Cobourg

COBOURG COUGARS JUNIOR C HOCKEY 1971-1980

Making their debut in the Central Ontario Junior C League, the 1971-72 Cobourg Cougars would face Port Hope, Bowmanville, Lindsay, Whitby and Sutton in the 29-game schedule.

They finished the regular season with 13 wins, 13 losses and 3 ties. Under the stewardship of coach Vern MacGregor, manager Bob Olson and leadership of captain, Bruce Sherwin the Cougars stunned the group powerhouse Sutton South Shore Rangers in a seven-game, first round playoff upset.

They ultimately earned the right to represent the league in provincial play downs and advanced all the way to the OHA Junior C finals where they were eliminated in five games by the powerful Leamington Flyers. 

The top five scorers in that inaugural season were Jim Flesch (37 points), Ed Clarey (37 points), Terry Lewis (33 points), Pat Cork (32 points) and Brian Connor (26 points). The rest of that first Junior C cast also included Bill Whitelaw, Paul Bevan, Garth Beer, Mike Irwin, Paul Clarey, Kevin Lowe, Fred Dickey, Mike Thompson, John MacDonald, Tom Lewis and John Cane. Eddie Clarey would go on to play for the Quebec Major Junior A Hockey League's Cornwall Royals.

The 1972-73 Cougars would join Bowmanville, Lindsay, Markham, Oak Ridges, Penetang, Port Hope, Port Perry and Sutton in the Central Ontario Junior C League. They would finish the regular season with a record of 22 wins, 6 losses and 4 ties.

The top five scorers in the regular season were Ed Clarey (49 points), Terry Lewis (49 points), Garth Beer (38 points), Allan Bush (38 points) and Doug Choiniere (32 points). John Cane had a 3.46 GAA in net while Bob Stevenson posted a 3.26 GAA.

Members of the 72-73 Cougars included Trev Baxter, Garth Beer, Paul Bevan, Allan Bush, Ed Clarey, Paul Clarey, Doug Choiniere, Brian Connor, Jim Flesch, Charlie Fraser, Jon Greer, Bill Hazelwood, Terry Lewis, Gary Oliver, Ian Rundle, Bruce Sherwin, Mike Thompson, Stu Watson, Bill Whitelaw, John Cane and Bob Stevenson.

After the 1972-73 season Ed Clarey would go on to play 137 games, from 1973 to 1976, with the Cornwall Royals of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. During his 1975-76 season, Ed would rack up 75 points in 63 regular season games and pick up 6 points in 10 play off games. The Hockey News Draft preview issue listed Ed as the QMJHL’s #10 prospect for the 1976 NHL draft. In the 1976 NHL draft, Ed was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 4th round, 72nd overall. He was also selected in the 9th round, 97th overall by New England of the World Hockey Association.  

Schmalz Cup Winners
In 1974, the Cougars achieved what no other Cobourg OHA team had ever accomplished - winning the OHA provincial championship in their category. 
The Cougars would top the Central League regular season against Bowmanville, Frankford, Lindsay, Port Hope, Port Perry and Sutton with a record of 25 wins and 5 losses going on to become league playoff champions and winners of the Cougar Cup.

After disposing the Kingston Voyageurs in seven games on the strength of four home-ice victories in the opening round of the provincial playoff train as the Central Ontario league representative, the Cougars flirted with disaster in the semi-finals. Trailing Bradford Vasey's 3-1 in games and behind by a goal in the waning moments of a do-or-die struggle at the Bradford bandbox, they staged the mother of all comebacks inspired by the most famous goal in Junior C Cougar history. Terry Irwin triggered the life-saving goal with only three seconds left in regulation time to tie the score and send the game to OT, in which Cobourg prevailed. Thereafter, the Cougars also won games 6 and 7 to advance to the Ontario Junior C final against the Simcoe Jets.

Dropping the series opener to Simcoe, the Cougars recovered to reel off four straight wins, winning three in a row by a single goal before clinching the coveted crown on home ice by a 9-6 score. The celebration lasted for hours!

Terry Lewis, the Central League's scoring king with 88 points, would add 71 points in group and provincial playoffs to cap a sensational year. Other players leading the regular season scoring parade were Jim Flesch (64 points), Garth Beer (61 points), and Terry Irwin (59 points). Besides leading the team in scoring points, Terry Lewis would also garner 162 minutes in penalties during the regular season.

Goaltenders, Ron Fowler and Bob Stevenson would face a total of 1104 shots during the regular season averaging 36.8 shots per game for a combined Goals Against Average of 4.83.

Provincial champions included Garth Beer, Paul Bevan, Alex Calder, Doug Choiniere, Brian Connor, Randy Fife, Jim Flesch, Terry Irwin, Terry Lewis, John Pollock, Pat Rutherford, Stu Watson and Bill Whitelaw. Also contributing to the cause were Rob Dunn, Pat Kelly, Kim Linton, Dwight Beer, John Roffey and Garth Grosjean.

On December 30th, 1988, a 15-year reunion game was held at the Cobourg Memorial Arena. Over 1300 fans took in the match-up between the Schmalz Cup winners of 1973-74 and the 1988-89 Cobourg Cougars.

The 1974-75 season saw the Cougars regain the Central Ontario league title at the expense of arch rival Lindsay Muskies. Despite leading the round 2-1 and 3-1 against the Dunnville Terriers in the provincial quarter-finals, the Cougars eventually surrendered in game seven.

Personnel of that Cobourg squad included Marty Kernaghan, Ian Williams, Tom Sharpe, Mike Ryan, Brian Read, Gary Oliver, Rick and Randy Fife, John Buckley, Floyd Fennema, Don Davidson, Peter Briand, Paul Bevan, Alex Calder, Pat Rutherford, Bill Whitelaw and Rick Stevenson. Marty Kernaghan was inducted into the Cobourg and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 for his overall athletic achievements and his illustrious softball career. 

The 1975-76 Central Ontario Junior C League included Bowmanville, Cobourg, Frankford, Lindsay, Port Hope, Port Perry and Stouffville. Cobourg would finish the regular season with a record of 25 wins, 7 losses and 4 ties. Randy Fife was the Central Ontario Junior C League scoring champion.
The Cougars beat Port Perry in the first round of league playoffs 4 games to 2 and would go on to sweep Lindsay in 4 games to claim the right to go forward in the provincial playdowns.

Pictured below, Captain Bill Whitelaw accepts the Cougar Cup from Lloyd Gilliam, Lindsay.

The Cougars would see the dream die when they lost their quarter final series to Huntsville.

For the 1975-76 season Peter Briand and Rick Fife would share the net minding with Fife appearing in 69% of the league games.

