Elmvale Juvenile 1975 OMHA Championship Hockey Team Golden Reunion May 3, 2025 Wasaga Stars Arena
By Mark Archer, May 24, 2025
On April 13, 1975 the Elmvale Juveniles hockey team won the OMHA DDÂ Championship in Dorchester. Elmvale had defeated Powassan, Nobelton and Stirling enroute to the crowning final series. It was no easy feat especially after the tragic loss of team mate Ron Deklyne ,player injuries, overtime games and long tiring bus rides.
Three players had been brought up from the Midget team to fill out the short roster.
With a lot of heart and grit the mission was accomplished after overtime and news that same night, during the second period flooding intermission, that the Elmvale arena burned down (ironically inspiring as there would have been no barn to play in the event of a loss).
After being inducted into the Springwater Heritage Sports Hall of Fame in September of 2024 it was decided to reunite for a game of hockey with kids and grand kids.
It would be a game for the ages.
Three generations comprised of proud kids and prouder Fathers and Grandfathers, skated together for what is hoped to be a repeat event in a couple of years.
Likely it will take place in the Elmvale arena before ice out.
Pizza and reminiscing upstairs at the arena after the game followed by a dinner, dance and more reminiscing back at the Loftus “Barn” rounded out a memorable day and night.
Much like the 1975 quest for the cup several fans found their way to Stars arena to witness and support a star studded match up .
Of the original team members “eight men out” hit the ice while some were healthy scratches and some had been placed on coaching detail.
The reunion also allowed for the remembrance of members of the team called up too early by the heavenly scouting office.
Those called up too soon:
Ron Deklyne, Bill Trace (Manager), Guy Reevie, Jim Grigg, John Melnyk, Jeff Columbus , George Conn (Coach) and Paul Craddock.
The Midland Flyers Junior Hockey Club is proud to announce a bold new chapter in our history.
Submitted by The Midland Flyers Junior Hockey Club May 27, 2025
With a renewed vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we are building a team determined to bring a championship back to Midland. Our organization has undergone a complete transformation, featuring new leadership, a revitalized culture, and a clear focus on serving and representing our community with pride.
Last month, we experienced the profound loss of a major part of our organization, our leader Dave Gillespie whose passion, leadership, and dedication helped shape the very heart of the Midland Flyers. While Dave’s absence is deeply felt, his spirit continues to inspire us every day. In his memory, we are more determined than ever to build a team and a culture that reflects his commitment to excellence, community, and heart. Dave’s vision lives on, and we carry it proudly into this new chapter.
At the core of this transformation is our dedication to developing and showcasing local talent. Our roster will feature players from our community who all share a deep connection to our community and embody the values that make this community so special.
We believe the Midland Flyers should stand for more than just success on the ice. We are committed to contributing to the growth, unity, and spirit of our community. This is more than a hockey team; it’s a community driven organization.
We invite you to join us on our next chapter. Together, we will restore a tradition of excellence and create lasting memories for generations of Flyers fans.
MIDLAND YOUTH BOWLER STRIKES GOLD IN EDMONTON
By Dennis Brabant, YBC Coach Bayshore Lanes, May 27, 2025
Mason Torraville started 5 pin bowling at the early age of 3 and is a member of the Youth Bowling Council (YBC) program at Bayshore Lanes in Midland. He is now 10 years old. Mason dominated the field at the 2025 Canadian Youth 5 pin Bowling Championships held in Edmonton, May 5-7th in the Bantam Boys Singles division (ages 8 to 10).
Mason started his quest for gold representing Bayshore Lanes at the regional round in November 2024 where he placed 1st winning the right to compete in the Provincial Championships held in Oakville in December 2024. In Oakville, he rolled games of 176, 185, 193, 195 & 199 finishing 46 pins ahead of the 2nd place bowler from Chatham. His 948 total (190 average) is exceptional for his age group. This win meant he would now represent Southern Ontario as the Bantam Boys Provincial Singles Champion competing against 11 other elite provincial champions at the National Championships. Mason would have the daunting task of bowling 22 games over 3 days, playing 2 games against each of the 11 other competitors from 9 provinces, Northern Ontario and the Northwest Territories. Ontario is split into 2 divisions due to travel distances and population.
At Bonnie Doon Lanes in Edmonton, Mason was undeafeated after bowling 6 games on Monday and 9 on Tuesday. After 3 games on Wednesday, mental fatigue set in, and he had his first loss to the 2nd place competitor from Manitoba. Nonetheless, by winning his first 18 games he was guaranteed the gold medal and finished the tournament with a winning record of 20 wins and only 2 losses. Mason averaged 193 for his 22 games, finishing 3 wins ahead of the runners up from Manitoba and Alberta who were tied with records of 17 wins and 5 losses.
This was Mason’s third consecutive appearance at the National Championships. In 2023, Mason and his cousin Wylie Ladouceur represented Southern Ontario in the Bantam Boys Doubles Team event in Regina where they won silver in the mixed doubles and another silver medal, narrowly missing the gold medal in a 2 game roll off against an older more experienced Alberta boys doubles team. In 2024, Mason represented Southern Ontario as the Bantam Boys Single in Ottawa winning the silver medal with 14 wins missing gold by 1 win. Mason joins rare company by competing at the National finals in all three years of the Bantam division (U11) representing Southern Ontario.
The young competitor has excelled in other sports, playing hockey, baseball, and ball hockey all at the rep level and is considered to be an all-around athlete. A celebration will be held at Bayshore Lanes to recognize Mason’s achievement in the near future.
We would like to thank the Midland Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80 who contributed a donation to help cover some of Mason’s travel costs to Edmonton.
UNDEFEATED!!
On May 7, 2025 the U9 MD Pool A Champions celebrate at the Elmvale Legion. Cake was served and everyone enjoyed the celebration. The team is grateful to the Legion for their support.
The Legion is the team sponsor. These hard working hockey players were undefeated all season.