John Tavella always 'on the mark' with super performances from 'great hockey player and friend'

John Tavella gave a "super performance" in two games as the Chapleau Intermediate 'A' Huskies opened their fourth season in the Northland Intermediate Hockey League, playing in the new Mrs. A.W. Moore Arena in the Chapleau Recreation Centre. John gave many of those performances in his hockey career.

John, a 1976 draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League , had set an Ontario Hockey League record for most points by a rookie in the 1975-76 season while playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds with 64 goals and 67 assists. His record was broken by an up and coming hockey star by the name of Wayne Gretzky.

The OHL also named John Rookie of the Year in the 1975-76 season. In 1976 he was also drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, then of the World Hockey Association. In the 1974-75 season, John played for the Windsor Spitfites then of the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

From Wawa, where he played minor hockey, after being drafted by the Canadiens, he chose not to join one of the club's farm teams, and returned home, and married the love of his life Debbie.

That's where he was in the 1977-78 season  when the Huskies needed to strengthen their lineup. Doug Prusky had succeeded me as coach, and I was the manager. Michael 'Pat' Swanson, another great player, who was also our "chief scout", told us about John.

I phoned him and then drove over to Wawa to meet with John and Debbie. He agreed to join us and played part of the 1977-78 season.

John joined the Huskies full time for the 78-79 season, making the commute from Wawa with his friend John Simon, who had also played for the Sault Greyhounds.

Fast forward to opening weekend for the Huskies as they inaugurated the Moore Arena in the recreation centre which had been officially opened in June 1978.

Playing the first of two exhibition games against the Valley East Crusaders the newest entry in the NIHL, John had the distinction of scoring the first goal in the new arena at 17:10 of the first period, assisted by Pat Swanson.

He notched another goal in the Huskies 6-4 win  and then in the second game added two more in the home team's  5-4 victory.

The Chapleau Sentinel described it as a "super performance".

Just for the history record, veteran referee Jim Hong handled both games, keeping them both under control, and handing out only minor penalties.

I came to know John well over the season, and he often ate at my place, usually with most of the team there for a pre-game meal. Often we would have lasagna, and John, a good boy from an Italian- Canadian family once complimented me on it. I took it as high praise coming from him, and have to admit I have told folks over the years how great my lasagna is -- based on John's comment.

No question that John was a hockey star wherever he played, but more importantly, he was a "star" as a friend to everyone who knew him.

After learning that John had died at age 59 in Wawa, on October 21, I posted the news on Facebook. Let me share some of the comments about John as hockey player and friend, all from Chapleau people who knew him:

"Great hockey player and friend"; Great hockey player and wonderful man and father"; "Outstanding hockey player and family friend";  "Awesome hockey player with friendly and outgoing personality",  "Great sports person on and off  the ice. Gentleman hockey player.."and so it went with over 50 comments when last I looked. 

Mark Dillon, a pretty good player in his own right in Chapleau minor hockey  in the 1980s was in touch: "It was sure exciting to watch John play for the Chapleau Huskies".

Mark also shared the following anecdote in which John shot the puck "on the mark". LOL

"One moment I clearly remember was during a warmup. He stayed on the ice for  a bit messing around with a puck and you stood at the door nearest the home dressing room looking at him as if to come off the ice and he let a little slapper go towards you from the other blue line and you had to dodge the puck as his shot was on the mark and passed through the open door. Great times growing up in Chapleau."

One of my former students from Chapleau High School once told  me "I did hockey". That's true to a great extent as I reflect on it all these past couple of days. And, I'm so glad I did, having had the privilege of meeting players, and making friends with people like John Tavella during those years. 

I extend my most sincere sympathy to Debbie and John's family and all his friends. May  he rest in peace. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Richard 'Ben' Lacroix patented end to end rushes delighted Chapleau hockey fans

If you were an opposing player, (or even a goaltender), your best option was to get out of the way whenever Richard 'Ben' Lacroix let go one of his blasts during the years he played hockey in Chapleau.

 

Richard emerged as one of the players who defined hockey in the community for many years, starting about 1966 just after the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena got artificial ice. He played for the Chapleau Senior Bantams who won the Division B championship at a tournament in Lasarre. Quebec in the 1966-67 hockey season.

 

The Bantams, coached by David Mizuguchi and managed by David Futhey were part of a big year in the annals of Chapleau hockey history. In their first year of play in the International Junior B Hockey League the Junior B Huskies won the league and Northern Ontario Hockey Association titles.