Other members of the Cougar cast included Terry Lewis, Rick Stevenson, Rod MacDonald, Randy Fife, Bill Whitelaw, Don Davidson, Tom Sharpe, Mike Ryan, Ian Williams, Gary Oliver, Alex Calder, Pat Rutherford, Marty Kernaghan, Paul Bevan, Floyd Fennema, Steve Witteveen, Jeff Timlin, Brian Read, Morris Petherick, Doug Choiniere and John Buckley.

Regular season scoring leaders were Randy Fife (95 points), Marty Kernaghan (74 points), Gary Oliver (61 points), Terry Lewis (52 points) and Tom Sharpe (49 points).

Pictured below are defensemen Paul Bevan, John Buckley and Doug Choiniere who Cobourg Star sports editor, Layton Dodge dubbed “The BBC Line”.

This would mark the end of the so-called glory years as the Cougars struggled in the upcoming three seasons.

The 1976-1977 Cougars would welcome back veterans Pete Briand, Doug Choiniere, Rick Stevenson, Alex Calder, Jeff Timlin, John Buckley, Paul Bevan, Tom Sharpe and Ron Fowler. They would be joined by graduating Midget and Juvenile players Gary Hope, Morris Petherick, Chris Brandt, Randy Sughrue, Steve Witteveen, Phil Choiniere, Jack Norris and Ken Stevenson.

The last regular season home game was played in Cobourg on Monday February 14th, 1977 against Stouffville and would serve as a warm-up for the first round of playoffs which were scheduled to start in Stouffville Friday, February 18th. The Port Hope Panthers would be the regular season champions while the Bowmanville Eagles would triumph in league playoffs and become the Ontario Junior C finalist.

The 1977-1978 season would see the Cougars sitting in fourth spot in early February 1977 in the seven-team league behind Bowmanville, Stouffville and Port Perry. Trailing the Cougars in the standings were Lindsay, by 1 point, Port Hope and Uxbridge. 

Captain Morris Petherick and Assistant Captains, Ken Stevenson and Ross McCullum would be joined by Rick Buchanan, Jim Saddler, Kim LaFontaine, Randy Sughrue, Bill Shannon, Jack Norris, Rob Harnden, Mike Ryan, Bill Hutchings, Larry Landry, Steve Witteveen, Tom Gerolamy, Dave Eakins and Glen Davis. As they had from the inception of Junior C play, Vern MacGregor, Clarke Sommerville and Andy Kolodziej were stalwart behind the bench.

Halfway through the 1978-79 season, the Cougars were in second spot in the standings with 24 points. Although tied with Port Hope in points, Cobourg had played 1 less game. The Central Ontario Junior C league was now home to 9 entries including Bowmanville, Port Hope, Port Perry, Beaverton, Lindsay, Stouffville, Uxbridge and Little Britain.

Cougar alumnus, Terry Lewis, joined long standing coach Vern MacGregor behind the bench and the club was captained by John Crowley and assistants Jim Saddler and Wayne Rorabeck. The rest of the team included goaltenders, Mark Flesch and Glen Davis as well as Rick Palmateer, Gord Sharpe, Ian Williams, Glenn Roberts, Randy Sughrue, Richard Tryon, Mike Gibson, Shawn Turland, Bill Shannon, Kyle Campbell, Larry Landry, Rob Harnden, Mark Hutchinson and Andy Cyr.

In 1979, Terry Lewis would be in sole control of the bench as long-time coach, Vern MacGregor stepped away to join the Board of Directors. At December 13, 1979, the Cougars trailed first place Bowmanville in the standings by one point. The Cougars would respond with a first place in league play with a record of 20-6-6. They won the right to advance to the OHA provincial quarter finals in a seven-game series with Bowmanville. Their provincial run would come to an end at the hands of the Gananoque G-Men. It was later learned that the G-Men had used illegal over-age players during the Cobourg series.

The 1979-1980 squad included Captain Rob Harnden, Assistant Captains Rick Palmateer and Randy Sughrue along with Phil Hennessey, Mark Flesch, Gary Hope, Steve Jones, Steve Diminie, Mike Gibson, Shawn Turland, Paul McCracken, Bill Shannon, Kyle Campbell, Peter Williams, Jim West, Bill Hutchings, Carl Deline, Ray Mosher and Wayne Rorabeck. 

The Cobourg Mark Tripp Wholesaler Bantams started the 1990-91 hockey season with high expectations. The recounting of their year is told here from only 15 scans of the many stories that appeared in the Cobourg Daily Star that season.  

October 4, 1990 Cobourg Daily Star

Wholesale Bantams should be solid club

Bet the rent money on Cobourg Bantam Wholesalers enjoying a successful season in OMHA ranks.

Wholesalers have plenty of size and experience going for them. Of the 15 rostered players who'll open their Lakeshore League season next Tuesday, nine are major bantams, four are graduates of the 1989-90 Peewees and two are making the transition from bantam house league hockey.

Brent Sedgwick and Tim Horgan will share netminding duties for the Wholesalers. Manning the defence corps in front of them will be Doug Wright, Brian McDermott, Dale Black and Scott Connor.

The forwards charged with putting the numbers on the board, while not neglecting their backchecking assignments include John Hustler, Scott Davis, Bob Fulton, Allan Stewart, Jeremy Macklin, Brad Boundy, Greg Cameron, Steve Peck and Greg Bowen.

Head Coach Terry McDermott provides a breath of fresh air. He's being assisted by Bob Boundy, Manager of the Wholesalers, as well as the goaltending coach Dave Powers. 

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Kenneth Wayne James Petrie was born July 11, 1946 in Stratford, Ontario. In 1957 when he was 11, he and his family moved to Cobourg. In 1972 they moved to Furnace Street across from Memorial Arena where he eventually worked for many years.

During a month-long visit from his grandfather one summer, Ken learned to play ball which sparked a life-long love of sports. He was an avid bowler as well early in his life.

Unselfishly, Ken devoted most of his adult life to minor sports in Cobourg—namely: the Cobourg Community Hockey League (CCHL); Cobourg Legion Minor Softball Association (CLMSA) and Cobourg Baseball Association (CBA).

It was about 1965 when Ken was 19 that Layton Dodge recruited him to volunteer with the Cobourg Church Hockey League. He helped Gord Burdick Senior coach the St. Andrew’s Church League team. Thus began a life-long tenure with the CCHL until the organization moved from Memorial Arena to the CCC in 2011.

In hockey, Ken was a tireless workhorse helping out wherever he could whether it be as a coach, manager, trainer, fundraiser, Bingo volunteer, executive member, committee member, or just plain taking on responsibilities when necessary—when no one else would, he did if he could.

He was president of the CCHL a record 11 times (1979-82, 1985, 1993, 1999-2003) and was a long-time life member. He was OMHA contact person many, many times (a time consuming, huge responsibility), ice chairman, governor, tournament convenor, timekeeper/scorekeeper, budget committee member and astoundingly, many of these in a single hockey season. Those who worked with Ken didn’t mind helping him though—as he never asked anyone to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. It is on record that Layton Dodge called Ken “the driving force behind the CCHL”. Also, Past President, Jim Nairn is quoted as saying “Ken Petrie’s sense of community and love for the game is what kept him coming back.”

