Eganville Leader - Sports Section

Opeongo boys volleyball vying for berth at EOSSAA

Douglas – The Opeongo High School junior and senior boys’ volleyball teams came one step closer to securing spots at the Eastern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (EOSSAA) championships with big wins in league play in a mini tournament they hosted Thursday that included teams from

Fellowes High School (FHS) and Bishop Smith Catholic High School (BSC) in Pembroke, Valour Community School (VCS) in Petawawa and Arnprior District High School (ADHS).

Advancing to EOSSA is always a great accomplishment but doing it this year would be especially

significant, especially for the junior Wildcats, as the EOSSA championship is being hosted at Opeongo on November 16.

The juniors split their games last Thursday, losing to Bishop 3-1 in the morning, but rebounded with a straight set 3-0 win over Valour in the afternoon. The seniors won their morning match 3-1 against Fellowes, then defeated ADHS 3-1 that afternoon.

The juniors advance to St. Joe’s Catholic School in Renfrew (Nov. 10), to meet the host St. Joe’s team in the semi-final, with the winner advancing to play the victor in the ADHS versus Bishop game, also being held at St. Joe’s

The seniors travel to Mckenzie Community School in Deep River, where they meet St. Joe’s in the semi-final with the winner advancing to meet the victor from the ADHS, versus Mckenzie semi-final. Girls Basketball Season Over

The junior and senior girl’s playoff run came to an end last Thursday, with both teams coming up short in their respective semi-final games.

The juniors fell 42-32 to Bishop Smith Catholic School in a game played at Opeongo. The Wildcats matched Bishop in the second and third quarters with six and eight points, respectively, but were outscored 14-10 in the first quarter and 14-8 in the final quarter. Alaina Matheson led the Opeongo offence with 13 points.

The seniors were on the wrong end of the 44-34 score to St. Joe’s Catholic High in a game played in Renfrew.

The juniors finished with a 5-2 record, as did RCI, but RCI got second place as they had defeated OHS in league play by a 40-32 score.

The seniors had finished the season tied in third place with McKenzie Community School of Deep River, with identical 5-3 records; however, OHS defeated Mckenzie 43-25 in league play to finish third. The team had gone into the semis, having posted a big 59-25 win over RCI to clinch their spot in the semi-finals. Meghan Enright and Keysha Two-Axe led the offense with 12 and 11 points respectively.

Tatum Loader and Lauren Lorbetskie each sank two beautiful threepoint shots and ended the night contributing a combined total of 18 points. Annabelle Dunn was on fire and attacked the basket consistently sending her to the foul line four times. Ava Zadow and Maddie Van Ralte played a solid game under the net, each drawing an offensive charge and shutting down their opponent’s open layups.

Opeongo’s rugby teams are champions and B

Douglas -- After two years without high school rugby, the Opeongo High School (OHS) varsity girl’s team returned to the pitch with great success.

Opeongo was one of three schools in the county, including Fellowes High School of Pembroke and Arnprior District High School, to enter two teams in a new rugby 7s league that culminated with Opeongo hosting the A and B-team championships last Thursday.

In the A-final, Opeongo’s A-team defeated the Fellowes A-team by a 1512 score in a game that saw Opeongo score a late try to seal the win.

Coach Tim Demmons said the Fellowes team showed significant improvement since their last match and put up a much greater challenge in this final game.

“The score went back and forth several times, with Opeongo scoring a try in the last minute of play to win the game 15-12,” he said.

Opeongo’s tries were scored by Aliyah Leahyand Alaina Matheson who earned two, including the winning try.

In the B finals, the Opeongo B

team’s opponents were Fellowes once again, with the visitors coming out on the right end of the score.

“Despite some excellent individual performances, we couldn’t shut down their strong offence and Fellowes ended up winning 17-10,” remarked Coach Sara Edmison.

Opeongo tries were scored by Megan Johnson and Marlo Van Lindenberg.

Opened Season With Tournament

Opeongo hosted the first ever rugby 7s tournament in Renfrew County on October 23 with all six teams competing.

Opeongo’s A team ended the day in first place with a perfect 5-0 record, scoring a total of 111 points, with only five points scored against them.