 

However, it was in the 1967-1968 hockey season, the last for most of them as Bantams, including Richard,  that they really excelled. They were moved into Division A at the Lasarre tournament but won the title and they also won the Northern Ontario Playground Hockey Association (NOPHA)  'A' championship in the Bantam category with David Mizuguchi as manager, David Futhey as coach and Doug Prusky who was now overage as trainer.

 

Many of these players went on to play for the Junior B Huskies and later the Intermediate A Huskies in the Northland Intermediate Hockey League.

 

Keith 'Buddy' Swanson, who had founded the junior team with Lorne Riley and Tom Welch, also doubled as hockey writer for the Chapleau Sentinel.

 

In the 1970-71 season with Earle Freeborn as coach, Buddy wrote that the team was off to a fast start, and early in the season was in first place after defeating their arch rival Wawa Travellers 7-3 and 5-3 in weekend encounters.

 

 

Buddy noted that Richard had  "made one of his patented end to end rushes, passing to Ernie Chambers who scored and then followed up as he skidded a backhander the length of the ice to clinch things for Chapleau with 33 seconds left.

 

Richard's rushes and blasts were common during his junior and intermediate hockey years. At the end of the 1970-71 season, he had notched 44 goals and was named the team's top player among other awards. He was presented with the Molson Award by representative Ray Bradley, assisted by Jim Mair, then playing for the Vancouver Canucks.

 

Following his junior career, Richard Joined the intermediate Huskies, and was its first captain in the 1975-76 season. He was also named rookie of the year and won the leading scorer honours.

 

Richard had the distinction of scoring the third Chapleau  goal in the Mrs A.W.  Moore Arena in 1978 in an exhibition game against the Valley East Crusaders. John Tavella scored the first and Jamie Doyle the second. The Sentinel reported that Richard "put home one of his blasts." Assists went to Ron Larcher and Jacques Sylvestre.

 

From Bantam to Junior to Intermediate teams, Richard made a difference as a great team player and friend - and delighted Chapleau hockey fans too.

 

Let me share a personal anecdote about Richard. In 1970, I was in Lady Minto Hospital, and visitors other than family were not permitted for a time. Richard was one of my students at Chapleau High School.

 

One afternoon I looked up and there was Richard beside my bed, having snuck by those wonderful but very formidable nurses at the hospital. We had a great visit, and then off he went. He had made my day.

 

Richard 'Ben' Lacroix died In Wawa on November 14, 2014. Rest in peace Richard. You made a difference. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

 

 

Chapleau Intermediate 'A' Huskies open 1977-78 Northland Intermediate Hockey League season with two wins on the road

The Chapleau Intermediate "A" Huskies seemed to have established themselves as a top contender as they opened their 1977-78 season on the road with two wins. 

It was the start of their third season in the Northland intermediate Hockey League, and with a new coach, new captain, several new players and the excellent play of team stalwarts from the previous season, they dumped the Hearst Lumberkings and Calvert GMs in convincing fashion -- 11-4 and 6-2 respectively.

The Chapleau Sentinel reported that the season openers were "a fine beginning" for coach Doug Prusky as the team had never won their first games since entering the league for the 1975-76 season. 

Jean Claude Cyr had been named captain and played "sparkling hockey in both games and was rewarded for his efforts with a five goal performance."

Glen Cappellani was in goal for the locals in both games having been the backbone of the Junior "B" Huskies for several years followed by a stint in the United States Hockey League. The Sentinel reported that Cappellani's "semi-pro experience was most evident as he came up with scintillating saves" in both games. Danny Law of the Midgets was back up goaltender as David McAdam was unable to make the trip.

Steve Prusky was back in the lineup after three years in the USHL and demonstrated the experience he had gained since leaving Chapleau where he was a star defenceman. 

"Prusky has the ability to control a hockey game from the blueline", the article noted.

Ron Larcher, Bill Scheer

Other new faces in the Chapleau lineup were Ron Larcher and Gary Legros from the Junior "B" ranks; Paul Scheer who had moved to Chapleau from Burlington; Rick Walker, a solid defenceman from Brampton and Danny Homerodean a winger who had played for the Burlington Junior "B" Mohawks.

Ron Larcher, the speedy forward was on a line with his brother Raymond and team captain Cyr. The plan may have been to use them as checking line but they came up with nine points in the two games. Raymond and Jean Claude had been with the team since its beginning

Paul Scheer made his first appearances on a line with brother Bill, who had joined the Huskies for the 1976-77 season, and Pat Swanson. Paul came up with a goal and three assists.

By the end of the weekend Pat Swanson, another veteran from first game in the Northland league was off to a fast start with two goals and four assists led the team's point parade.

