Wednesday, April 2, 2008 • Page 18 73’s prepare for OHA Championship Semi-Final History of Ontario Hockey League Clarence the Ontario “Tubby” Schmalz Cup Championships Since 1938, when the first Ontario Hockey Association Junior C Championship was held, there have been 67 titles won (there was no championship during the the last three years of World War II- 1942-43, 43-44, 44- 45). This year marks the 70th anniversary of the title, first won by Orangeville in a best of three series against Aurora. Essex 73's AJay Sweet and Wes Tan try to press the puck home against Lakers' goalie There have been repeat Ryan George, during the Junior C Championship, in Wallaceburg, March 26. winners many times over the years but only once has What lies ahead a team won four consecu- tive cups, the Collingwood Greenshirts of the 50s CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 semis because geographically they are the (1950-53). Only one other The Ontario Hockey Junior C Cup in his memo- closest, about a three-hour drive. A Grimsby- team has won three titles in Association Junior C ry a couple of years later. With the GLJHL league title, which was Essex series would be a return engagement a row, the Niagara District Championship trophy is Schmalz served as OHA also the quarterfinal round for the Ontario from last year. Essex swept the Peach Kings Glanbrook Rangers (1997- named in honour of president from 1969 to Hockey Association championship series, in four games enroute to the Ontario 99). Five teams have won Clarence (Tubby) Schmalz 1972. In 1974 the Major Essex has qualified for the Ontario semi- Championship final. Three years ago, in the back-to back provincial (1915-1981), a longtime Junior A program began finals, set to begin this weekend. 2005 Ontario Final, Essex also played the titles – Penetang, Grimsby, hockey administrator from operating independently of Their semi-final opponent will be deter- Niagara District League Champs, bruising Newmarket, Belle River Walkerton, Ontario. the OHA, known today as mined by the OHA, based on ‘distance to the Peach Kings in a hard fought seven game and Essex (1977, 1978). Schmalz died on the morn- the Ontario Major Junior travel’ for each team, but because of the per- series, 4 to 3, to capture their second Schmalz The Essex 73’s, coached by ing of Dec. 7, 1981 of a Hockey League. Schmalz mutations that are still possible regarding Cup in four years. Dave Prpich, won four heart attack. The associa- became the league's first which three teams will advance and which The four other provincial league champi- Great Lakes Junior C titles tion renamed the OHA commissioner. teams will be eliminated from the remaining ons trying to qualify for the remaining two in a row, from 1974-75 to six-team quarterfinal round, the 73’s will not semifinal positions have a more difficult 1977-78, and three Ontario know their next round game dates or match route to traverse. They must not only win Championships in that span, up until the remaining quarter final rounds their respective leagues but then play an addi- the first one in 1975. are complete. The semi-finalists will be tional playoff round, the Ontario quarter Despite the fact the 73’s known by Thursday night at the latest. finals. only joined the OHA Junior Here is how the Schmalz Cup is set up, The final two provincial quarter finals are C loop in 1973-74, they along with the other quarterfinal matchups. the Empire B Junior C Hockey League cham- have been the most success- In the province of Ontario, there are six pions, the Napanee Raiders, playing the ful franchise and team in the Junior C hockey leagues, with a total of 45 Central Ontario Hockey League champion history of Junior C hockey teams. The GLJHL, with nine member teams Georgina Ice. The last series is the Georgian in the province. Essex has and Essex as its representative, and The Bay Mid-Ontario Hockey League champi- won five Schmalz Cups and Niagara District JHL, with 12 teams, qualify ons, the Alliston Hornets, who knocked off appeared in a record nine their league champion directly into the the two-time defending Ontario champion Ontario finals. Ironically, Late Registration Date – Sunday, April 6th Ontario semifinals. Penetang Kings from Penetanguishene four the team with the second 11am - 3pm at the Essex Community Centre – The Niagara championship pits the peren- games to one, in their league final this month most Schmalz Cup final 26 Gosfield Townline (next to the Essex Library) nial powerhouse Grimsby Peach Kings, with against the Walkerton Hawks, champions of appearances is their arch House League: Travel: a league best record of 33 wins, 2 losses and the Western Junior C Hockey League. rival, the Belle River T-Ball (2003-2002) Rookie (2001-1999) 2 ties this year, against the Norwich At press time, Grimsby, Napanee and Canadiens. The Habs have Rookie (2001-1999) Mosquito (1998-1997) Merchants. The Niagara champion appears to Alliston held 3-2 leads in their respective played for the cup eight Mosquito (1998-1997) Pee Wee (1996-1995) be the most likely opponent for Essex in the series. times, winning four (1985, Pee Wee (1996-1995) Bantam (1994-1993) Bantam (1994-1993) Midget (1992-1990) ’92, ’94, ’95). An Ontario Midget (1992-1990) Junior (1989-1988) championship this year by Jr. Girls (1999-1997) WWHAHATT’’SS NNEWEWAT AT BBELLEVIEWELLEVIEW...... Essex, which would be a Int. Girls (1996-1994) third for Piroski, would tie Sr. Girls (1993-1990) 4 MAN SCRAMBLE JUNIOR LEAGUE 2 MONTH MEMBERSHIP him with Prpich. Fees for 2008: • Fridays at 6:00pm 1 player $80 • 2 players $150 • 3 or more $200 • T-Ball $40 • Tuesdays at 6:00pm July 1 st - August 31 st • 3 Divisions Registration fee includes admission and • Competitive 9 Hole League • Weekday Membership • Executive 9 Hole League transportation to EMBA Detroit Tiger day • Played on Championship Course • Championship Course ONLY • New Beginner Tees Registration fees may be claimed as a credit $ 00 $ 00 $ 00 for 2008 income tax purposes for children 700 /team 125/junior 450/player under the age of 16. Financial assistance is available to parents who are eligible to receive COUPLES LEAGUE FAMILY LEAGUE THE BELLEVIEW LEAGUE the National Child Benefit Supplement. 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