“It was a whole team effort led by Grace Howard’s smart running, passing and kicking, Morgan Sweeney and Jorja Roesner breaking tackle after tackle, Sam Hyatt, Meredith Enright and Juliette Stewart’s rucking, and Alaina Matheson and Layne Jessup’s speed on the wing,” Coach Demmons said. “Spe-

cial mention, however, should go to Aliyah Leahy, who’s unstoppable speed and great timing allowed her to slice and dice the defence, scoring an unheard of 55 points over the course of the day.”

Opeongo’s B team ended the day with a very respectable two wins and three losses to finish at the top of the B pool.

“They played some solid rugby with excellent leadership from Violet Pinkerton and Megan Johnson, a few huge tries by Solana McPhee, and lots of gritty tackling by Kallie Lacombe, Marlo Van Lindenberg and Adrianna Van Lindenberg,” Coach Edmison noted. “Lily Cahill, Lily Harrison and Lyndsay Barr contributed to the team effort through some great rucking and gutsy play.”

Coaches Demmons and Edmison thasked the players for an awesome, fun and successful season of 7s rugby. Their skills improved greatly over the course of the season thanks to their commitment, drive and newfound love of the game, they added. They are already looking forward to next season.

Uxbridge -- Opeongo High

School’s Quinn Coughlin wrapped up her 2022 cross-country season on Saturday with a very impressive top-10 finish at the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association (OFSAA) championship here. The lone Opeongo athlete in the field of 251 runners, Quinn

Opeongo’s Rory Schruder and Bishop’s Addison Robillard battled for the jump ball to start last week’s semi-final play-off at Opeongo that Bishop won 42-34.

Opeongo High School guard May Mundt looks for a passing lane as she is guarded by a Bishop Smith opponent in basketball action last Thursday. Both the junior and senior girls’ teams saw their season come an end.

Grace Howard of the Opeongo A-team gained lots of yards for the Wildcats in her rushes against Fellowes on Thursday. Opeongo won the game 15-12.

Solana McPhee of the Opeongo B team had a strong game both offensively and defensively. Here, she heads up the pitch with teammates Marlo Van Lindenberg and Megan Johnson, trailing and Lily Cahill to her left.

U15

Osgoode -- The Eganville Eagles

U15 team capped off a great weekend by going undefeated at the Osgoode Fall Classic Tournament, taking home the championship with a 5-2 win over the North Dundas Demons on Sunday

After posting a perfect 4 – 0 record in the tournament, the Eagles had their sights on the championship knowing, however, the Demons had given them a tight game earlier in the round-robin.

Unlike the first time these teams faced off, it would not take until the third period for the scoring to begin.

After killing off a four-minute penalty in the first, where goalie Silas Hoffman weathered the attack, the Eagles went on the offense. Cody Belaire picked up a loose puck, cut in front of the net and sniped one past the goalie with 1:39 to go to put his team up 1-0.

Early in the second, Justin Johnson picked off a Demons clearing attempt and wired a shot over the goalie’s shoulder to put the Eagles up 2-0.

The Demons kept attacking and eventually got a rebound past Eagles goalie, Erik Seguin, who had come in to relieve Silas Hoffman for the second half of the game, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The Eagles answered back when Belaire broke in deked the goalie with 29 seconds left in the

second to finish the period up 3-1.

The Demons pushed hard in the third, reducing the margin to 3-2 with 9:06 to play. Later, Justin Johnson won a battle for the puck, and centred it to Belaire, who had his shot denied. However, Gavin MacFarlane banged in Belaire’s rebound to put the Eagles up 4-2 at 8:17.

The Eagles were assessed a sixminute penalty, opening the door for the Demons but with quick changes to cycle fresh players, they cleared the puck every time the Demons tried to hold the zone.

With just under two minutes to go and the Demons still on the power play, Belaire intercepted a pass in the neutral zone and broke in and completed his hat trick, scoring a shorthanded goal at 1:56 to make the score 5-2.

