Falcons salute first captain, first decade
Alumni takes a bow as part of junior B team’s golden anniversary
The past was on hand to celebrate the present when the St. Catharines Falcons hosted the Caledonia Corvairs in junior B hockey Friday night at Jack Gatecliff Arena.
The Falcons are marking their golden anniversary this season. More than 20 alumni who played for the team during its first decade were on hand for the 4-1 victory.
A pre-game ceremony honouring the franchise’s rich history as it marks its 50th season was highlighted by Fred LeSelva, the first Falcons captain; founding director Earl McNeil and Jim McConnell, the team’s current president; taking part in the official puck drop.
“The St. Catharinees Falcons have a rich tradition which whomever has been a part of bleeds not just red, but Falcons red,” Falcons general manager Frank Girhiny said.
“We are proud of our tradition and the team is quite thrilled and honoured to see alumni return as we carry the torch.”
Friday night’s matchup between the top two teams in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Golden Horseshoe Conference was the second ceremonial home game for the Falcons this season. The first was the season opener featuring a special appearance by St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik.
Players from past decades will be honoured by the Falcons over the course of the golden anniversary season.
Alumni present by team at Friday night’s ceremonial game
1968-69: Fred LaSelva, captain; Peter Zaroda, Dave Sosiak, Larry Holmes, Steve Toll Sr. 1969-70: Dave Pay, Tom Smelle, Steve Toll Sr., Larry Holmes 1970-71: Steve Toll Sr., Gary Nemecko, Scott Hudson 1971-72: Dave Pay, captain; Gary Nemecko, Scott Hudson 1972-73: Gary Nemecko, captain; Sean McKenna, Bill Cheropita, Doug Allen, Jim Calzonett, Scott Hudson 1973-74: Sean McKenna, captain; Mike Purcer, Mark Walters, Mark Edwards, Doug Allen, Jim Calzonetti 1974-75: Sean McKenna, captain; Mike Purcer, Mark Walters, Mark Edwards, Doug Allen, Rick David 1975-76: Bob McLaren, Sean McKenna, Mike Purcer, Joe Young, Roy Kerling, Bruce Buchanan 1976-77: Roy Kerling, Joe Young, Bill German, Bruce Buchanan 1977-78: Bill German, Bruce Buchanan