Hockey became part of Chapleau community life in its early years with road trip to Sudbury by 1893

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In the beginning, one of Chapleau's earliest residents, J.Gill built the first ice skating rink shortly after the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, according to Vince Crichton in 'Pioneering in Northern Ontario'.

However, Vince noted that "it is definitely known from an old minute book of the Chapleau Brass Band that such an enterprise was being operated by J. Gill during the winter of !888-89".

How come this information comes from the band's minute book? Well, apparently Mr. Gill had entered into a contract with the band, which was formed in 1888, to supply music on skating nights at the rink. 

Around this time, Chapleau must have formed its first seven man hockey team because in 1893, it made its first road trip to Sudbury for a game.

 Sudbury Museums web site reports as follows: "Hockey is widely considered to be Sudbury's most popular winter sport.  The first enclosed skating facility in the area, Martin's Rink, was built in 1892 and during that year, a group of men formed teams for the first game of hockey in Sudbury during the  winter carnival.

"The first inter-town hockey game played in Sudbury was on March 13, 1893 against Chapleau.  Sudbury won the match with a score of 2-1."

It also provided insight into how the game was played: "The early hockey games were much different than today's style.  The first games were played by teams of seven with no player substitutions.  Instead of three periods, there were two halves and scoring a goal was called "taking a game".  There were no linesmen  and only one referee, an amateur who knew the basic rules of the game and volunteered for the task.

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"The first indoor rink was nothing like what we are accustomed to today.  These were unheated, wooden buildings that were numbingly cold in the winter.  There was no artificial ice, which meant that in the spring, the ice would turn to slush, making it almost  impossible to play hockey (although efforts were still made)."  Chapleau was no exception.

  I have been unable to discover the names of players on this team, or a photo but hockey had become part of community life.

Vince tells us that by about 1895 Lombard LaFrance who had arrived in 1885, had built a rink on Lorne Street. Although it was an open air rink it  was enclosed with a high board fence .  Mr. LaFrance may have been a member of the  1893 team that travelled to Sudbury. His son, also Adelard or "Adie" played several games for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League in the 1930s.

Over the years this rink was gradually enclosed and by 1951, it was closed and the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena was officially opened. on the same spot It was replaced by the Chapleau Recreation Centre which included the Mrs. A.W. Moore Arena in 1978.

Back to the early years of hockey. By about 1910, maybe even a bit earlier, there was a very competitive town league which led Robert McEween to donate the McEwen Cup. Mr. McEwen operated a pressing and tailoring shop which he established in 1905.

The first winners of the McEwen Cup, emblematic of local hockey supremacy was in 1911. From a personal view, my grandfather Harry Morris and my great uncle Charles Mulligan played on the team.  Grandpa had arrived in 1910 to work for the CPR as trainman/conductor.

I have included photos of the first winning team of the McEwen Cup, a photo of a town league team on which the famous goaltender Bob Turner played, and fast forwarded to the Chapleau High School team of 1956 when I was a student there and had "retired" as a player and was a referee. 

If any readers can provide more information on Chapleau hockey history, please feel free to contact me. Thanks. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

PHOTO INFORMATION

Robert McEwen donated the McEwen Cup, emblematic of hockey supremacy in Chapleau. Here is the first winning team in 1911. Photos are numbered: 1, Peter Moran; 2, Gordon Sheppard; 3, Simon Kruger; 4, Harry Morris (my grandfather); 5, Omer Lahay; 6, Oscar Tremblay; 7, Ken McFadden ;8, Charles Mulligan (my great uncle); 9, Herb Merrick and 10, Robert McEwen.

In 1919, Bob Turner, a legendary goaltender over the years was playing for a Chapleau team. In back are Clothier (could be different spelling and first name not given), Fred Kelland, Alex McAulay, Frank Boucher, Buster McAdam, Bob Turner, Amon Saylors, Ken Sheppard.  These were the days of seven man hockey and no subs

The CHS team of 1956 is below.A highlight of the year for the Chapleau High School team of 1956 was a trip to Terrace Bay. Back row from left: David McMillan, Doug Sleivert, Stan Barty,Thane Crozier, Clarence Fiaschetti (teacher and coach), George Lemon (principal) Second row: Doug Espaniel, Roger Mizuguchi, Bill Cachagee . Front are Jim Hong, Bert Lemon, Harry Pellow, Ken Schroeder, Robbie Pellow (Mascot) Marc Boulard, Harry Hong, Jim Machan, Ron Morris. Note that Clarence was playing on the 1949 Junior team, and was also first CHS student to return as teacher.

Chapleau stands with Humboldt Broncos during hockey tragedy in Saskatchewan

More than 40 years ago now I took a course in 20th Century European history from Dr Jacques Goutor, and the first thing I learned from him was that hockey kept Canada together.  Well, he didn't actually come out and say that exactly, but on the first day of class he told us about his arrival in Canada from France.

