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Holland surprised, honoured by press box naming
By Mark Ribble
One of Leamington’s leading historians and sports volunteers was honoured last Thursday, February 9 at the Highbury Canco Arena.
Scott Holland, longtime statistician for the Flyers and all-around sports stats guru, was lured out onto the ice from the press box as arena staff unveiled a new banner across the press box, officially naming it the Scott Holland Press Box.
Leamington Council had voted in a recent meeting to put Holland’s name on the press box to recognize the mountains of work he has done for local sports in this community.
A fixture in the press box at the old Leamington Arena for years, Holland could be seen carrying his lunch bag into that cold press box on Erie Street North to document not only Flyers games, but those of the Leamington Senior Men’s Hockey League and other amateur leagues over the years.
That tradition continues to this day as Scott makes his way into the press box at Highbury Canco Arena for every Flyers home game and spends Monday nights there documenting the scoring prowess of the Men’s League.
Fellow Flyers’ press box resident John Hammond — who is the PA announcer for the games — was instrumental in getting Holland the honour, along with a letter from the Flyers hockey club.
“I’ve sat beside Scott for the last 32 years and seen the work he’s put in,” said Hammond. “Wherever he’s called upon, he’ll jump in and do it. It really meant a lot to me to see him get that honour.”
As for Holland, 67, he is happy for the honour after so many years of hard work and was taken aback by such a gesture.
“It was the last thing I ever expected,” said Holland. “I never dreamed they were going to name the press box after me. It’s a good feeling.”
Scott Holland, second from left, is congratulated by Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald as PA announcer John Hammond (with mic) surprised him with the new press box name, Scott Holland Press Box. Flyers co-owner Jason Melo, left, and Flyers GM Justin Solcz, right, also participated in the ceremony on Thursday, February 9.