The Eagles killed off the remainder of the penalty to secure the championship with a 5 – 2 victory. Open With A Shutout

The Eagles opened the tournament on Friday with Seguin and Hoffman sharing a 5-0 shut-out of the Gananoque Islanders. Carson Maclean, Belaire, McFarlane and Parker Pilon had the Eagles’ goals. Johnson, MacLean, Pilon and Alex Purdie had the helpers

In game two, the Eagles downed the Kanata Storm 6-1 with Ma -

cLean, Johnson, Purdie and Everton Good netting singles and Belaire adding a pair of goals to win 4-1. In game three on Saturday, the Eagles faced the only other undefeated team, the Demons Both teams traded chances through the first two periods and it took until early in the third period before Belaire opened the scoring on a break-out pass from Mateo Tantalo. Belaire netted his second of the game with 13 seconds to go in the third period, making the final 2-0 Game 4 saw the Eagles edge the Kanata Bandits 3-0 in a game where the Eagles showed great sportsman-

The Opeongo High School B-team were finalists in the Renfrew County B-championship played at Opeongo last Thursday. Front from left, Lily Harrison, Megan Johnson, Solana McPhee and Marlo Van Lindenburg. Standing, from left, Andreanna Van Lindenberg, Lyndsay Barr, Violet Pinkerton and Lily Cahill.

The Opeongo High School A-team won the county championship Thursday with a 15-12 win over Fellowes. Front, from left, Morgan Sweeney, Grace Howard, Meredith Enright, Alaina Matheson. Standing, from left: Tim Demmons, coach, Juliette Stewart, Layne Jessup, Sam Hyatt, Aliyah Leahy, Jorja Roesner and coach Sara Edmison.

Opeongo’s Katie Demmons fights off the check of a Bishop Smith opponent in Thursday’s semi-final game. Opeongo’s junior girls’ team lost the game 42-32.

Opeongo’s A team win county championship

Opeongo’s B team are county finalists

The U15 Eagles won the A-championship at a tournament in Osgoode on the weekend. Kneeling, from left: Beau Kargus, Gavin McFarlane, Cody Belaire, Carson MacLean, and Landon Lapenskie. Middle row: Savannah Leahy, Kayden Martin, Mateo Tantalo, Alex Purdie, Silas Hoffman (orange shirt), Erik Seguin, and Mariah Leahy. Back row: Chris Purdie, assistant coach, Dave Belaire, head coach, Kevin Seguin, assistant coach, Everton Good, Justin Johnson, Parker Pilon, and Shawn McFarlane, assistant coach.

Photo submitted.

Basketball action at Opeongo

U15 Eagles are champs

U15 B Thunder win gold at Applefest Tournament

Clarington -- The Ottawa Valley (OV) Thunder U15 B team kicked off their season with an impressive gold medal win at the recent Clarington Applefest Tournament October 14-16th

The girls posted a perfect 4 – 0 record in round-robin play, heading into the playoffs with 24 goals for and only four against. The team opened round-robin play with a 7-0 shut-out over the host Clarington Flames, followed by a tight 1-0 win over the Lindsay Lynx The offense came out firing again in game three, with a 7-1 win over the

West Humberland Wild. The Thunder stretched their perfect record in the round-robin to 4-0 with a 9-3 victory over the Norfolk Hurricanes The Thunder then had an exciting 3-2 win in semi-final play against North Durham, earning them a spot in the championship game against the

Stittsville Rockets The girls worked hard and played a solid team game, winning 4-0 to clinch the gold. Players come from all over the Valley including Cobden, Round Lake, Arnprior, Eganville, Renfrew, Quebec, Pembroke, Petawawa, Chalk River and Deep River.

U11 Valley Storm opens season with victory

Belleville – The U11 Valley Storm opened their 2022/23 tournament schedule recently with an outstanding A-Championship performance in the annual Prince Edward County (PEC) Milk Tournament.

The event was held October 28-30 and was sponsored by the Dairy Producers of PEC with games played in Napanee, Picton and Wellington. The team posted a 4-1-1 record in the six games played, rebounding from an opening game loss and a tie in game two, with four straight victories to win the A-division title.

In their first game on Friday in Napanee, the Storm faced off against the Frontenac Flyers, with the Storm on the losing end of the 7-3 score. Goal scorers for the Storm were Captain Eli Vereyken, Luke Jessop and Mason Dunn.

