Perfect record at 1987 Silver Stick for local midgets

By C. Scott Holland

The regional Silver Stick tournament held at Petrolia in late 1986 and early January 1987 became more of a showcase for Leamington’s Quick’s Auto Wreckers Midget team.

They completed it by going a perfect 5-0 and were the lone team in the division to do so. The victory allowed the team to advance to the North American Silver Stick tournament in Sarnia.

The route to the finals and winning it, found Quick’s facing several good adversaries. They began by topping Windsor 6-2, then edged Paris 3-2 in overtime.

The 1986-87 Quick’s Midgets Back from left, Dave Ruston, Aaron Gabriele, Todd Bell, Jamie Davie, Greg Wiper, Wade Crosbie, coach Jerry Brooks, Mike Chambers, Gerry Ingratta, Rob Cribbie, Chad Jeffery, Jim Knox, GM Richard Koop. In front are Greg Enns, Dean Fratarcangeli, Steve Tennant, Mike Gayer, Derek Kos, Rob Derksen, Todd Brophy and Gerry Goerzen.

Photo from the C. Scott Holland Collection

Belle River fell 4-1 and Essex went down 6-2, as the Wreckers turned aside all competition in the double knockout event.

Because of the double knockout, Paris worked its way back up through the losers’ side and met Leamington in the finals.

However, to win the Silver Stick, Paris had to beat Leamington twice while Quick’s only need to defeat Paris once to capture the title. Leamington nipped them in the finals 5-4, after rallying twice to grab and hold the lead.

After one frame, it was knotted 1-1 and after 40 minutes Quick’s clung to a slim 4-3 lead.

Mike Chambers paced Quick’s by drilling two goals while Steve Tennant, Mike Gayer and Greg Enns planted one apiece. Jamie Davie was selected as the Leamington MVP.