Elmvale Harvesters Celebrate Sold-Out Home Opener
By Adrianna McGinnis, Harvesters Secretary, Nov. 3, 2025
The Elmvale Harvesters were back in action with two exciting games to close out October. First on the road in Durham and then in front of a sold-out hometown crowd.
On October 24, the Harvesters travelled to Durham to take on the Thundercats. Elmvale held their own through a tight first period but lost their edge as the game went on, falling 8–4. Scoring for the Harvesters were Austin Pope, Riley Pitt (2), and Owen King.
Following the road loss, the team was eager to return home and regroup for their long-awaited home opener on November 1. Tickets sold out in under 30 minutes, proving just how strong the community’s support continues to be, even with Game 7 of the World Series taking place that same night.
The opening ceremony was one to remember. Proud flag bearers led the procession, followed by a moving bagpipe performance by Tammy Mady. The Harvesters then welcomed Mayor Coughlin and Councillor Garwood, who shared words of encouragement and support for the team. Veteran Harvester Joe Marley was honoured with the ceremonial puck drop, and the crowd was then treated to a breathtaking rendition of Oh Canada performed by Karen Parnell.
The Harvesters faced off against the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks, battling hard but struggling to solve Saugeen’s goaltender, ultimately dropping the contest 6–0.
The Will Marshall Insurance Brokers 3 Stars of the Game were awarded to Saugeen Shores for their strong showing.
Despite the scoreboard, the atmosphere inside the Elmvale arena was electric. Fans packed the stands, the Booster Club was buzzing, and everyone rallied together, cheering not only for the Harvesters but also for the Toronto Blue Jays during their historic playoff run.
The night was a celebration of local hockey and community pride. A clear reminder that Elmvale has truly embraced its Harvesters. With the energy of the home crowd behind them, the team looks ahead to the rest of the season with renewed determination and excitement.
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Penetang Drops to 4th Place After Pair of Losses
Submitted by Jamie Robillard, Nov. 2, 2025
The Penetang Kings dropped their last two games played between October 24th and November 2nd in the Provincial Junior Hockey League and with the losses the Kings now occupy fourth place of the Carruthers Division.
On Friday October 24th the Kings lost a narrow 3-2 decision to the Orillia Terriers on home ice. Orillia’s Colton Dumond scored midway through the third period to give the Terriers a lead that they would not relinquish. Scoring for the Kings were Wyndam Brownlee and Camron Hutchinson. Trevor Hutchinson was named the Kings Canadoor Garage Doors player of the game. Penetang managed 28 shots on the Orillia net while Landon Simec turned aside 34 of the 37 shots he faced between the pipes for the Kings.
The Kings then travelled to Huntsville on Sunday November 2nd and again came out on the short end of a 3-2 score. Matthew Laframboise and Luca Dubois scored one goal each for Penetang and although outshooting the Otters by a margin of 45 to 35 they could only solve Huntsville netminder Darin Willis twice in the afternoon contest. Dubois was named the Canadoor Garage Door Kings player of the game.
Notes: Penetang’s road game originally scheduled for Friday October 31st in Alliston was postponed and will be rescheduled later in the season.
Alliston continues to lead the division with 26 points in 13 games followed by Orillia with 20 points, Stayner with 16 points and Penetang with 14 points for fourth place. Midland is in 5th place with 12 points; Muskoka sits 6th with 10 points while Innisfil with 9 points and Huntsville with 8 points round out the standings.
The Kings continue the regular season on Friday November 7th at home when they face off against the Muskoka Bears before travelling to Midland on November 9th to meet the Flyers and then are home on November 14th to play the Alliston Hornets.
Elmvale Lions Horseshoe League Wraps Up Season in Style
By Karen Klein Gebbinck, Oct. 26, 2025
Final day for the Elmvale Lions Men’s Horseshoe League was held Saturday, September 20th, 2025. The weather was perfect and the day was enjoyed by all. We finished the day with a nice dinner and awards.
Top team of the day was Jamie McLean and Dan Ritchie. Second place was Kevin Craddock and Terry VanCasteren.
Total points, ringers and six packs for the season was won by John Northy.
We look forward to starting up in 2026 on the Thursday after the Victoria Day weekend. New players are welcome.
From The Penetang High School football team to World War II
By Waxy Gregoire, Sep. 1, 2025
What are the chances that two teammates would play football on the same team for the Penetang High School in 1932? Phil Marchildon [top second from the right-hand side], AB Thompson [2nd row, 2nd from the right beside the guy with the P].
Both men would be in the service of the RCAF during World War II; both would become prisoners of war in Stalag Luft III, one being AB Thompson who was part of the Great Escape. The other person Phil Marchildon our professional baseball player.
At the expiration of the war in Europe, as the Russians moved in on the Germans and were closing in on Stalag Luft III the men were instructed to pack up “Raus we’re leaving”. Both men would be part of the cruelling death March during the late month of January. The march was not a cake walk and would take many of their fellow comrades lives.
Their story is not the only one, there were other athletes from the Penetang High School who became service men, some were killed and those who survived never the same.
My latest book captures part of their story and others who were in the RCAF, some survived while others did not.
A promotion from the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame and supported by Legion Branch #68.