Later that same day, the team travelled to Wellington to meet the Stirling Blues, in an edge of your seat battle that ended in a 3-3 tie. Vereyken netted two goals and a single was delivered by Jessop.

Saturday morning the Storm was rested and ready to take on the Ayr Flames, posting their first win in a 6-0 shut-out of their opponents.

Assistant Captain Ethan Limlaw led the offence with a pair of goals, with singles by Vereyken, Emery Andrews, Kypton Harrie and Jessop. With a 1-1-1 record at that point, the team’s chance of advancing was dependent on the outcome of some

of the other games, but later that afternoon they were off to Picton to face the Arnprior Packers with the winner guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals on Sunday. The game was a nailbiter for the Storm and their fans as they held

on for a 2-1 win. Chase Timm and Limlaw had the Storm goals.

On Sunday morning, the Storm faced the host, PEC Kings , with Limlaw recording the hat-trick and Vereyken two goals in a tight 5-4 win to put the team in the champion-

ship game against the Flyers, who defeated the Storm in the opening game of the tournament.

However, it was a much different result in the final, as the Storm , backed by their enthusiastic fans, broke a late third period 2-2 tie with the winning goal from Brennick Ashick. Ashick and Andrews had broken out on a 2-on-1 rush and Ashick wired a hard shot past the Flyers’ goalie for the winning tally. Then, with just over two minutes left in the contest, a penalty was called on the Storm, giving the Flyers the man advantage. However, they failed to score as the Storm went into a major defensive mode to keep the puck out of their end.

Despite pucks flying at him from all angles, Storm goalie Holden Helferty-Scott stood strong between the pipes to keep the puck out. Next up for the U11 Valley Storm is the Annual Silver Stick tournament in Pembroke this weekend.

– 10:00 p.m.

The OV Thunder U15 B team won gold at the Clarington Applefest tournament on the weekend. Team members are, front from left Ryan Shand, head coach, Alaina Matheson, Hailie Brenner, Lena Costello, Keira Enright, Maevyn McLaren, and Macy Meilleur. Back row: Rachel Howat, Jules Tunison, Kylie Two-Axe, Greg Elliott, assistant coach, Abigail Elliott, Claire Noble, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bergeron, Karyssa Potvin, Isabelle (Izzy) Simoneau, Ava Recoskie, Brooke Bernasconi, Haylee Francoeur, Justin Brenner, assistant coach, and Corey Costello assistant coach. Missing from photo: Amber Costello, manager and Julie Brenner, trainer. Photo submitted.

Opeongo High School’s A-team’s Morgan Sweeney was determined to bring this Fellowes opponent to the ground in the Wildcats county championship win on Thursday.

Opeongo High School senior Jack Egan is ready to deliver a serve to his opponents in the Wildcats’ 3-1 set win over Bishop Smith High School of Pembroke recently.

The U11 Valley Storm brought home the gold medal from the Prince Edward County Milk Tournament last weekend. Front, Holden Helferty-Scott. Kneeling: Mason Dunn, Emery Andrews, Brennick Ashick, Kypton Harrie, and Chase Timm. Third row: Ethan Limlaw, Luke Jessop, Olivia Vanderwal, Jordyn Plebon, Nolan Rathwell, Eli Vereyken, and Reid Walsh. Back row: Chris Vereyken, head coach, Adam Vanderwal, trainer, Ryan Rathwell, assistant coach, Chris Harrie, assistant coach, and Stephanie Plebon, manager.

OHS’ Coughlin wins gold at county cross-country meet

Pembroke – Opeongo High School’s Quinn Coughlin started off the 2022/2023 athletic season right where she left off last year, winning the junior girl’s cross-country event at the Renfrew County cross-country championship last Wednesday. In the event, held at Hugli’s Blueberry Farm on October 19, the Grade 10 athlete earned the gold medal, posting a winning time in the five-kilometre run that was almost two minutes better than her closest rival in the field of 24 runners. Earlier in the season, last year’s Most Promising Junior Athlete and Most Outstanding Athlete, had earned a third-place finish at a large invita-

tional meet in Ottawa. Teammate Marlo Van Lindenberg was 11th and Jenna Schison was 24th

In the Novice girl’s category, Mariah Leahy finished fifth out of 20 athletes, with Senior girl Emily George winning silver in her second-place performance in the six-kilometre run where she was only 37 seconds behind the winner with her time of 22:18.47. Teammates Keirsten Yuke and Sam Hyatt finished 18th and 22, respectively.