Dr Goutor told us that upon arriving in Toronto, he went out and bought the newspapers and the headlines were LEAFS WIN STANLEY CUP! It was 1967, our Centennial year as a nation, and the Toronto Maple Leafs had defeated their arch rivals the Montreal Canadiens in six games. It was to be the last time the Leafs would win Lord Stanley's mug. 

If newspaper headlines were about hockey, Dr Goutor decided that Canada would be a great place to live having been raised in France during World War II. He stayed and had a distinguished career at the University of Western Ontario. He died a few years ago.

Ever since,  I have watched the headlines of Canadian  newspapers, and headline writers are ecstatic on those days they can proclaim victory for their local hockey team when it wins a title, and are beside themselves with joy when Canada wins internationally. But they know their audience. Hockey has kept it it all together in this vast and magnificent land where we will travel great distances for a hockey game, and complain about that other great Canadian unifier, the weather.

Fast forward to April 6, 2018, and the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, are travelling by bus for a playoff game --- something that at this time of year, was occurring across Canada. It is playoff time.

I turned to Pam O'Hearn Morin of Chapleau, the mother of two boys who play hockey for help. 

Pam posted on Facebook that on "Friday night I went to bed and had never heard about the Humboldt Broncos. Fast forward to Saturday morning with the tragic news; it is the kind of news that shakes you to the core and for so many reasons. As a parent, THAT IS your worst nightmare. But as a parent of two beautiful boys who not only play hockey (and other sports), the travelling is part of that....to and from games....near and far...great weather and crazy weather. But we do it for our children and for the love of the game. "

Pam of course was referring to the tragic bus accident that, at time of writing, had claimed the lives of 16 people associated with the Humboldt Broncos.

Courtesy Pam O'Hearn Morin

She added: "Hockey will never be the same. Every time I watch my kids play or enter an arena, I will always hold a place in my heart for the victims, their families, the survivors, their friends and everyone in that community that has no doubt been affected by this.  What now? Prayers will continue and any gesture that symbolizes unity and strength we will do."

After watching the vigil in Humboldt, Pam added  "But we have also witnessed the outpouring of support from all over. I always hug my boys and tell them I love them..lately....I am doing more of that. "

While I have believed that hockey was a great unifier, and I too have watched the outpouring of support in communities large and small, and indeed from around the world, never in my life, have I seen such an effort to bring us all together and it is working. Like Pam, many had never heard of Humboldt, Saskatchewan. I had because I worked as a daily newspaper reporter at the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix.

I also contacted my friend Gord Woods, whose son Dakotah is currently playing Junior hockey with the Dryden Ice Dogs, and since he was 13, has been travelling on buses to follow his dream. The hockey community in Canada is small in a way, despite distances, and Dakotah knew some players on the Humboldt Broncos.

Courtesy Gord Woods

Gordie added that after receiving the news of the tragedy, he hugged Cedar and Hunter, his children at home, and "phoned Dakotah with a hug". I am sure that was happening all across the country.

I also turned to Charlie Purich, a former Chapleau hockey star who has played hockey most of his life and in the 1960s was referred to as "the catalyst' of the Chapleau High School hockey team.

Charlie Purich circa 1964

Charlie said: "A split second sooner or later, it might not have happened.I think back over the three years I played for Laurentian with all the bus trips down south and back from Sudbury.

"All the car trips to Wawa, Blind River, Sudbury, Timmins, Espanola.All the train trips to Sudbury, Schreiber, Terrace Bay. All to play hockey and be part of a team and to show pride for my town.

"On every team we had such a collective group of supportive players, coaches and trainers.We had fans that joined us both at home and away games.Priceless.

"Nothing can describe that feeling.This terrible happening has touched all of us."

Thank you Charlie. Like Charlie I travelled from Chapleau thousands of miles on hockey trips over the years, and fortunately there were no mishaps. 

Back  to Pam who organized a group photo in Chapleau on Jersey Day for the Broncos with activities across the country

Pam explained: "What started as an idea this morning because I am simply a mom of two boys who play the game. My heart hurts for everyone affected and yet this picture reminds me that there IS strength in numbers and I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many kind people! The photo to which she is referring is the one above of Chapleau folks.

"Thank you all for coming out and thank you to all those who shared the post and were there in spirit. Taken on the Chapleau River, the place where it isn’t uncommon for many to begin playing hockey. It is a simple gesture to show that we-CHAPLEAU (not all present of course but due to the short notice I am still proud) stand with all of you who are affected by this tragedy. In the darkness, there is a light...a light that has been glimmering...glimmering with Hope shown through unity, Prayers, Strength and Love.

"Thank you Kari Luhtasaari for taking the time to capture this picture and thank you to Wade Cachagee for the awesome sign and Joel Langelier for his drone photo."

Yes Pam, many of us throughout the history of Chapleau began playing hockey on the "Front River" where you had the photo taken, and on the pond on the "Back River" too.