Danny Homorodean played right wing for Dave McMillan and Jamie Doyle, both veterans,  and this line came up with excellent performances accumulating 10 points over the weekend.

The Sentinel commented that "McMillan is a class centre always calculating his moves while Doyle is one hockey player who skates faster coming back down the ice to his zone than he moves offensively." (As an aside the comment about Jamie was so true and a hallmark of all his playing days but he was a great two way player.)

Legros and Walker were both on the blueline and came up with very solid performances with Legros a tough player who in his first two games gave every indication he will become a valuable addition to the roster.  Walker is a thinking defenceman with an excellent shot.

Bill Scheer, Pat Swanson, Trainer Graham Bertrand. Donkey baseball

Ted Swanson was back in the lineup for another year and his experience helped the newcomers. Ted had two excellent games sliding in fronts and setting up plays in great fashion. Ted never missed a game in the four years the team was in the Northland league.

In the Short Shots section of the article, the writer took a "shot" at me, commenting that "Players and fans on the trip are unable to decide if Mike Morris, now the manager, is more excitable now than when he was coaching." I had coached the team since it was founded in 1974-75 season the for two years in the Northland League. Within one week, thirty-six years later, I really don't know. 

Dave McMillan, Danny Vaughan, Paul McDonald

John Theriault took photos of the team on the ice and while involved in other community activities. Thanks for making them available John. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Doug Prusky becomes coach of Chapleau Intermediate "A" Huskies with Jean Claude Cyr as captain for 1977-78 NIHL season

Doug Prusky, who had starred as a player at all levels in Chapleau hockey became the coach of the Chapleau Intermediate "A" Huskies with the 1977-78 season, the team's third in the Northland Intermediate Hockey League (NIHL) while veteran player, Jean Claude (JC) Cyr became the captain.

Doug was well known to Chapleau hockey fans as an outstanding player with the Junior "B" Huskies and the Intermediate "A" Huskies, until an injury cut short his playing career. He also played on the championship Bantam teams coached by Dave Futhey and David Mizuguchi.

Under the new bench boss, the Huskies established themselves as top contenders winning their two season openers on the road  defeating the Hearst Lumberkings 11-4 and Calvert GMs 6-2.

The Chapleau Sentinel reported that "with a new coach, new captain, several new players and the team stalwarts from the past season",  the wins were "a fine beginning (for Doug) as "the team had never won their first games since entering the league." Graham Bertrand was back as trainer.

The newspaper said that JC Cyr, the new captain played "sparkling hockey in both games and was rewarded for his efforts with five goals."

Glen Cappellani, who had returned home after a stint in the United States Hockey League showed that his semi-pro experience had really helped his game as he came up with "scintillating saves" in both games. Glen would share goaltending duties with David McAdam, who had been the team's stalwart since its beginning.

Steve Prusky, Doug's brother was also home after playing in the USHL and demonstrated the experience he had gained since leaving Chapleau where he had also been a star defenceman. "... (Steve) has the ability to control a hockey game from the blueline...," the Sentinel noted.

Other new faces were Ron Larcher and Gary Legros from the Junior "B" Huskies, Paul Scheer, joining his high scoring brother Bill on the team, and Rick Walker and Danny Homerodean from southern Ontario.

Other players on the roster  included veterans Jamie Doyle, Pat Swanson, Ted Swanson, Dave McMillan, Tom Laframboise, Paul McDonald, Ray Larcher, Richard Lacroix, George Card  and Keith McAdam. Terry Woermke, Danny Vaughan, Moe Poirier and Ted Zajac would also be on the team.

Before the season was too old, John Tavella, of Wawa, joined the team. At the time, John held the Ontario Hockey Association Major Junior "A" (Tier One) League record  for most goals and assists in a single season set while playing for the Soo Greyhounds in the 1975-76 season -- 67 goals and 70 assists.

John had also been the 10th round draft choice of the Montreal Canadiens but had decided not to play in their farm system. john Simons of Wawa, who had also played for the Soo Greyhounds joined the team for the 1978-79 season.

In the regular season of 30 games, the Huskies enjoyed tremendous success under Doug's guidance, winning 24, losing four and tying two but for the third year in a row they met their archrivals the Timmins Northstars in the semi-finals, and lost with the Timmins team going on to become league champions.

But the foundation had been laid, and in the 1978-79 season playing in the new Moore Arena, at the Chapleau Recreation Centre, with Doug returning as coach, the Huskies finally defeated the Northstars in the semi-finals, which to the team and Chapleau hockey fans seemed the equivalent of winning the Stanley Cup. They lost in the finals to Kirkland Lake Blue Devils. 