A source of great pride for Ken throughout his time in the CCHL was seeing all of Cobourg’s championship hockey banners hanging from the rafters in Memorial Arena. Also, he was extremely proud of the fact that the CCHL housed both boys and girls hockey (OMHA and OWHA) under the CCHL umbrella.

Ken’s happy cheerful demeanor along with his willingness to help, gave credence to the CCHL motto “Dedicated to Our Youth”. That was Ken Petrie through and through.

Besides the enormous amount of time spent volunteering with hockey during fall and winter, Ken loved spending the summer months coaching boys or girls teams in either softball or baseball. For many years he donated the trophies for the ‘golden glove’ competitions during Cobourg Baseball tournaments. And, little known to the general public, Ken Petrie throughout his time in sports often made sure that a kid on his team who needed a ball glove, hockey stick or whatever in order to play—and whose parents couldn’t afford it, was given what they needed from Sommerville’s.... he’d go into the store and square up with Clarke or Dave later.

Since the mid 1960s, Ken has compiled the most amazing record when it comes to provincial championship wins and claims 10 provincial titles with minor sports—hockey, softball and baseball combined: perhaps the most ever in Cobourg. They are listed below plus an EOBA championship.

The certificates commemorating Ken’s provincial championship wins are not very detailed as to the individual winning team names. However, in an article by Cobourg Star writer Darryl Thompson in 2005, Ken clearly states he had an All-Ontario hockey championship, one Ontario Girls’ softball championship, four Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) championships and four Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) titles. The Ontario Championships are listed below. He coached baseball in Port Hope as well.

A provincial championship title captured by the Legion Squirt Red Wings Softball team coached by Ken and the late Tom Savage in 1967 was Cobourg Legion Minor Softball’s first ever provincial title. 

Ken's many certificates, citations, plaques and awards for service to community were at one time proudly displayed in his home. Some of them are listed below. Many are being added to the 'Collection' at the Cobourg and District Sports Hall of Fame website.

There were many hockey/ball teams Ken coached, some won awards. The many team photos, also being added to the 'Collection', are small proof of Ken's extensive coaching involvement.

In July 2013, Ken suffered an abdominal aortic aneurysm and moved to a nursing home in Port Hope where he resides today.

Ontario Championships

1967 - Cobourg Legion Squirt “A” Red Wings OASA Softball Team (with Tom Savage)

1970 - PWSA Martin’s Sunoco Girls Softball Team (with Audrey Warner). Ken’s sister Mary Checkley played on this team

1976 - Cobourg Legion Squirt “B” OASA Softball Team (with John Hayden)

1979 - EOBA Tyke  ‘A’ Champs with Sommerville Leprechauns Baseball Team (with Pete  Sweet)

1983 - Cobourg Legion Pirates Peewee ‘D’ Baseball Team (with Al Guernsey & Gord Latourneau)

1984 - Cobourg Bantam Baseball Team

1988-89 - Harnden & King ‘BB’ PeeWee OMHA Hockey Team (with John Donegan)

1990 - Legion PeeWee ‘B’ Pirates Baseball Team (with Ron Jay and Dave Clarke)

1998 - Cobourg Legion Midget “B” OASA Softball Team (with Bob Bateman)

Finalists

1972 - Thompson Plumbing & Heating Saints Midget Girls PWSA (with Ross Burgess and Les Stevenson)

1982 - Cobourg Legion Pirates PeeWee ‘C’ Baseball (with Dave Bemma & Bob Barkhouse)

Honours & Awards

1972-73 - Cobourg Church Hockey League “Coach of the Year Award” St. Andrew’s PeeWee North Stars

1976 - Certificate of Merit from the Cobourg Legion Minor Softball Association in appreciation of outstanding service to the youth of our community

1978/79 - OMHA Coach of the Year (with Dennis Whelan) in the CCHL

1980 - The Spooner Sport Award for outstanding contributions to minor sport

1981 - Cobourg Baseball Association’s “Jim Munro Memorial Trophy” for Coach of the Year

1983 - Cobourg Baseball Association’s “Jim Munro Memorial Trophy” for Coach of the Year

1984 - Cobourg Baseball Association’s "Jim Munro Memorial Trophy" for Coach of the Year to Ken Petrie and Wayne Wiggins

1987 - Sesquicentennial Celebration Award - Town of Cobourg - Angus Read

1987 - Canada Celebration 88 (Olympic Partner) - Certificate of Merit from the Government of Canada in grateful recognition of your contribution to your community

1990 - YMCA Service to Youth Award

1990 - Cobourg Baseball Association’s “Jim Munro Memorial Trophy” Coach of the Year Award presented by Frank Waghorn

1993 - OBA’s “Bantam Coach of the Year Award” from AAA to E levels (a province-wide citation)

1997 - Ontario Municipal Recreation Association Certificate from the Town of Cobourg given at the CCHL’s annual awards banquet with Layton Dodge

1997 - Life Member of the Cobourg Community Hockey League - inscripted on the CCHL Life Member Plaque

1997 - Life Member of Cobourg Legion Minor Softball Association

2001 - Ontario Minor Hockey Association - Letter of Commendation from OMHA President Pat Parlette 

2007 - Nomination for the National “RBC Hockey Heroes Award” 

2019 - Members of the Northumberland Baseball Association assume that Ken was a life member of the former CBA though no documentation 

By Rosey Bateman

 
Softball-Margie Matthews

by Patsy (Currelly) Hand

Margaret Anne Matthews was born on May 15, 1960, in Cobourg. From a very young age, Margie was an abundantly talented, multi-sport athlete who consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

While in high school at CDCI West, 1974-1979, she played each year on the basketball, volleyball and badminton teams. She was on the track team and participated in javelin, discus, shotput and the 4 x 100 relay teams. It was in javelin that she excelled. In 1978 she was voted MVP of the basketball team, the volleyball team, she received a coaching award and was the school’s Athlete of the Year.

She was also awarded Cobourg's Athlete of the Year that year. In 1979, CDCI West created the “Matthews Award" which was presented to students for performance and leadership. After high school she played varsity hockey and basketball. She has been awarded Athletic Letters at all levels of school: public, high school and university levels.

Margie burst onto the provincial softball stage at the age of 12 when she played for David and Clarke Sommerville’s  Sinclair Mustangs. They were successful in capturing the Ontario Novice Championship in 1972. Here is how David recalls Margie’s contribution to the win in the qualifying tournament leading up to the finals….

At 14, Margie Matthews joined Paul Currelly’s Cobourg Angels Juvenile softball team and competed against players that were 18 and 19 years of age.
Margie’s talents continued to shine. While playing with the Angels, she won two more Ontario Titles at the Junior B level in 1975 and 1976. In 1977, Paul decided to start a Midget Cobourg Angel team and as Margie was still eligible to play at this level, he built the team around her.

