ed Grenda met with Bob Hilderley of Quarry Heritage Books in Kingston, Ontario, to discuss a book idea: an anthology of articles published in SIHR's annual Hockey Research Journal. Mr. Hilderley had recently raised the idea again. Consequently, Bill Fitsell moved, seconded by Ron Leger, that SIHR endorse the proposed book project and that the executive committee appoint a committee to make the necessary arrangements for the book's publication. The motion carried.
Before adjournment, the location of the 2010 Fall Meeting was announced. The event will be hosted by the Hockey Hall of Fame at their recently opened archives and resource centre, located in the Mastercard centre for Hockey Excellence in Toronto’s west end (Etobicoke)
Following a catered lunch served on site members were treated to four presentations. The first, ‘A Brief History of the 1910-11 Belleville Professional Hockey Team’ by Glen Goodhand was delivered by Bill Fitsell as Glen had a prior commitment. One of the tidbits was that it was the Eastern Ontario Professional Hockey League that switched from two-30 minute segments to the still used three-20 minute periods.
Benoit Clairoux, who literally wrote the book on the Quebec Nordiques make excellent use of visuals to delve into ‘The Battle of Quebec, 30 Years Later.’ According to his research Glenn Cole of the Montreal Gazette was the first writer to use the term ‘Battle of Quebec” and interestingly enough, the three-minute standing ovation given to the Nordiques in their first game at the fabled Forum was not shown on television.
James Mancuso’s passion for the minor pro game was in full force when he presented ‘The Stanley Cup of the Minor Leagues.’ He explained the history and naming of championship hardware for dozens of North American leagues, past and present.
Todd Denault gave members an insider’s look at the research and negotiation that went into getting his book ‘Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey’ published. This is the first in-depth biography of the goaltending legend and comes out 50 years after Plante donned the first goalie mask in an NHL game.
In tribute to another 50th anniversary, Peter Lockyer’s documentary ‘Celebrating Hockey History: The Story of the 1959 Belleville McFarlands’ was screened with Lockyer present to answer questions. He received a standing ovation.
The highlight of the event was having three McFarlands present. David Jones, Keith Macdonald, and Lionel Botly answered questions and entertained attendees with their anecdotes of playing in the Canadian and World championships.
The ‘Q & A’ session came to an immediate halt when Macdonald rose from his chair and announced, ““Sorry folks, I’m a farmer, and I have chores to do.”
As the 32 souls on hand dispersed, a group of 21 toured the Memorial Arena. Following dinner, a smaller group headed out to watch the Belleville Bulls defeat the Kitchener Rangers in an overtime thriller. Special thanks to the Bulls organization for special treatment.
Another summary by host James Hurst can be seen here: http://sportslices.blogspot.com/
SIHR members posing in front of the Belleville Memorial Arena where the Belleville McFarlands played
Benoit Clairoux, James Milks and Bill Fitsell watch the on-ice action
Benoit Clairoux and Jeff Sim discuss the Quebec Nordiques
Secretary Lloyd Davis addresses the Group
SIHR President James Milks addresses the group as Treasurer Paul Bruno and Lloyd Davis try to look busy.
Bill Fitsell watches a hockey game with members of the Oshawa Minor Generals
Bill delivers a paper on the 1910 Belleville Team of the EOPHL
Len Kotylo (left) chats with Roger Godin, Curator for the Minnesota Wild
Executive VP Jean-Patrice Martel addresses the group
Ron Leger and Steve Leblanc pose with a new sign celebrating the McFarland's
All photos by Marc Dallaire