Doug beside bed at the Summerfest races

It would be the final season for the team in the NIHL which continued for several more years until it folded in the 1980s as the "baby boomers" grew older and players were no longer readily available.

After Doug succeeded me as coach, the Sentinel reported that fans and players wondered if I was now more excitable as manager than I had been as coach. As I went through files putting this rough draft of the Intermediate "A" Huskies history focusing on Doug's time as coach, and who was on the team, I really don't know. What I do know though, is that despite ups and downs, it was an awesome experience to have been part of the team and be able to live the great moments we all shared. Thanks guys, and a special thanks to Doug Prusky.

Doug, retired now from the Canadian Pacific Railway, lives in Chapleau with wife Tina (Cappellani) and daughter Mya where he is president of the Chapleau Figure Skating Club.

Happy New Year to all. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

John Tavella scores first goal in Moore Arena as Chapleau Intermediate 'A" Huskies down Valley East Crusaders in 1978

UPDATE: John Tavella died at age 59 on October 21, 2015.

The Chapleau Intermediate "A" Huskies inaugurated the Moore Arena at the Chapleau Recreation Centre,  on October 7 and 8, 1978 winning two exhibition games against the Valley East Crusaders.

With a crowd of more than 500 fans on hand for each game, the Huskies were "equal to the task" according to the Chapleau Sentinel, winning both games 6-4 and 5-4 respectively.

Doug Prusky, who had been a star with both the Chapleau Junior "B" and Intermediate "A" Huskies until an injury forced his retirement was entering his second year as coach of the Huskies. I was the manager.

David McAdam and Glen Cappellani shared goaltending duties.

John Tavella of Wawa, now playing for the Chapleau team, who had set an Ontario Hockey Association record for most points by a rookie when he played for the Sault Greyhounds, earned the honour of scoring the first goal in the Moore Arena at the 17:10 mark of the first period. Pat Swanson assisted.

The Sentinel reported that in the first game, Tavella and Jamie Doyle came through with "super performances culminating their efforts with two goals each.

RON LARCHER and the donkey

Entering their fourth year in the Northland Intermediate Hockey League, the Huskies, were playing the newest entry. The Crusaders were the 1977-78 Sudbury Intermediate League champions.

The first period ended in a 1-1 tie.

Doyle scored his first of the night in the second with assists going to Richard Lacroix and Bill Scheer. The Crusaders again tied the match but Ron Larcher scored on an unassisted effort, and the period ended 3-2 for the locals.

Ron Larcher, Bill Scheer on attack

But the Crusaders roared to the attack in the third pulling ahead by one goal.

Richard Lacroix, who had returned to the lineup after an absence started the comeback when he "put home one of his blasts" assisted by Larcher and Jacques Sylvestre. Fans were delighted to see Lacroix back with the Huskies. He had been the team's leading scorer and Rookie of the year during its first year of operation in 1975-76. Tavella scored his second of the night.

With six minutes left Doyle scored his second of the night assisted by Bill Scheer and Dave McMillan, which turned out to be the winning goal.

Veteran referee Jim Hong kept the game well under control handing out only minor penalties to both clubs.

Tavella was again the big marksman in the second game as he scored twice and earned one assist.

In the second game, Larcher opened the scoring for the Huskies after the Crusaders had taken the lead. Ted Swanson, who never missed a game in the team's four year history, assisted on Larcher's goal.

McMillan put the Huskies ahead with assists to Ted Zajac and Ted Swanson.

Although the Crusaders came back again, John Simon, also from Wawa, who had also played for the Sault Greyhounds, scored his first goal in a Chapleau uniform assisted by Tavella and Pat Swanson to give the locals a 3-2 edge at the end of the second period. Simon's son Chris played in the National Hockey League.

The Huskies in Summerfest bed race

In the third, the Crusaders tied the game, but Tavella put the Huskies back in front assisted by McMillan and then scored the winner assisted by Simon and George Card.

Barbara (Bowland) Groves advised that she sold the first ticket for the hockey game in the new Moore Arena. Barbara was the cashier and canteen manager until 1986, commenting "lots of hockey games." Thanks Barbara.

As an aside, while chatting with Graham Bertrand, co-chair of the Chapleau High School 90th anniversary reunion committee, he reminded me that the recreation centre had been officially opened on June 29, 1978, 34 years to the day of the beginning of the reunion.

