1974/75 Elmvale Juveniles
Induction Award:
The Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team of 1974-1975 consisted of some of the strongest hearted young men that have played the game. They were a team defined by their determination and ability to overcome adversity including the sudden loss of teammate (Ron DeKlyn) during the provincial finals. They drew inspiration from the local community which packed home games and traveled by bus in large numbers to away games. They played four unique and challenging series on route to becoming the All-Ontario Juvenile DD Champions. These Juveniles always put “Team” first and they would not be denied.
(L-R) Back: Bill Trace (Manager), Mark Archer, Dan Breedon, Ron DeKlyn, Rick Durnford, Steve Loftus, John Melnyk, John Trace, Ross Walton, Julian Melnyk, George Conn (Coach), Brian Handy (Trainer), Front: Paul Craddock, Peter Beardsall, Danny Ritchie, Jeff Columbus, Guy Reevie, Jim Grigg, Greg Giffen, Ross Downey, Rob Conn(mascot), Inset: Dave Morrow
Member Details:
Category: Team
Induction Year: 2024
Nominator: Bernice Trace
Sport(s): Hockey
Association: Ontario Minor Hockey Association (O.M.H.A.)
Category: Juvenile“DD”
Highlights:
Narrative:
The Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team of 1974-1975 consisted of team members Mark Archer, Dan Breedon, Ron DeKlyn, Rick Durnford, Steve Loftus, John Melnyk, John Trace, Ross Walton, Julian Melnyk, Paul Craddock, Greg Giffen, Ross Downey, and Dave Morrow. The team was coached by George Conn, managed by Bill Trace, and trained by Brian handy. Rob Conn was the mascot. This extraordinary list of men won the Provincial Hockey Championship despite great adversity and trauma, making their victory truly worthy of this award.
Already the underdog due to playing against teams with much larger population centres, which could draw players from a larger population base, the Elmvale team also endured multiple additional hardships. At the time of the final series, the team saw the untimely death of teammate Ron DeKlyn as a result of a snowmobiling accident. The team was badly shaken but pressed onward.
As though the shocking loss of a teammate wasn’t enough, while the team was playing the final game of the final series against Dorchester (a formidable opponent), they received the news that their home arena had burned down. This horrible event did not stop the team. The Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team went on to score the winning goal in an overtime victory.
