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50th Anniversary 1974/1975 Elmvale Juvenile OMHA Champs
On the first weekend of May, 2025, members of the reunited hockey team to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their victory. Below we see the team modeling their championship jackets. It has been rumored to be the “best team ever”)
Danny (Dink) Ritchie, Mike Ootelaar, Paul Craddock, Joe Melnyk, Steve Loftus, Rick Durnford, John Melnyk, Ross Downey, John Trace, Mark Archer, Manager Brian Handy, Peter Beardsall, Jeff Columbus, Dave Morrow, Danny Breedon, Greg Giffen , Coach George Conn, Frank Archer- President of Elmvale Minor Hockey, Bill Trace Assistant Manager and Ross McConnell.
2025 Hockey Team Members
Frank Archer, Danny Ritchie, Joe Melnyk, Steve Loftus, Ross Downey, John Trace, Mark Archer, Brian Handy, Peter Beardsall, Josh Columbus (Jeff’s son), Dave Morrow, Dan Breedon, Greg Giffen.
Sadly these team members have passed : Paul Craddock, John Melnyk, Jeff Columbus, George Conn, Bill Trace, Ron DeKleyne, Guy Reevie, Jim Grigg
BARRIE BAYCATS START 2025 SEASON
By Brian Belcourt, Reporter, May 16, 2025
North Simcoe Springwater News
The Barrie Baycats started their 2025 season with a home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game was closely contested with Toronto holding a 2-run lead until Barrie scored 2 runs in the eighth inning to tie the game. The game went to extra innings with Toronto scoring 2 runs in the 10th inning to secure the win.
The Baycats are celebrating their 25 seasons anniversary as a very successful Inter Count Baseball league franchise. The Baycats first season was in 2001, with a game on May 12, 2001, at their present home in Midhurst. The franchise has built a loyal fan base with many volunteers and sponsors to help with operations, that make it a successful franchise. The ballpark experience includes many activities for young fans to participate in; 50/50 draw that supports United Way Simcoe Muskoka, programs with draws for prizes from local business and food and beverage stands.
Barrie is attempting to defend their very successful 2024 championship season. In the franchise 24 seasons they have achieved 8 IBL championships, 20 post season appearances and 7 league pennants. The Baycats have player that come from all over Canada and foreign players from mostly Dominican Republic. The team will play a 42-game schedule with 21 home games at Kulture Athletic Stadium in Midhurst, with their next home game on Thursday May 22 against the Guelph Royals.
Keyden McCue MMA victory
By Saabrina Jatsura, May 12, 2025
Keyden McCue made his MMA debut May 9, 2025 at the Paul Saldon Arena in Barrie. In the second round he submitted his opponent Shawn Bennett with a rear choke hold. Keyden is 18 years old Beausoleil First Nation member, living in Honey Harbour. He owes his victory to the very dedicated team at Driven Juijitsui, his sponsors Wiztech repair Midland, CNC Marina testing the elements Honey Harbour ON, Sandy’s renovation and rooftop services Tiny, Tilmar International incorporated, and Northern Caribbean Restaurant, Penetanguishene.
New Soccer Academy in Simcoe County
By Mark Cristante May 8, 2025
A new chapter in youth sports has begun in Springwater with the official launch of Springwater United Soccer Academy, a community-driven program aimed at developing local talent and fostering a lifelong love of the beautiful game.
The academy, founded by a group of experienced coaches and community leaders, well open their doors May 31 with a mission to provide high-quality, inclusive soccer training for boys and girls aged 4-18. With a focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and community engagement, Springwater United seeks to elevate the standard of youth soccer in the region
Midland District Lawn Bowling
By MDLBC, May 19, 2025 –
With the lawn bowling season set to begin the first sponsor is Canadian Tire Midland. The Monday night Canadian Tire league begins May 26 and skips will be calling their team members once the draft is completed. Shown in photo, Ron O’Sullivan, organizer of the league, receives $500 in gift cards to be drawn weekly. Thank our sponsor by shopping local.
Visitors are always welcome. Bowlers from other clubs around the world often drop in for a game.
Newcomers are encouraged to come out to try the sport. There is a special practice week (“Open House Week”) in late May. All you need is comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. We have eleven coaches lined up and ready to help. And, even if you show up unannounced, you will be shown the facility and how to play. After that, you are welcome to play for 2 weeks free.
The first season dues for new bowlers is half price. Members can play 6 days per week for about 20 weeks.
Our members range in age from 7 to 90. So, come and experience bowling in Midland at the MDLBC, a “little bit of paradise by Little Lake”.
Penetang Kings Hold Year End Awards Ceremony
Submitted by Jamie Robillard
The Penetang Kings hosted their annual year end awards ceremony and BBQ on Sunday May 4 with some bowling and a great BBQ dinner for the players, their families and the team executive and staff.
Awards were handed out in the following categories:
100 PJHL Games Played – Milestone Awards – Ashton Kirwin, Jacob Vanderberg and Carson Thayer
PJHL North Conference Carruthers Division Awards – Goaltender of the Year – Landon Simec and Rookie of the Year – Max Geere
Veterans Awards – Graduating Players – Riley Thayer and Nick Story
Rookie of the Year – Penetang Kings – shared by Max Geere and Camron Hutchinson
Most Improved Player – Matthew Laframboise
Tom Coffin Memorial Award presented to the Most Dedicated Player – Wyndam Brownlee
Top Defencemen Award – Max Geere
Most Sportsmanlike Award – Owen Fuller
Aaron Duval Memorial Award presented to the player who exhibited skill, leadership and camaraderie – Cole Rumbolt
Bert Mayer Memorial Heart and Soul Award – Carter Wilson
Most Valuable Player – shared by Landon Simec and Tanner Thayer
This concluded the 2024-25 season for the Kings, and they look forward to the fall featuring more exciting action led by the new General Manager Scott Simon and his staff. Simon will assume the dual role of GM and Head Coach.
Notes: Provincial Junior Hockey League Champions for 2024-25 are the Hanover Barons. The Barons defeated the Essex 73’s in a four-game sweep beginning in game one on May 3 with a 6-1 win, followed in game two on May 4 with a narrow 2-1 victory and then on May 7 in game three a 4-0 shutout of the 73’s. Game four saw the Barons get past Essex by a 5-4 score in overtime.
Hanover reached the finals defeating the Napanee Raiders 4 games to 3 in the Eastern-Northern Conferences semifinals while Essex stopped the New Hamburg Firebirds in five games in the Southern-Western Conferences semifinals.