BILL SCHEER, PAT SWANSON and GRAHAM!

in !978, Graham was the trainer for the Huskies, as well as serving as chair of Taste of the North the winter carnival and as a member of the Chapleau Recreation Centre. My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Photos courtesy of JOHN THERIAULT

Steve Prusky, Glen Cappellani, Jamie Doyle win top awards on Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies in 1973-74 hockey season

Steve, Glen, Jamie

Steve Prusky, Glen Cappellani and Jamie Doyle represented the fine defence, excellent goaltending and high scoring respectively of the 1973-74 Chapleau Junior 'B' Huskies, according to coverage  of the team's annual awards banquet.

Steve won the Pat Bamford Trophy as best defenceman, which was presented to him by Pat,  while Glen was awarded the Denis Foran Trophy as rookie of the year and the J.M. Shoup Memorial Trophy as most valuable player in the playoffs as chosen by the players.

Jamie, the team captain, received the Demers Trophy for leading scorer, with his 36 goals and 44 assists, as well as the Smith and Chapple Trophy as most valuable player in regular season play.

Other awards went to Ron Larcher, who won the Molson Trophy for outstanding accomplishments on ice: Robert Doyle, the Pierre Ste. Marie Trophy for being the most gentlemanly player; Charlie Raitakari, the Denis Martel Trophy as most valuable player on the Midgets and to George Card a trophy awarded by the fans to the individual whose play was outstanding beyond what was expected.

Steve, Mrs. Sweeney

As an aside, at a league awards night presentation in Wawa, Steve Prusky was presented the Mae Sweeney Trophy by Mrs. Sweeney as the best defenceman in the International Junior 'B' Hockey League. Steve continued his hockey career in the United States before returning home to join the Chapleau Intermediate 'A' Huskies of the Northland Intermediate Hockey League.


Jamie and Glen went on to play for the Intermediate 'A' Huskies too.

A plaque was presented to Bill 'Esher' Ritchie for his excellent work as trainer.

The annual awards night and dance with Dr. Frank Broomhead as master of ceremonies was held with a packed house at the Moose Hall. Special guests included Cochrane MP Ralph Stewart and Mrs. Stewart, Barry McKenzie, former member of Canada's national team and the Detroit Redwings, currently general manager of the Sudbury Wolves, Joe Drago managing director of operations of the Sudbury Wolves and Ray Bradley of Molson's.

Retiring after six years as president of the Chapleau Huskies Junior B Hockey club, Thomas B. Welch gave his congratulations to all the fine teams who had played during the years, the vast majority of them having come up through the minor hockey ranks. He also paid tribute to general manager Ted Tokarchuk, manager Earle Freeborn and coach George Swanson.

Tom, who founded the team, which played in the International Junior 'B' Hockey League,  with Keith 'Buddy' Swanson and Lorne Riley, also tossed a big bouquet to the fans for their support, according to Maggie Costello's report in the Sault Star.

Ralph Stewart commented on the tremendous support for the team as evidenced by the turnout of supporters at the banquet. He paid tribute to the mothers of the players for their interest and to the fathers who gave so much time to coaching and other offices. 

Mr. Stewart also objected to the amount of fighting that was in hockey games and stressed the need for good clean sport.

Lorne Hoppenreys who was soon to leave Chapleau but had been very active in hockey said he would miss the players and community. Ray Bradley long a familiar figure on the Chapleau sports scene was making his final appearance as he had been transferred to another district. As reeve I brought greetings on behalf of the municipality.

Pat Bamford, who was a member of the team executive and manager of the Midgets was responsible for the award presentation part of the evening, while Dr. Broomhead kept the evening's events. moving along. In his comments Dr. Broomhead gave special thanks to the township council for extensive improvements to the Chapleau Memorial Community Arena.  Not only had improvements been undertaken, but Earle Freeborn had accepted the position as part-time manager.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

CHS grad wins hockey trophy and another chairs Chapleau Recreation Committee in 1978

UPDATE: JAMIE DOYLE IS THE HOCKEY PLAYER AND PETER BERNIER CHAIRMAN OF RECREATION COMMITTEE!!
Tell us the name of the CHS graduate and Chapleau Junior 'B' and Intermediate 'A' Huskies star who received the Peter Blackburn Memorial Trophy from Mrs. Min Blackburn at the official opening of the Chapleau Recereation Centre in 1978, and the name of the person on the right seated who is also a CHS grad and was chairman of the Chapleau Recreation Committee at the time.

The hockey player was also captain of the 1970-71, and 71-72 Midget teams that I coached, and the Midget team he coached won NOHA title in 1979.