Minor hockey awards from 40 years ago

By C. Scott Holland

For these young hockey players, it may seem like only yesterday, but in fact it has been 40 years since they stepped into the spotlight for Leamington Minor Hockey.

The 1979-80 season had already ended when the local minor hockey association held their year-end banquet in late May on the arena floor.

One of the special recognitions was naming the top house league goaltenders and among them were discovered several names that would become much more familiar years afterward.

Special recognition for top 1979/80 house league goaltenders who were front row, Darren McCarty and Larry Biekx (Novice) and future Flyers’ netminder Britt Walling (Atom Minor travel). In the back row are, Kris Klym (Bantam), Kelly Russelo (Midget) and Richard Paliani (Major Bantam travel).

Darren McCarty and Larry Biekx. Future Flyers’ netminder Britt Walling had the Atom honours while Kris Klym (Bantam), Kelly Russelo (Midget) and Richard Paliani (travel Major Bantams) also garnered awards.

Chris Webster was hailed as the referee of the year while Joey Silva was noted as the player of the year and Tim Iles was honoured as the outstanding house league player.

1979-80 Leamington Minor Hockey Award Winners — Chris Webster (left), was hailed as Referee of the Year, while Joey Silva (middle) was Player of the Year and Tim Iles (right) was honoured as the Outstanding House League Player.

Players creed winners that season were: Mark Weil, Jeff Greenwood, Troy Wiper, Dean DeWaele, Darren Takaki, Scott Wilkinson, Anthony Donaghey, Todd Bell and Matthew Haley.