3 minute read
Community welcomes champs with parade
By Mark Ribble
The Leamington Flyers planned a parade on Saturday, May 13 in Leamington and were pleased by the fan turnout along the route and at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.
With a few intermittent raindrops providing the only small challenge, the team hopped aboard the Leamington Fire ladder truck 143 and cruised from the town hall on Erie North to the arena, along with about a dozen other vehicles carrying coaching staff, management and volunteers.
When the caravan turned onto Sherk Street, the crowd of about 500 waiting near the arena erupted in chants of “Go Flyers Go”.
A further crowd of about the same number waited near the complex entrance to greet the 2023 Sutherland Cup champions.
The Flyers had beaten the Stratford Warriors on Tuesday, May 9 in Stratford in game seven to take their first-ever Sutherland Cup.
Hotdogs, chips and drinks were handed out to anyone in attendance and the Flyers players spent a considerable amount of time posing for photos with fans and giving autographs.
Inside the complex, everyone gathered for some speeches, given by Mayor Hilda MacDonald, MP Dave Epp and Flyers management.
General Manager Justin Solcz got emotional when talking about the the players and the way they responded when called upon.
"I'm so proud of you guys and the amount of work you guys put in,” he said. “We held you to a high standard and you guys delivered. You are champions and you deserve it.”
Solcz said they could not have done it without the numerous volunteers involved with the team.
“The amount of people that support us is unbelievable,” he added.
Head Coach Dale Mitchell was equally as thankful for the volunteers, the fans and the commitment by his players and staff.
Flyers’ long-time public address announcer John Hammond — who had a large hand in organizing the event — told the players how he felt about the team.
“This is the best hockey team I’ve ever seen come out of Leamington,” he said. “Each and every one of you will have a great future.”
Flyers star Connor MacPherson signs an autograph for a couple of young fans at Saturday’s parade and celebration in Leamington. SUN photo
Leamington Flyers, from left, Owen Holmes, Nick Mahy, James Sigmon, Boe Piroski, Trevor Larue, Thomas Grossi and Griffin Grundner enjoy the ride along the streets of Leamington. All photos by the SUN
Fans watch along Sherk Street as the team celebrates atop the fire truck.
This shiny red Mustang was part of the parade, carrying fans along with Flyers trainer Don Mouck and Equipment Manager Scott Simpson.
These four fans were on hand to welcome the champs to the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre.
Chatham Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 Pipes and Drums led the parade from the town hall to the complex.
The Leamington Flyers players gathered at the Leamington Municipal Building (town hall) before the parade got underway.