Way back Dr. Goutor used hockey as a metaphor for safe place to live after the horrors of World War II. In 2018, the outpouring of support for all those affected by this tragedy demonstrates once again that Canadians from all walks of life, and communities large and small, can focus on actions which bring us all together. For sure my friends, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

My most sincere thanks to Pam O'Hearn Morin, Charlie Purich, Gord Woods, Pat Purich Russell for their assistance with this column. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Reg Sonego sparked Sudbury Wolves to victory with 'brilliant display of skating and puck handling', according to Max Silverman

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.

names below

By 1949 Reg, or 'Reggie" as many of us called him, was playing for the Chapleau Junior team. 

names below

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

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Contingent travels to Montreal to celebrate Floyd Curry Night at The Forum as Chapleau born National Hockey League player honoured

A Chapleau contingent took the overnight Canadian Pacific Railway passenger train to "do their bit" at a celebration for Floyd 'Busher' Curry of the Montreal Canadiens, according to a story in the Sudbury Star.

It was Floyd Curry Night at The Forum in Montreal, honouring the Chapleau born player who the article noted was "a staunch supporter of Chapleau and environs." He played in the National Hockey League all with the Canadiens from 1947 to 1958.

Curry was born in Chapleau on August 11, 1925, but lived in Nicholson during his early years. He did have relatives in Chapleau.

The Sudbury Star noted that Curry was "well deserving of the support and acclaim of those who knew him personally and of Chapleau hockey fans who knew him as an outstanding player."

The newspaper added that "clean sport" had always been his standard "and had won him the support of his team-mates and opponents."

The Montreal trip was organized by Olive and Don Card, both of whom were greatly involved in Chapleau hockey for many years. In fact Mrs. Card was known as 'Mrs. Minor Hockey' for her 25 years service as secretary-treasurer of the Chapleau Minor Hockey Association. Don coached minor hockey teams and played for the Chapleau  Huskies and the Legion team in the town league.

The Sudbury Star story says 30 Chapleau people made the trip but only includes 17 who were Mr. and Mrs. Milton Schroeder, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Turner, Albert Bignucolo, Roger Longchamps, Mike Mione, Reggie Sonego, Alison and David McMillan, Raymond Brunette, Romeo Levesque, Eugene Fortin. Keith 'Sonny' Chambers and Baisel Collings plus Mr and Mrs Card.

David McMillan and I chatted about this trip when he visited me in Cranbrook several years ago and he advised that Alcide Brunette and Don 'Flappy' Jardine were also there. David has since died.

 I have included photos of teams which had some  players on them who went to Montreal and to provide a glimpse of some local hockey players from the Floyd Curry era in the NHL

If any others have details on this trip or were there please let me know.

Layton Goodwin who had lived in Nicholson when Curry did told the newspaper  "that at the age of four or five young Curry was busy on the ice (Lake Windermere) practising his shots with a broken down stick and an old tin can."

The Curry family moved to Kirkland Lake where Floyd started his organized hockey career.

After six years with the Oshawa Generals and a Memorial Cup win the Montreal Canadiens realized his potential and signed him. He had also become a member of the Canadian armed forces near the end pf World War II.

He played for the Montreal Royals before being brought up to the Canadiens. Playing his his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens it started in 1947 and ended in 1958. During his time with Montreal, Floyd won four Stanley Cups 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958. In his NHL career he played in 601 games, scored 105 goals and earned 99 assists for 204 points.

After retiring as a player, he coached the Montreal Royals, then went on to work for the Canadiens front office for over 40 years as director of sales and travel secretary. In summer of 1968 he was promoted to Assistant General manager. He remained in that position until 1978. During his time in Montreal the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup 6 more times.

Writing on his blog Greatest Hockey Legends, Joe Pelletier noted that for most of his hockey life Curry was a modest player happy to stay in the shadows of hockey's spotlight. Most nights, except one.

"On Oct 29, 1951 -- with then Princesss Elizabeth and her husband, the Duke of Ediburgh in attendance, " Pelletier wrote, "Curry scored three goals in a 6-1 victory over the New York Rangers. The Princess (who became Queen in 1952) was in the midst of her first royal tour left The Forum under the impression Busher Curry was the best hockey player in the world." 

"It was Curry's greatest moment," Pelletier added.

Floyd 'Busher' Curry died on September 16, 2006 at age 81. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Names for photos

Chapleau High School team 1956-57-- David McMillan, Doug Sleivert, Stan Barty,Thane Crozier, Clarence Fiaschetti (teacher and coach), George Lemon (principal) Second row: Doug Espaniel, Roger Mizuguchi, Bill Cachagee . Front are Jim Hong, Bert Lemon, Harry Pellow, Ken Schroeder, Robbie Pellow (Mascot) Marc Boulard, Harry Hong, Jim Machan, Ron Morris.

 Chapleau Junior Team 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

Here are the 1953-54 Chapleau Bantam champions who won the Algoma Dairy Trophy.. Back row from left: Baisil Collings (coach), Michael McMullen, Mrs. Broomhead, David McMillan, Richard Pilon, Tim Goodwin. Front are Charlie White, Ken Schroeder and Harry 'Boo' Hong.

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MM