She was the captain that year and won the batting championship. Her determination, positivity and talent motivated the team to achieve a higher standard of play. She continued to play with the Angels and won an Ontario title in 1979 (Juvenile). Comments from her coach, Paul Currelly follow: 

Margie left Cobourg for university and played Senior Tier I fastball with the Kitchener Kieswetters. She returned to Cobourg in 1984(Senior Tier II) and helped the Cobourg Angels win another Ontario Title. In 1985 Margie started a full-time job in New Hamburg and again left the area and played Senior Tier I softball with Kitchener.

She won their outstanding player award that year. In 1986 she was picked up by an opposing team, the St. Clements Suns to attend Expo ’86, a mini world tournament in Vancouver. In 1989 her team, the St. Clements Suns won an Ontario Senior Tier I Championship and went to the Canadians, placing 4th.

Margie continues to be an amazing athlete as a golfer. She has won 18 Club Championships (Stratford (16) & Craigowan-Oxford (2)). She played for team Ontario in 2004 and won a Canadian interprovincial title.

She won an Ontario 4-ball Tournament with MaryAnn Hayward in 2007 and an Ontario mid-Am tournament in 2009 (73-75-69). In 2011 she made the Ontario senior team that won a Canadian interprovincial title. She had a Golf Ontario Mid-Am ranking of 4th and 5th in 2009-2011.

Margie has not only been an amazing athlete but she also has coached volleyball and badminton at the high school level, coached softball at the Midget level and was assistant coach to the 1990 Cobourg Angels Senior Tier I fastball team that won the Ontario title and then went to the Canadian championship and placed 4th. She was a Softball Canada clinic instructor and has refereed volleyball, basketball and umpired softball.  

As an athlete Margie has had many accomplishments in multiple sports and continues to add to these accomplishments but it is her talent, her work ethic, her enthusiasm and her love for sports that raises her above her peers.

Biography

COBOURG DISTRICT COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE (CDCI) WEST HIGH SCHOOL - 1974-1979

1974 - 1979 Participated on basketball, volleyball, badminton, and track & field (javelin, discus, shotput and 4x100 relay) teams. (Lots of awards) 

1975 - won midget javelin (92' 4") & discus(74') both South Kawartha records, Kawartha javelin (92'6") and placed 6th at C.O.S.S.A.

1978 - MVP basketball, MVP volleyball, Coaching Award, Athlete of the Year

1978 - Cobourg Athlete of the Year

1979 - Won Senior South Kawartha javelin  (98'5"), won Kawartha Singles badminton

1977 - 1979 President co-ed Athlete Association

1979 - Awarded newly created 'Matthews Award' for Performance and Leadership (awarded annually until school closed)

1979 - awarded 'Citizenship Award' (Burnett - Drope)

Awarded public school, high school and university athletic letters

Refereed volleyball and basketball throughout high school

Umpired one summer, girls Cobourg softball

SOFTBALL/FASTBALL

1972 - Ontario Novice Champions 'Sinclair Mustangs'

1975 - Ontario Junior B Champions, 'Cobourg Angels'

1976 - Ontario Junior B Champions, 'Cobourg Angels' (team was voted Cobourg Athlete of the Year)

1979 - Ontario Juvenile A Champions, 'Cobourg Angels'

1984 - Ontario Sr Tier II Champions, 'Cobourg Angels'

1986 - St. Clements Suns picked Margie up to attend the Expo 86 'mini world fastball tournament', held in Vancouver, B.C. Teams participating were  from Japan, China, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Chinese-Taipei and the host Vancouver team

1989 - Ontario Sr Tier I Champions, Cambridge/St. Clements Suns

1989 - National Sr Tier I Championships Cambridge/St. Clements Suns (finished 4th)

1990 - Ontario Sr Tier I Champions, Asst. Coach, 'Cobourg Angels' 

1990 - National Sr Tier I Championships, Asst. Coach, 'Cobourg Angels' (finished 4th)

POST HIGH SCHOOL

1979 - 1980 Centennial College varsity College hockey- Co-MVP

1980 - 1981 Wilfrid Laurier University- varsity basketball team- Voted Rookie of the Year

1981 - 1982 Wilfrid Laurier University- varsity basketball team

1983 - 1989 competitive Senior womens  hockey- Kitchener and St Clements

COACHING

1978 - Midget girls volleyball - CDCI West

1979 - Midget girls volleyball - CDCI West

1983 - Badminton - CDCI West

1983 - Stratford Midget girls softball team

1983 - Softball Canada - clinic instructor

1990 - Cobourg Angels, assistant coach, senior fastball team

GOLF - 1993-present

2004 - made Ontario women's amateur team by placing 4th at ON tourney
- team Ontario won Canadian inter-provincial title

2007 - won Ontario 4-ball tournament with MaryAnn Hayward

2009 - won Ontario Mid-Am title at Markland Woods (73-75-69)

2011 - made Ontario senior team by placing 3rd at ON tournament
- team Ontario won Canadian inter-provincial title
- placed 8th at Canadian tournament at Whitevale G.C.

2009 - 2011 Golf Ontario mid-am ranking 4th and 5th 2009-2011

Won 16 Stratford Club championships, 2 at Craigowan-Oxford

Kevin Fast

Born: April 13, 1963, St. Catharines, ON

Family:

Wife- Suzanne
Children – Abigail, Jacob, Matthew

Education:

North Park Collegiate, Brantford, ON.  Diploma  1982
McMaster University B.A. 1998. (Bachelor)
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, M.Div., 1992.(Master)
Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., D.Min., 2002.(Doctor)

Strength Sports:

Heavy Events amateur competitor 1994-1996
Heavy Events professional competitor 1996- still going
Games organizer 1996- still going
Competed in Canada, USA, Scotland, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, China, Singapore, Thailand and Germany

World Records:

Guinness World Record 1998– Heaviest truck pulled over 100ft – 16 ton
Ripley’s Record            1999– Heaviest trucks pulled over 100ft -2x16 ton
Guinness World Record 2001– Heaviest truck pulled over 100ft. – 27 ton
Guinness World Record 2003– Heaviest truck pulled over 100ft. – 28 ton
Guinness World Record 2004– Heaviest truck pulled over 100ft. – 51.4 ton
Guinness World Record 2007-  Heaviest truck pulled over 100ft  - 63 ton
Guinness World Record 2008– Heaviest truck pulled with arm wrestling – 8.5 ton

