Perhaps Max Silverman, the legendary president and general manager of the Sudbury Wolves, best summed up the hockey ability of Chapleau's Reginald 'Reg' Sonego, who was without a doubt one of the community's best players ever.
Mr. Silverman commented on the impressive achievements of Reg as a hockey player when he played for the Sudbury Wolves.
"Reg Sonego, former Junior star from Chapleau sparked the Wolves to victory last night despite elbows, high sticks and general rough play Sonego came up with a brilliant display of skating and puck handling to net three goals for Sudbury in his first game in Wolves colours," Mr. Silverman said.
He added that many Chapleau readers of the Sudbury Star would recall the end to end rushes he was noted for.
Born and educated in Chapleau, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Sonego, he took to playing hockey at an early age, and by 1946, he was playing on the Chapleau High School team. As an aside, we have a photo of that team, but not all the names. If you can add names, please contact me.
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By 1949 Reg, or 'Reggie" as many of us called him, was playing for the Chapleau Junior team.
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Playing in Chapleau for a pre season game in the highly competitive town league before a large crowd at the rink , between the Reds and Whites, the Chapleau Post reported that Yvon 'Shorty' Morin scored two quick goals in the first period, followed by Reggie with the same in the second. The final score was not mentioned. Reg won the town league scoring title.
A bit later he joined the Sudbury Wolves.
Mr. Silverman actually brought the Wolves to play an exhibition game in the community's "old old rink" on Lorne Street.
A story about the game noted that the Wolves "demonstrated their prowess" defeating Chapleau 13-1 "in front of the locals "who were unable to cope but gave a good account of themselves, adding that "Reggie Sonego, Chapleau's contribution to the Wolves scored three goals."
Baisel Collings scored Chapleau's only goal.
Reg was described in a newspaper story as the "smoothest skater and clean player who managed to stay clear of the penalty box", adding that he was regarded as the most valuable player on the team.
Aside from hockey Reg entered into an apprenticeship with the Canadian Pacific Railway at Chapleau, North Bay and Montreal, and became a Diesel Electrician. He also worked at the Agincourt Shops.
Dr. Bill Pellow provided the following from his brief career as a hockey player and commented on Reg. "We had a choice in the 40s. My allowance was 10 cents a week. I had choice to go to the Regent Theatre or go to the rink and play hockey on Saturday mornings. Pop Depew was the coach. I tried hockey for a few Saturdays, with Eaton's catalogues for shin pads and my skates laced up as tight as any adult around the rink would or could perform the task for me.
"I remember my last game, The puck was in front of me and on wobbly skates I went for it. Reggie Sonego was on the opposite team and boarded me like I was struck by lightning, my head ached, the stars came out, my body hurt and his comment, if you have the puck you will get hit. I quit."
Every once in a while, I am asked to enter into a discussion by email to decide Chapleau's Top Ten hockey players in its history. I decline to participate but Reggie Sonego would likely be included in my picks. I would enjoy hearing from you about who would be on your list -- remember that Chapleau had a hockey team starting circa 1887.
I extend my most sincere thanks to Reggie Sonego's family, especially Bonnie (Cappellani) Byrne, who collected material from the family for this column. Much appreciated. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
CHS TEAM 1946 Reggie played for CHS in 1946 but we do not have all the names. Front row from left Mike Mione, unknown, Yen Hong, unknown, Sonny Bignucolo, unknown, unknown, unknown. Back row Elmore Leigh (coach), unknown, Fred Goheen, unknown, unknown, Reg Sonego, unknown, unknown. If you can identify players please email me mj.morris@live.ca
Chapleau Juniors 1949.Back row are from left Orville Robinson, Doug Swanson, Lorne Riley, Greg Lucas, Tee Chambers, Fred Goheen, Keith Strapp, Toddy Collinson, Ernest 'Sonny' Bignucolo, D.O. Payette (manager), Pat Serre, Ross Hamlin, George Payette. Front from left, Yen Hong, Bob Evans, Reggie Sonego, Ross Thornton (coach), Tom Jardine, Angelo Mione, Johnny Morin, Mike Mione, Clarence Fiaschetti
CHS TEAM 1946 Reggie played for CHS in 1946 but we do not have all the names. Front row from left Mike Mione, unknown, Yen Hong, unknown, Sonny Bignucolo, unknown, unknown, unknown. Back row Elmore Leigh (coach), unknown, Fred Goheen, unknown, unknown, Reg Sonego, unknown, unknown. If you can identify players please email me mj.morris@live.ca
Chapleau Juniors 1949.Back row are from left Orville Robinson, Doug Swanson, Lorne Riley, Greg Lucas, Tee Chambers, Fred Goheen, Keith Strapp, Toddy Collinson, Ernest 'Sonny' Bignucolo, D.O. Payette (manager), Pat Serre, Ross Hamlin, George Payette. Front from left, Yen Hong, Bob Evans, Reggie Sonego, Ross Thornton (coach), Tom Jardine, Angelo Mione, Johnny Morin, Mike Mione, Clarence Fiaschetti