In the Novice Boy’s category, Logan Stuart was 17th and Logan Pate was 28th in the field in the four-kilometre run. In Junior boys, Linden Buchanan placed 12th and

Kostya Luty was 26th.

In the Senior boy’s division, the trio of Liam Copeland, Logan Roach and Mykola Luty finished in the top half of the pack as first-year senior runners, which coach Dennis Brash said was incentive for them to return next year aiming for even better results.

“The weather was uninviting for Wednesday’s finals,” Mr. Brash noted. “Opeongo runners were up for the challenge, but the conditions held them back from personal bests.

“All Opeongo athletes have to be commended for braving the weather and finishing each race they entered,” he added.

Senior Skate coming to Eganville Arena on Monday afternoons

By Debbi Christinck Staff Writer

Eganville – A free “Senior and Parent and Tot Skate” is coming to the Eganville Arena on Monday afternoons to offer a less busy time for skating at the rink.

“I think it is a fantastic idea,” Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy said at a committee meeting of council last Tuesday. “Perhaps some of these seniors don’t want to be on the ice when there are teenagers on the ice.” The skating sessions were approved following a request from the Eganville and District Seniors Needs. This is part of their Eldertrekking in the Valley program to encourage seniors – and others -- to be more active, participate in a new recreational experience and make new friends.

“This program will allow us to offer free, active adventure programming to all ages in the Eganville and surrounding area,” Executive Director Kayla Menkhorst wrote in a letter to council.

Through a grant from the pro -

vincial government, the Eganville Skating Club will be instructing two “ Try It ” sessions for seniors and adults who either do not know how to skate or want to get back out on the ice again and are not yet confident in their abilities, she noted. These sessions are booked for Friday, December 9th and February 3rd at the Eganville Arena. Having the Monday afternoon skating specifically for seniors and parents and tots is a follow up to this.

“It is important for us to be able to offer additional opportunities for those seniors and adults who are participating in the Try It program to go skating in a safe and quiet(er) atmosphere,” she wrote. She asked council to support this initiative by providing an “in kind” support with a Senior and Parent and Tot skate on Mondays from 1 to 2:20 p.m. beginning on December 5th, excluding statutory and school holidays.

“This will allow seniors who may not be comfortable with skating at a public skate time to gain confidence and ability in skating and to

get them more active and out in the community,” she noted. “Because of the daytime slot, including Parent and Tots would give opportunity for multiple generations to skate together without the busy atmosphere of a public skate.”

Council was quick to approve the request, with CAO Annette Gilchrist suggesting maybe they could get sponsors for it, like they do for public skating.

“Would council be okay with promoting that like public skating?” she asked.

Normally the public skating slots are full with sponsorship for free public skating, but this year this has not been the case, she noted.

“We are not having the best luck with business promoting public skating,” she said.

Following the approval from council, Mrs. Gilchrist said staff will look for sponsors for both the public skating and the “senior and parent and tot skate”.

Councillor Brent Patrick said this was a good recreational activity to support.

Millers upset champion team in EHL squeaker

By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer

Eganville – The M.W. Miller Loggers stretched their 2022-23 Eganville Hockey League (EHL) win streak to two games Friday night, upsetting the defending champions, Calver Lumber, in a 5-4 squeaker.

In the evening’s other contest, the Barry’s Bay Bulls and Whitewater Brewery collected their first points of the season in a 1-1 draw.

The Loggers came out on top in their game after a rocky start where they fell behind the powerful Calver team 2-0 in the first period. Riley Poirier opened the scoring midway through the first period, continuing the hot pace he set in last week’s EHL opener where he scored twice. Then, with 39 seconds remaining in the period, the Calver defenceman notched his

second goal to put his team up 2-0. Calver captain Steve Gilchrist stretched the lead to three goals a minute into period two, but the Loggers responded 23 seconds later as Bradley Borutski foiled Matt Schroeder’s shut-out bid to make the score 3-1. Calver restored their three-goal lead midway through the period as Brett Clouthier found the twine behind Logger’s goalie, Randy Chafer. The Loggers answered back at the 4:45 mark as Brennan McGrath narrowed the gap to 4-2 heading into the third period.