Guinness World Record 2008-  Most people walking on stilts for 100 m

Guinness World Record 2008-  Heaviest truck pulled over 100ft - 63.2 ton

Guinness World Record 2009-  Heaviest plane pulled – 208 ton

Guinness World Record 2010-  Lifted and held 500kg for longest time 42s

Guinness World Record 2010- Heaviest House pulled 40 ton

Guinness World Record 2011- Heaviest truck pulled with arm wrestling– 12 ton

Guinness World Record 2011– Heaviest vehicle pulled by two people – 75 ton

Ripley’s Record             2011– Most people back lifted – 22 people

Guinness World Record 2011– Lifted and held 500 kg for longest time 60s

Guinness World Record 2011-  Most people lifted with shoulders – 10 people

Guinness World Record 2013–Heaviest truck pulled with arm wrestling–12.5 ton

Guinness World Record 2013-  Most people lifted with shoulders – 11 people

Guinness World Record 2013-  Most cabers tossed in 3 minutes - 14

Guinness World Record 2013-  Heaviest sled pulled by Santa – 17.5 ton

World Record 2013- Stan Lee's Superhumans- Heaviest truck pulled - 140 ton

Guinness World Record 2014– Most cabers tossed simultaneously - 52

Guinness World Record 2014– Most cabers tossed in 3 min. by two people - 11

Guinness World Record 2014– Most cars pulled 5 meters – 15

Guinness World Record 2015- Most cabers tossed simultaneously - 69

Guinness World Record 2015- Most cabers tossed in 3 min by 2 people– 15

Guinness World Record 2016– Heaviest truck pulled with arm wrestling – 16 ton

Guinness World Record 2016– Heaviest vehicle pulled by two people– 91 ton

Guinness World Record 2016– Heaviest vehicle pulled by one person– 75 ton

Guinness World Record 2017– Heaviest vehicle pulled by one person– 109 ton

Guinness World Record 2017– Heaviest vehicle pushed by one person-  12 tons

Guinness World Record 2017– Heaviest vehicle pulled in seated position–12 tons

Guinness World Record 2018– Most cabers tossed in one hour – 122

Guinness World Record 2020-  Heaviest sled pulled – 18 ton

World Records set in Canada, USA, Italy, China.

Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 300 lbs.

Charities:

Pulled trucks to raise money for:

Pull for Kids (Lung Association – Asthma)
Waumer Walk (ALS)

Tim Horton’s Kid’s Camp

Soldier On

McDonald’s Children’s Charities
Fire Prevention Week

Habitat for Humanity

Alzheimer’s Society

TV appearances:

TLC “World’s Most Awesome Record Breakers”
TBS, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not”
CTV “Canada AM”
CBC “The X”
Global “News Special”
Global “100 Huntley St.”
City TV “Breakfast TV”
Real TV
Discovery Channel “Record Breakers”
Documentary, “Good to Finish”
Discovery Channel “Daily Planet.”

ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox “Regis and Kelly”, “Anderson” “Steve Harvey”

AT&T Uverse – Record Breakers

History Channel - Stan Lee Super Humans

Museums:

Shoes are on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, St. Augustine, Florida
Shoes are on display at Guinness World Records Museum, Niagara Falls, Canada

Books and Magazines:

Guinness Desk top calendar 1999
Guinness World Book of Records 2003
Guinness World Book of Records 2004
Guinness World Book of Records 2005

Guinness World Book of Records 2009

Guinness World Book of Records 2010

Guinness World Book of Records 2011

Guinness World Book of Records 2012

Guinness World Book of Records 2013

Guinness World Book of Records 2014

Guinness World Book of Records 2015

Guinness World Book of Records 2016

Guinness World Book of Records 2017

Guinness World Book of Records 2018

Guinness World Book of Records 2020

Guinness World Book of Records 2021

Ripley’s Believe It or Not 2005 (Blue Ed.)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not 2005 (Scholastic)
Ripley’s Believe It or Not “Odd-inary People”  

Ripley’s Believe It or Not 2011, 2013

Muscle and Fitness April 2005 (Ten Greatest Strength Feats)
Muscle and Fitness December 2005

Sports Illustrated Dec.11, 2009 Best Pictures of the Year

ESPN The Magazine Sept. 21, 2010

Cane Remembered as Tireless Volunteer

Published May 24, 2012 Northumberland Today by Jeff Gard 

A big void has been left in the community of Baltimore.

Former arena manager and longtime volunteer Neil Cane died suddenly on Monday. He was 78.

There is no denying the legacy Cane has left in the Township of Hamilton and surrounding areas.

"My sympathies definitely go to the family and friends of Neil", Hamilton Township Mayor Mark Lovshin said when contacted on Tuesday. "Quite an asset for Hamilton Township to lose. He had his heart within the municipality. He was always there when we needed him. He will be sadly missed." 

Visitations will be held today from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home in Cobourg. A funeral service will take place tomorrow at MacCoubrey's at 11am with internment to follow at Cobourg  Union Cemetery.

What George Quigley-who along with his wife Anne runs Baltimore Minor Hockey-will remember most about Cane is "his giving" and he expects he's not alone.

"That's what you'll hear from everybody," Quigley said. "(Cane was) always there for you. He would do anything."

Former Hamilton Township Mayor Forrest Rowden-who is a current Cobourg Councillor-was involved in municipal politics there for 18 years. He was mayor until 2006 several years after Cane had retired but still remained a loyal volunteer. In fact, a lot of the time Cane spent working while as an employee of the municipality for two decades could be considered "volunteer."

"Every 40 hours pay you gave Neil you had 80 hours work and that was a fact." Rowden said. "Neil felt that park was his backyard and he kept it just that way. He was so devoted to the community."

Rowden said Cane-who retired in 2000-hardly ever used his vacation time.

"He couldn't go on holidays because he figured he would be needed" Rowden said. "When he retired he was going to travel but Neil didn't want to leave the community. He wanted to be there."

"He was kind of like a legend" remarked Brian Marjoram "and I use that in a serious manner."

"Everybody knew him and everybody knew the work he did" added Marjoram, a retired teacher from Baltimore Public School. "He often did the work anonymously. He wasn't there for the accolades. He just did it because it needed to be done. He was one of those guys who grabbed the bull by the horns and got down to work. He was non-stop. No job was to big, no job was too small."

Marjoram worked closely with Cane on the Baltimore School Millennium Garden project. Some people Marjoram recalled, complained there was too much of an incline and they couldn't get up the hill.

"So Neil built stairs" Marjoram said, noting there was also a semi-circular student bench that could accommodate 30 children. "These projects, he would do many of them by himself."

Both Marjoram and Rowden credited Cane for helping to build Jacob's Ladder which leaves from County Road 45 up to Baltimore United Church.

Close friend Keith Curtis worked on many projects with Cane especially around the Baltimore Recreation Center. Curtis said Cane was always quick to lend a hand.

"He was just that kind of guy" Curtis said "When he was working (for the Township) he didn't just work for 40 hours; he worked the times he was needed. It could be midnight but if something needed to be done he would be there. He was just a great guy to be with."

Layton Dodge, the former longtime sportswriter for the Cobourg Daily Star said he always considered Cane to be "Mr. Baltimore" even though his contributions reached other communities such as Cobourg, Grafton and Cold Springs as well.

