26 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Local minor hockey grad became OMHA executive
By C. Scott Holland After graduating from the Leamington Minor Hockey system and becoming involved in coaching at both minor and Jr. C levels, Richard Ropchan got involved with the development of hockey. It was via that route that he became an OMHA director. Initially, he became a director of the OMHA’s Development Program and did that for about four years before being elevated to become an Executive Director. During his time with the OMHA, he oversaw the introduction of online player registration, was instrumental in developing increased player movement opportunities, code of conduct standards and policies, plus the Respect In Hockey initiative. He was respon-
sible for managing the day-to-day business operations of the world’s largest minor hockey association as well as providing leadership and support to its 228 member centres. A key part of his work was increasing the OMHA’s online presence. After 19 years with the OMHA, Ropchan retired on Dec. 31, 2016. At the time he stated, “It is the right time for me to step away personally and be able to spend more time with my family. It’s probably one of the most difficult decisions to make because of my lifelong passion for hockey development.” For Richard, tons of thanks went to the board of directors as well as the office staff, both of which he dealt
Flashbacks are from 1958 this week old Puyda scored for the Legion crew. Wheatley threw everything at Harrow goalie Chuck Bondy, but couldn’t get the winner past him. Kings Menu Cafeteria opens On a side note, Leamington celebrated the opening of Kings Menu Cafeteria this week. Located at 23 Erie Street
South (location of the former Belmont Grill), the King’s Menu has been completely renovated by proprietors, John and Florence Kasarda. Dinners will be served in the informality of cafeteria style and they plan to offer parties, banquets and business luncheons. The Kasardas have been Leamington residents
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This week’s flashbacks go all the way back to December 1958. Minor hockey gets new ‘spacemen’ masks Goalies in the Leamington Minor Hockey Association are looking like spacemen after the arrival of their new masks last week. A photo showing Paul Setterington, Don Bruner and Randy McKenzie, all decked out in their goalie gear and new masks, appeared on the front page. Wheatley Bantams beat Selkirk 3-2 This game saw the first penalty shot of the season, as Dennis Jackson threw his stick to thwart a Paul Quick breakaway. Ernie Banyai took the penalty shot, but was stopped by Dibbley. Jackson remained in the penalty box and Banyai ended up scoring on the powerplay. George Toews then tied the score for Wheatley before Banyai scored again. Barry Selwood tied it up again for Wheatley, and then Garry Reid potted the winner in the third. Leamington trips up Kingsville 4-2 The Leamington Jets broke open a 2-2 tie with two unanswered goals in the third period to beat the Kingsville Honkers in South Essex Hockey League last week. Leamington got two goals from Eric Warnock, while Wayne Ives and Jerome Gagnier each score once. Kingsville was led by Reg Switzer and John Meadows. Legionnaires and Sailors tie The Wheatley Legionnaires and Harrow Sailors played to a 2-2 tie in one of the other South Essex games. Only one penalty was called in the whole game. Harold Fraba and Phil Abbott put Harrow up 2-0, but it was all Wheatley from there, as Rich Rivait and Har-
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with on a day-to-day basis. They earned his utmost respect and appreciation. OMHA president at the time, Rob Ring said, “Richard has been an exemplary leader for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and we thank him for his many years of service and commitment to improving the OMHA.” During his tenure, thou- RICHARD ROPCHAN sands of Ontario youngsters developed their hockey skills under programs that Ropchan oversaw. He gained from his experiences in our own minor hockey system, as well as coaching Jr. C and minor hockey plus his time as an instructor with the Kirk Bowman Hockey School. Ropchan was a regular player in the local senior men’s ranks and that helped him along the way. He was also a coach and heavily involved for a number of years with Canada’s Inline Hockey team, where he coached them to a IHF World Championship in 1995.
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Community Calendar NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 24TH
COMMUNITY LIVING ESSEX COUNTY, Giving Season Campaignis on now. All donations made online at www.canadahelps.org/en/giv3/17996 and contributions made to Community Living Essex County from Tuesday, Dec 1st to Thursday, Dec 24th will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a maximum of $8,000 by matching corporate partner, Libro Credit Union. ONGOING MIRACLE MOBILE MARKET - Free fresh produce boxes available in Wheatley every Tuesday from 10:30 11:30 a.m. at Wheatley Baptist Church. You can pick up a box and have option of paying it forward by donating and helping someone else. COMMUNITY TAKEOUT IS AVAILABLE at Leamington United Church, 4-5 pm every Monday. St. Johnʼs Anglican Church also has takeout meals available every Wednesday from 4-5pm. Food and clothing are available from St. Vincent De Paul at St. Michaelʼs Parish, Salvation Army Food Bank, The warming Cross at St. Paulʼs Lutheran Church, Food Cupboard at St. Johnʼs Anglican church, The Bridge (ages 14-24), Food Pantry at Parkdale Variety, neighbourhood pantry at Erie South and Marlborough and the Angel Pantry at St. Johnʼs Anglican Church. All are free. All are welcome. ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONEʼS DRINKING? Al-Anon Family Groups meeting information: 519-790-7739 or www.alanonwindsoressex.com
Treats For All Pets! 129 Erie St. S. Leamington For Pet upset tummy - pouches of pumpkin. 519-325-1112 Kitty Towers • Dog Coats Join us on Facebook
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ERIE SHORES TOASTMASTERS Meeting online at 6:00 p.m. every other Wednesday. December dates are the 9th and 23rd. Develop your Communication and Leadership Skills in a positive, friendly environment. Visit a meeting and see how you like it! For more info Email: ErieShoresTM@ yahoo.com Facebook: Erie Shores Toastmasters or go to ErieShores.toastmastersclubs.org and click on Contact Us. IF YOU WANT TO DRINK, THATʼS YOUR BUSINESS If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous: 519-999-1234. RANDY ATKINSON FUND provides money for extras that OHIP doesnʼt pay for or to help with unexpected expenses for cancer patients (e.g. hospital parking etc). If you, your group or organization would like to have a speaker explain the fund and its availability in this area, call 519-682-2580. PLAY ROTARY TV BINGO GAMES - Tuesday nights, live on TVCOGECO from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Can only be viewed in Chatham-Kent viewing areas. Support the community and purchase your cards from Adamson Guardian Drugs, Wheatley. Pick up your cards early! Play 5 different games on 3 faces in 1 hour. $3 for 15 ways to win and $2000 in prizes. PREGNANCY & RESOURCE CENTRE, 33 Princess St. (Central 33) Suite 212, Leamington, offers free and confidential services provided by registered nurses and trained volunteers. Free pregnancy tests. Call 24/7 for free and confidential support - 519-326-0612. Business calls: 519-3263821.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR IS NOW BACK IN THE SOUTHPOINT SUN To place your event in the Community Calendar... Phone: 519-398-9098 • Email: sun@southpointsun.ca • or drop off at 194 Talbot St. E. Unit 2, Leamington SUBMISSIONS NOT GUARANTEED.