Mike McGrath got a shot past Schroeder at the 6:33 mark to put the Loggers within one of tying the game. Tyler Neuman knotted the contest at three with 2:13 to go and the Loggers completed the come-

back with the winning goal from newcomer, Brandon Woodmar, with 1:27 left on the clock. The Loggers had the only two penalties assessed in the game.

The Whitewater-Barry’s Bay game was a penalty-filled affair that saw the Whitewater squad take a 1-0 lead on a late first period goal. The teams battled through a scoreless second period and much of the third, until the Bulls tied the contest with 2:35 left on the clock. Whitewater had nine of the 16 penalties called in the game. This week, Calver meets Whitewater at 7:30 and the Loggers look for their third straight win in an 8:30 meeting with the Bulls Note: Whitewater and the Bulls did not post line-ups on the game scorecard.

Sherwood Public School goalie Keegan Plante rejected this scoring attempt from Reid Walsh of the St. Andrew’s #1 team at an elementary school soccer tournament in Killaloe Friday. St. Andrew’s #1 won the seven-team tournament, edging St. Andrew’s #2 by three points, 10 to 7 in total points.

Opeongo’s Quinn Coughlin proudly displays the gold medal she won in the Junior Girl’s category of the county cross-country championship held last week at Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch near Pembroke.

Quinn Coughlin, left, led the field of 24 runners in the Junior Girls division by almost two minutes. Senior Girl Emily George, right, finished second in the field of 33 competitors.

St. Andrew’s hosts soccer in Killaloe

Carl Lacombe remembered for his passion for sports

By Terry Fleurie Staff Writer

Killaloe – A native of Whitney who spent most of his adult life in Killaloe, is being remembered for his passion and involvement in the Killaloe and area sports community.

Carl Lacombe, 78, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday evening. The longtime resident of the village is being remembered for his many contributions to various sports that he both participated and coached in.

The Leader spoke to some of the people who knew Mr. Lacombe from over the years and they readily shared their thoughts about the man they were fortunate to call their friend.

Dennis Gienow knew Mr. Lacombe for approximately 55 years, having first met when he was around 16 years old, and not surprisingly they met through sports.

He used to drive another friend, the late Jack Briscoe, to play hockey for Whitney in Bancroft, and Mr. Lacombe was a member of that team.

“I was 16 and had my own car and Jack was playing for Whitney because Killaloe didn’t have a team.

I’d drive Jack up to Bancroft and that’s where I sort of got to meet Carl.”

Later, Mr. Gienow, Mr. Lacombe and Ronnie Murray would become the closest of friends and the trio did everything together.

“It was sort of funny,” he recalled.

“In hockey, I played right wing, Ronnie played centre, and Carl played left wing.

“And in baseball, Carl played first, I played second, and Ronnie played short for the Green Machine,” he added. “We played a lot of games together.”

He noted on the hockey rink, his friend was a very under-rated player and, on the diamond, he was an excellent fielder and could handle the bat well.

“He wasn’t a threat to park it, but he had his share of base hits, I’ll tell you,” he said.

In later years, he and Mr. Lacombe coached different teams who hosted various senior tournaments. He said Mr. Lacombe always enjoyed being more behind-the-scenes in his involvement, so he would manage the teams while Mr. Gienow did

the coaching.

“Carl was the unspoken type of guy. He liked it better in the background. He did all the legwork for the teams though.”

“Socializing and sports was a big part of his life and mine, and Ronnie’s,” Mr. Gienow said. He did not learn of his friend’s passing until Friday morning while at work when his daughter-in-law, Erin Gienow, sent him a text photo of the two together.

“Carl and I were sitting on my deck last summer and I looked at the picture and I thought no, don’t even go there,” he said.

He responded to the text, but when he received no immediate answer, he saw a posting on Facebook that Mr. Lacombe had died Thursday evening.

“I thought no, this can’t be. Then I texted Erin again and asked if there was bad news I hadn’t heard of.”