Dodge believes Cane was active in the Baltimore community for six decades. He also remembers Cane coming into Cobourg in the 1950s to referee all the minor hockey games with Lionel (Pat) Briand. They did it for free.

In addition "he coached just about anything there is to coach" Dodge said "and he was an excellent umpire; one of the better ones around."

Cane was involved with hockey, ball and figure skating in Baltimore.

In 2002 ball diamond No 1 in Baltimore was renamed the Neil Cane Diamond, a tribute to his contributions through the years.

Anytime there was rain Cane was quick to get outside and get the diamonds in shape as soon as possible. Often times portions of tournaments from other communities would be moved to Baltimore following rain delays just because the diamonds were ready to go due to Cane's work.

"The sports community is poorer because of his passing" Dodge said. "Everyone appreciated what he did. He was a hard worker. Anything that needed to be done he would do it. He was a great humanitarian and a real good Samaritan Extraordinaire."

Anne Quigley had just met with Cane this past week at the recreation center's outdoor summer canteen which is run by Baltimore Minor Hockey. She was going to get it ready for the season and phoned Cane.

"I knew better than to just go there and not tell him" she said. "Next thing you know he's there doing the grills and oiling them up and all the other things he's always done. He did them as a manager and he did them as a volunteer."

Next week he was going to help change the bulletin boards inside the arena.

"He was always still giving to minor hockey and any of the clubs here" Quigley said.

Quigley said Cane was known as 'The Boss'.

"He always took charge with whatever he did." she said. "It didn't matter if he was moving tables or chairs he directed everybody where they should put them and what the easiest way was."

Quigley said Cane earned all the respect that was shown to him. She recalled a time when the arena management board fundraised to purchase new fencing for ballparks which Cane wanted and was going to install. The rolls of chain-link fencing were delivered on a Friday night.

By the Monday, Cane returned to find all the fencing had been stolen. In a newspaper article Quigley said Cane voiced his disgust that someone had stolen from the community.

"The next night the phone rang and Neil said he had the fencing" said Quigley, noting she asked him "how?"

Ken Goodwin from Fisher's Foodland in Cobourg had read the story and offered to pick up the tab to replace the fencing.

In later conversations, Quigley talked to Goodwin about the gesture.

"(Goodwin) said "how do you not help someone when they have given so much to everybody?" she said "that's the kind of respect Neil had."

"Neil was the kind of person who was your friend, but he was your mentor too" Quigley added.

George Quigley said Cane offered his time very generously for minor hockey.

"We have to thank his family because we used him a lot and he didn't mind" he said. "He was with us a lot of times when he could've been around the house."

"Cane will be missed by the entire community" Quigley said.

"That's what it is; a community loss" he said.

Cane was the beloved husband of Shirley, father of John (Lena), Laurie  (Craig Dynes) Peter, Cathy and David and grandfather to Cody, Courtney, Aaron, Joshua, Jason (Deb) and Robyn. He is survived by his sister Ruth Bolderstone and predeceased by his brothers Lorne (Bus), Gordon, Bob, Doug, Harry (Mike), Ken, Allen, Percy (Bud) and several half brothers and sisters. He is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

If desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society.

Gord John Brooks was born in Cobourg September 11, 1950.

He played his minor hockey with the Cobourg Church League.

In 1967 Gord made the Cobourg Cougar Junior 'B' team.

The pages that follow, in this 'Story' 1975-1987 and in the

first 'Story' 1957-1975, of Gord's career were compiled and 

assembled by Beth, Gord's wife of over 44 years. 

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SHORT MAT BOWLING – COBOURG CLUB HISTORY

It was at a meeting on October 13, 1998 at the prompting of Mrs Dorothy Allen, OLBA representative, when the Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club executive introduced the subject of starting up a club for Short Mat Bowling. 

The game of Short Mat Bowls, a very popular indoor sport played in the UK, appeared to be the answer for we Canadians to keep active and fit during the winter months. At present, 2021, the Cobourg Short Mat Club is active from October through to the end of April.

Short Mat Bowling by no means is restricted to the UK and Ireland but internationally thriving national associations also exist in Belgium, Sweden and Norway. Although a variation of lawn bowls, Short Mat is relatively modern, its origins appear to be wrapped in a mystery of folk lore and dates back to about 1926 in Belfast.

Once the presentation was finished there was no hesitation with nineteen lawn bowlers signing up immediately, and a further 20 names on the ‘interested’ checklist. Dorothy Allen, following up on a tip from John Schumann, wasted no time in arranging the use of the drill hall of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. A locker and storage room for the mats were also provided by the militia.  

Three 30’ by 6’ old carpet bowls mats were donated by Dorothy Allen and John Schumann. They were cut and spliced to make two 45’ regulation size carpets for Short Mat Bowling. Dorothy also advised us that three more mats (tournament size) were available on loan from the Ontario Association. Reg Longman donated a dolly which Emil Lindt converted into a storage vehicle for the mats.  

A committee was formed, and volunteers used their skills to build the fenders and equipment needed for playing the game. Other volunteers stepped forward to fill the needed positions to look after the financials, insurance, organizational needs, coaching and liaison with the Lawn Bowling Club who provided name tags and ‘Jacks’ on loan until we were able to purchase the correct heavier ones later in the season.

AND SO THE BOWLING BEGAN – October 17, 1998 to April 29, 1999

The original 19 members grew throughout the season to 47.  The highlight of our first season was hosting the 1999 Ontario Short Mat Bowling Championships on March 6th and 7th. With the help of the Niagara Falls Bowling Club who loaned us four additional mats we were able to accommodate eight mats of pairs. Bowlers belonging to clubs from Chatham, Bradford, Niagara Falls, Burlington, Oshawa, Brampton, and Cobourg entered the competition.  

Fred Stringer (Tournament Chair), Ross Adams (Drawmaster) and Peter Kurita (Umpire) presented the winning teams with a handsome silver trophy and prize money. Participants enjoyed dinner at the Cobourg Yacht Club thanks to Myrtle Wardman and Dorothy Allen. The Cobourg Town Crier presented gifts and souvenirs. 

In 1999 with the expert guidance of John Simpson we were successful in obtaining a Trillium Foundation Grant totalling $8,000.00 to be paid in two installments. We initially purchased four new mats from Verdi Sports Limited, UK which we received in January 2000. Two more mats arrived in September which enabled the 2000/2001 season to increase in membership to over 70.

Eventually the club raised enough money to purchase a seventh mat in February 2003. Typical cost of a single mat including shipment from England, customs, and trucking charges amounted to approximately $2,000 Canadian.

IN-CLUB AND OPEN TOURNAMENTS

We endeavoured to hold in-club tournaments once a month, often with a theme such as ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Snowflake’, ‘President’s Tourney’, ‘Skip-A-Long Loonie’ and ‘the Springfest Tournament’ which has been an annual competition with the Brighton Short Mat Club for many years. Another annual tournament was named the “John Schumann Tournament and Pizza Party” in honour of John who bowled well into his 80s.

