A meeting to ‘cherish’

Toronto Maple Leafs legend visits Windsor to much fanfare

From left, Mike Ward and Don Ward pose for a photo with former Toronto Maple Leafs player Wendel Clark. The defenceman stopped by several local businesses that sponsored the Long Pond Hockey Heritage Classic fundraiser for brief meet-and-greets with fans. Retired NHLer Ron Duguay also stopped at various locations to sign autographs.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Wendel Clark paid a visit to the Windsor Home Hardware, one of the sponsors of the 2018 Long Pond Hockey Heritage Classic, leading up to the charity hockey event.

While there, Clark shook hands, signed autographs and took many photos with hockey fanatics.

“The weather is great, the people are great and everyone’s having fun,” Clark said.

“There’s Leaf fans everywhere, sometimes we see too many of those Montreal jerseys, but it’s OK, they’re good competitors,” he joked.

Clark said he’s excited to play some shinny hockey where the game began.

“It’s great to be celebrating our game,” he said.

Jeff Redden, owner of Windsor Home Hardware, said he was excited to have the hockey legend stop by.

“My excitement is mixed,” Red- den said, sporting

Canadiens jersey.

“I do have an appreciation for Wendel and the Leafs, because it’s a great rivalry between Montreal and Toronto,” said Redden.

“In all honesty, I’m absolutely thrilled to have him here at the store,” he added.

Redden wasn’t the only one excited, as dozens of people arrived to get a glimpse of Clark, with a Montreal many brining hockey mementos in hopes of having them signed.

Gary Blackburn, who lined up early to meet Clark, has been a Toronto Maple Leafs fan for more than 70 years.

“It was just special,” Blackburn said with a big grin. “I’ll cherish that.”

He was hoping to check out the Long Pond Hockey Heritage Classic over the weekend as well.

COLIN CHISHOLM

COLIN CHISHOLM Dozens of people lined up to meet Wendel Clark, who was one of two celebrity players that took part in the annual Long Pond Hockey Heritage Classic. For more weekend coverage, turn to page B12.

COLIN CHISHOLM Scott Caldwell (left) and Alan Pemberton, two major hockey fans, stopped by to see Wendel Clark when he visited Windsor Home Hardware to get an autograph or two.

COLIN CHISHOLM Gary Blackburn (left) and his daughter Heather Blackburn pose for a photo with Wendel Clark at the Windsor Home Hardware on Jan. 26, 2018.

COLIN CHISHOLM Liddy Young and Valerie Patterson, who work at Windsor Home Hardware, said they were excited when they learned Wendel Clark was paying a visit to the store.

COLIN CHISHOLM Windsor Mayor Anna Allen and Windsor Home Hardware owner Jeff Redden posed for some photos with Wendel Clark during his visit on Jan. 26, 2018.