He noted while he hasn’t golfed for likely 15 years, Mr. Lacombe could still be found at the course most days. He recalled how he used to urge him to join him for a round of golf, adding he always told him the sport was hard on his injured shoulder and he didn’t enjoy the game because of that.

“I always used to bug him. I told him he wasn’t really golfing because he drives the cart right up to the green and that he wasn’t really curling because he used the stick.

“I told him that’s not the way the games are supposed to be played and he’d just laugh,” he continued.

“We had a lot of good times.”

Mr. Murray weighed in on his memories of Mr. Lacombe, noting he too got to know him through sports.

“He was just a great guy who always put his family first, that’s for sure,” he said. “He dedicated a lot of time to coaching the kids. He was very big with the minor end of it.”

One time when Killaloe had three baseball teams, Mr. Lacombe was an opponent for a few years rather than a teammate. He said coaching came naturally to both of them, noting he simply applied what they knew of the sport.

“And that seemed to work out pretty good,” he said.

He recalled he rarely saw Mr. Lacombe upset, saying he just took

everything in stride when it came his way.

Neighbour And Friend

Bernie Finucane was not only a very good friend but he was also Mr. Lacombe’s neighbour in Killaloe for many years as well.

“He was right in my back yard,” he said. “I was born and raised in Killaloe, so I’ve known of Carl since I was a young lad.

“We’ve become pretty good friends.”

Mr. Finucane’s first recollection of him was watching him, Mr. Murray and Mr. Gienow playing sports together.

“Then when I got old enough and got a chance to play ball and hockey with them, I got to know them even better,” he explained. “His passion for sports and attention to detail was unbelievable.”

One of his fondest memories was when his son Shannon, and Mr. Lacombe’s son Curtis, were playing at the peewee level and they won the International Silver Stick tournament in Forest about 30 years ago, with Mr. Lacombe as the head coach.

“He loved taking on the responsibility of organizing stuff. I think he was the Sam Pollock of Killaloe.”

A die-hard Montreal Canadiens

fan, Mr. Finucane believes his friend was watching his team in action when he was stricken down.

Mr. Finucane said he, Mr. Lacombe, Mr. Murray and the late Bob Atkinson were a team in the Thursday night curling league for many years, and they continued with other members right up until the last few years.

When asked what the greatest advice Mr. Lacombe had instilled in him as a coach might be, he struggled to list just one thing.

“I don’t know where I’d ever start. He never said much, he never said anything unless he had to.

“Even as a GM, he probably had as much respect from the players as anybody, and when he spoke, you listened,” he added.

He recalled one time Mr. Lacombe was in hospital recovering from open heart surgery and the Killaloe Kings were in the finals of the Eganville Hockey League.

“He called me and asked me to apologize to the guys because he

couldn’t be there,” he recalled.

“When I told the players that night, I don’t think anybody could have beat us. That’s how much respect they had for him.”

He described Mr. Lacombe as incredibly social, noting he struggled during COVID at not having the regular contact with people.

Mr. Finucane felt there was one word that summed up his late friend extremely well.

“Simply put, Carl was a winner. As a player, as a coach, as a manager, as a family man and a friend.”

Involved At Curling Club

Gerard Mullin, past president of the Killaloe Curling Club, said Mr. Lacombe will certainly be missed there this season. He said he has been at the club for about 15 years and Mr. Lacombe’s history predates his involvement.

“Carl was a very active member of the club and had curled right up until last year,” he said. “He told me

just recently that he had decided not to curl this winter because his legs were sore.”

He said Mr. Lacombe was a member of the board of directors and was a longtime convenor of the very popular Killaloe Community Bonspiel and the Curling Club Golf Tournament fundraiser.

“He was always curling, two nights at least, and when he wasn’t, he’d be upstairs watching the games,” he said. “He did lot for the club, behind the scenes, and helped out on a lot of projects.”

He said both teammates and opponents always enjoyed being on the ice or socializing with him.

“He’ll be really missed around the club,” he noted.

To Be Honoured At Heritage Cup

David Shulist, commissioner of the Heritage Cup tournament, knew Mr. Lacombe well and enlisted his services in an important role for the popular event prior to its forced

postponements due to COVID.