Most of the in-club tournaments included potluck lunches or perhaps reservations for dinner in a local restaurant afterwards. A record of the winning scores were kept and an AWARD printed and posted on the club bulletin board each month for all to see.

PARTIES AND CAKES

Every Christmas would be celebrated with specially planned events to include the members and their spouse or guest. Arrangements for dinner, entertainment, dancing, a gift table and of course the special guests – Mr and Mrs Clause. Often there would be games, puzzles, or something unexpected distributed to the gang. One year each person was handed a ‘santa hat’ and was told that they must wear it all evening or possibly be asked to perform a silly dance or recite a poem or something. No one took off their hat that evening.

We also organized ‘end of season’ parties. Rented a hall, caterer, entertainment, square dancing lessons. And did we like cake? We made a cake for JOE’s 80th, we made cakes for the Schumann Tournaments, and for the invited Brighton Short Mat Club. If something needed to be celebrated, then we made a cake.

THE BIG MOVE 2007

Whereas we always enjoyed our time at the Armories and the special attention of the Sergeant who was always more than happy to help us, the drill hall had no natural light. We didn’t mind the challenge of the uneven concrete floor, or attempting to avoid running into the columns and walls with a stray bowl. The somewhat tight spacing of the carpets was quite a challenge as well and so we felt it was time to consider a change.  

With construction completed in 2007 of the new Cobourg Community Centre on D’Arcy Street, we made inquiries of the cost of renting a gym, year-round storage space for our carpets and equipment in a secure location, and an available meeting room. Negotiations were made and costs agreed upon, the days and time periods scheduled, and we have been enjoying the sport of Short Mat Bowling at the CCC ever since. But unfortunately, no cake, pizza or drinks are allowed in the gym.

WORLD SHORT MAT CHAMPIONSHIPS IN SWEDEN 2018

At the start of the 2017 short mat bowling season the club joined the newly formed Canadian Short Mat Bowling Association (CSMBA). This meant that Cobourg bowlers were eligible to compete in the first National Championships to be held at the JJ Mat Club in Etobicoke in November 2017. The Championship was also a qualifier for the 2018 World Championships in Stromstad, Sweden.

Cobourg had six members competing - Martin Foxhall, Ralph Hewitt, Dave Jones, Nancy Fargo, Louisa Arthur and Bill Arthur. Gold and Silver winners in each event (singles, pairs, triples, and fours) qualified for the twenty member Canadian team. Martin Foxhall won gold in the Pairs and silver in the Singles but was unable to take his place on the Canadian team due to other commitments.

In the Nationals a player could enter more than one discipline in the week-long event but not in the Worlds. Qualifiers could only play in one discipline and because of that ruling the fourth place Triples team of Bill Arthur, Louisa Arthur and Nancy Fargo were selected since members of the Triples teams in silver and bronze positions had already qualified in other disciplines. Additionally, Ralph Hewitt got a wild card selection based on his performance and played in the Pairs.

In March 2018, the Cobourg bowlers made their way to Sweden for the three-day event. Short mat bowling is a far more widespread sport in Europe than in Canada. The Europeans have regular tour events whereas in Canada it is a sport played primarily for social reasons. The Canadians knew they would be very much the underdogs but, as in any sport, they were proud to be wearing their Canada shirts and representing their country.  

It is a moment they will always remember marching into the arena for the opening ceremony. There were short mat bowlers from ten other countries - England, Wales, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Italy, India, Denmark and Germany.

The Championships were held over three days and each team played a six-game round robin. Despite some valiant performances the Canadian team recorded few victories, and the Cobourg members did not win any of their games. Unfortunately and in defence of the Arthur/Fargo triples team they were badly hit by sickness. Louisa Arthur had to pull out of the team on the first day whilst Bill was also recovering from sickness. 

A spare was drafted into the team for Day 1. Louisa was able to play on Day 2 but not for the final game on Day 3 by which time Nancy Fargo had caught whatever was going round. Despite the problems the team enjoyed the experience and learned some valuable lessons which would serve them well for the future. And it is fair to say, had some enjoyable social events and made new friends.

In November 2018, the second Canadian National Championships were held again at the JJ Mat Club in Etobicoke. Since the World Championships are only held every two years the 2018 National Championships were not a qualifier although performances would result in ranking points for the 2020 Worlds.

Martin Foxhall was once again prominent winning two gold medals and one silver.  Bill and Louisa Arthur were also competing in Triples again but with Mike Place on this occasion and they won the gold medal defeating the top two seeds on the way.

HOSTING THE CANADIAN SHORT MAT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN COBOURG 2019

After two National Championships at the JJ Mat Club, CSMBA was looking for a new venue for the 2019 Championship competitions and approached the Cobourg club with a request to host the Championship games in November. After a lot of organization by club members the necessary arrangements were made to ensure the availability of a gym and adjoining lunchroom at the Cobourg Community Centre for the six-day event.  

Club volunteers took turns to serve tea, coffee, beverages and food and snacks to the bowlers between games during the week. Much gratitude to sponsors and donors for over $2,800.00 raised to help cover expenses.

Holding the event in Cobourg was a great success with competitors from Brampton, Burlington, Cobourg, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Toronto complimenting the facilities and the warm welcome of the Cobourg club members. Holding it in Cobourg also meant more entries from Cobourg members who enjoyed the opportunity to compete against some excellent bowlers without having to travel out of town.

No disrespect is meant to the Cobourg Pairs team of Mike Place and John MacKenzie, but they were the big surprise of the Championships taking gold in the Pairs and automatically qualifying for the World 2020 Championships in Belgium. They even surprised themselves!

As was the case in previous years there were some players who were multiple winners and so selection came down to performances in 2019 and 2018. As a result (and not because he was a CSMBA Director and selector) Bill Arthur was selected to play singles and Louisa Arthur as a member of a triples team.

However, then came COVID-19 and the World Championships in Belgium were postponed and are scheduled to be held in 2022. The National Championships were anticipated to be held in Cobourg again in 2020 but also had to be postponed. They are now scheduled for November 2021 in Cobourg. 

As a footnote to this article, 22 years after that initial meeting on October 13, 1998, some of the members who helped establish the club still enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition of Short Mat Bowling. To name a few - Malcolm and Myrtle Wardman, Basil and Jean Fox, Ross Adams, Marilyn McMillan, Martin Foxhall, Dianne Lauder, and Donna Longman.  

And this article would be incomplete if I did not mention Harry Knapper, a long-time member of the Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club for over 50 years, a Cobourg Short Mat Bowling Club member of 20 years and still active in both sports at the young age of ‘in his late 80s’.   