“He was head of hockey operations and controlled the rules and all that,” he noted.

“Carl is Mr. Hockey in my eyes and knows the game very well and knows the community,” he added.

“He was outside the four cultures (Kashubian, Irish, Wendish and Algonquin) and he was never biased in any way. He took care of business; that’s why he was such a good fit.”

While he never competed against Mr. Lacombe, he had heard many stories about his skills in athletics.

“He was a true gentleman,” he concluded. “He’s going to be sadly missed, but we’re going to honour him at the next Heritage Cup.”

The late Mr. Lacombe is survived by his wife, Gerry (O’Neill), sons Corey and Curtis and daughter Colleen. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Zohr Family Funeral Home. Final details were not confirmed at press time.

Bernie Finucane, Dennis Gienow, Ronnie Murray and Carl Lacombe were avid promoters and participants in both minor and adults sports in the Killaloe community.

The late Caro Lacombe, right, is shown with long-time friend and fellow sports enthusiast Terry (Clem) Bozak, who passed away about four years ago.

Carl Lacombe and Dennis Gienow toast their life-long adult friendship during a social gathering at the Gienow residence.

Tim Hortons sends thousands of smiles to local healthcare

The Barry’s Bay Tim Hortons exceeded their goal to sell 5,000 cookies during this year’s Smile Cookie Week from September 19 to 25. In fact, a total of 6,794 cookies were sold, resulting in a $6,794 donation to St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation for local healthcare. The Foundation raises money for its three partners, including St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Valley Manor and Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care. This was the eighth year the Barry’s Bay Tim Hortons has held Smile Cookie Week, and since 2015, a total of $45,479 has been raised for local healthcare. Pictured, left to right are SFVHF Executive Director Erin Gienow, Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care Clinical Director Dylaina Wood, Barry’s Bay Tim Hortons owner Jason Armstrong, SFVHF Board of Directors member Bruce Willmer, Valley Manor Director of HR and Finance Stacey McDonald, Tim Hortons Manager Chantal Kedroskie and St. Francis Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Greg McLeod.

Catch

the Ace is back in Bay

Barry’s Bay -- Colleen Keller of Hardwood Lake won the weekly prize in Week 2 of the Catch the Ace draw, sponsored by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. A PSW at the Valley Manor, she got her ticket at the Barry’s Bay Shell. She usually picks number 45, but this week she figured she would try something different and so she went with number 6 on a whim. That envelope revealed the Four of Spades, earning her the weekly prize of $669. Colleen said she hasn’t decided what to do with her winnings, but she plans to buy herself something and use the rest for Christmas shopping. The Ace of Spades is still in play, and the estimated weekly prize for Week #3 is $700. If the Ace of Spades is found, the lucky winner will take home the estimated total prize of $3,588. Joe Fisher of Madawaska won $556 in the first draw. He purchased the ticket at the Barry’s Bay MacEwens and picked envelope number 3, his favorite number. He was close to finding the Ace of Spades as his envelope revealed the Ace of Clubs. He said his winnings will come in helpful when paying some bills. All proceeds support the purchase of essential medical equipment for St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Tickets can be purchased at Round Lake Centre Food Market, Round Lake Country Store, AJ’s Convenience, Killaloe Hardware, Wilno Building Supply, Charlie D’s, Barry’s Bay MacEwen, the Foundation office, Valley Manor, Barry’s Bay Ultramar, Lorraine’s Pharmasave, Barry’s Bay Shell, CO Country Market, The Cottage Cup, Eganville Shell, Conway’s Pharmacy, Village Discount and Variety, Ramona’s Hairstyling and Whitney Pharmacy.

Members of the St. Andrew’s 2 team bring the ball up the pitch in their match against St. James on Friday at the tournament they hosted. From left, Chloe Olsheskie, Alec Olsheskie (back to camera) and Damian Corbett. The St. Andrew’s #1 team won the tournament.

Khlali Hershoff of St. Andrew’s #2, Killaloe, brings the ball up the pitch with teammate Nessia Blake waiting for a pass. Payton Schweigert of St. James, Eganville, is in hot pursuit of her two opponents.

Colleen Keller was the winner in the second Catch the Ace draw sponsored by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foudnation.