2018 World Championships in Sweden.  Part of the Canadian team of 20 Nancy Fargo, Ralph Hewitt, Louisa & Bill Arthur

2019 Canadian National Championships in Cobourg Mike Place, John MacKenzie Gold in Pairs presented by Elaine Houtby (VP CSMBA)

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Description of the equipment and basic rules of play

Short mat bowls is an indoor version of lawn bowls and is played with normal lawn bowls. It is played on a foam backed carpet which is 45 feet long and 6 feet wide. The mat has the required lines permanently marked on it. A wooden fender is placed at both ends to simulate the “ditch” in lawn bowls and to keep the bowls from rolling off the mat. A wooden block sits in the centre of the mat. Players have to avoid their bowl contacting the block on their way down the mat. The fine shape of each bowl imposes a 'bias' which causes the bowl to follow a curved route. The 'jack' is the target that sits near the end of the mat.

A short mat game can have a variable length of play. The length of play is normally an agreed number of ‘ends’. At the Cobourg club a game is usually eight ends.

In serious competition matches, such as the Canadian Nationals and the World Nationals a higher number of ends are played. Typically, this will be twelve ends minimum.

In club games teams will usually be pairs or triples. In pairs each player rolls four bowls. In triples it is three bowls each.  At national and international levels there are four disciplines, singles, pairs, triples and fours.

To start the game the winner of the toss decides which team will play first. The skip of the team playing first places the jack on a central line and at their preferred length. After that the team that wins the end plays first.

Short mat bowls is very similar to lawn bowls in that the object is for each player, or team, to take turns rolling bowls down the mat in an attempt to getting as many of the bowls as close as possible and closer to the target, the 'jack', than their opponent. The main difference is in the size of the playing area and the presence of the block midway down the rink mat. The presence of the block is to reduce an attempt of players knocking their opponents' bowls away from the existing position.

Players are encouraged to use the natural bias of the bowls to manoeuvre around the block and any other bowls or indeed, promote an existing bowl. Any bowls that touch the block, or land in the ditch area are dead and are removed before the next bowl is sent. A bowl which has touched the jack en route to the ditch, remains 'alive' and will count in the scoring. The skill in playing short mat bowls comes from the bias of the bowl and the skill of 'delivering a bowl to a position where it either counts in the score or is used as a defender, blocking a route to change positions.

The game is equally enjoyed by all ages as age has no bearing on the ability to bowl.

Source: Donna Longman

Gord John Brooks was born in Cobourg September 11, 1950.

He played his minor hockey with the Cobourg Church League.

In 1967 Gord made the Cobourg Cougar Junior 'B' team.

The pages that follow, in this 'Story' 1957-1975 and in the second 'Story'  

1975-1987, of Gord's career were compiled and assembled

by Beth, Gord's wife of over 44 years.  

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Edmonton Oilers Legend: Steve Smith

Reprinted w-permission Greatest Hockey Legends.com by Joe Pelletier

It never mattered how good of a defenseman Steve Smith became. And he became a very good one.

But he will always be remembered for The Goal!

It is one of the most famous goals in Stanley Cup playoff history, if only for all the wrong reasons. Smith accidentally puts the puck in his own net in the third period of a tied game seven, putting his team on the brink of elimination. The two time defending champion Edmonton Oilers never recovered, and are knocked out of the playoffs by their arch rivals, the Calgary Flames.

Smith was just a rookie then. Such a devastating occurrence could easily have wrecked many a young defensemen's career. While most people will remember Steve Smith for the mistake, people should remember him for his resolve and becoming one of the better defensemen of his era.

Success in hockey never came easy for Smith.

He was never drafted by a junior team. He grew up out of the scout's radar in the tiny town of Cobourg, Ontario. When his teams traveled to tournaments, scouts were unimpressed with the gangly kid who found his big body too awkward to be effective.

Smith stuck with the game, and by age 17 he grew to 6'3" and 180lbs, enough to catch the attention of his hometown London Knights. Smith, who was actually born in Glasglow, Scotland of all places, made the team, though played the first half of the season as the 4th line right winger.

By his NHL draft year he filled out to 225lbs, and played regularly on the blue line. Despite his promising skill set, he was a mid round draft pick, selected 111th overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Smith was not even the highest selected Steve Smith of his draft class. Taken in the 1st round, 16th overall by Philadelphia, was another Steve Smith, this one of Sault Ste. Marie.

That Steve Smith was supposed to be more of a sure bet, but he only played in 18 career NHL games.

Meanwhile the Oilers Smith went on to become one of better defensemen of his era, playing in 804 games, scoring 72 goals, 303 assists, and 375 points while winning three Stanley Cups and a Canada Cup.

We would be remiss to not mention his career 2139 penalty minutes, which is amazing given that he was not a noted fighter. Smith was an intimidating monster back on the blue line, not afraid to impose his 6'4" 220lb body on any incoming forward.

Blessed with balance and agility on his skates and ridiculously long reach, Smith was tough to beat one on one. He was also very good at reading the oncoming plays and was always in good position to defend.

Smith was much more than just one dimensional shut down defenseman. He had surprising mobility, able to cover more ice and maximize his physical impact. He could rush the puck out of the zone when needed, but more often than not relied on an effective first pass out of the zone to key the transition offense.

Smith had a solid offensive game, relying mostly on slapshot from the point. His shot was not particularly overwhelming, but he had a good knack to get the shot through traffic and on net.

Smith persevered after the playoff disaster to become one of the Oilers best defenders. When the Oilers recaptured the Stanley Cup in 1988, captain Wayne Gretzky immediately handed the silver chalice to young Smith.

As the dynasty became dismantled over the next few years, Smith became the Oilers top defender. At the same time he became a bit a whipping dog for coach John Muckler. Muckler obviously recognized Smith's resolve and used that to continuously prod him. He recognized Smith's unique package of skill and size, and wanted to use old-school coaching techniques to see Smith reach his potential.

Like so many of the Oilers Stanley Cup stars, contract disputes forced Smith out of town. In October 1991 the Oilers moved Smith to Chicago in exchange for Dave Manson and a draft pick used to select Kirk Maltby. Smith had sat out the Oilers training camp and was prepared to sit out the beginning of the season in search of a new contract.

In the first two seasons with Chicago Smith became a steady standout along side Chris Chelios in Chicago. Injuries derailed Smith's career over the final four years in Chicago. Twice Smith broke his leg, and he constantly battled a bad back. Smith would miss more games than he would be able to play in.

The Blackhawks did not want him in 1998. The back injury scared all teams away except for, of all teams, the Calgary Flames.

Smith joined the Flames and put in a yeoman's effort, playing through the pain to participate in 69 games while providing a badly needed veteran presence.

Smith's back would give out though. Combined with a severe concussion suffered against Minnesota, Smith would appear in only 33 games over the next two seasons, eventually being forced into retirement and behind the Flames bench as an assistant coach.

Source: Posted by Joe Pelletier Greatest Hockey Legends.com