Woolwich Township to honour local NHL, Canadian team alumni
Posted Aug 8, 2024 03:55:28 PM.
Last Updated Aug 9, 2024 09:09:15 AM.
The Woolwich Memorial Centre will have more banners added to its rafters next month to mark the accomplishments of local sports stars who made it to the National Hockey League (NHL) and the national stage.
A banner raising ceremony is set to take place on September 22 at 1:30 p.m.. Nine members of the NHL alumni are expected to be honoured, including former players Darryl Sittler, Dennis Wideman, Larry Huras, Ric Seiling, Rod Seiling, and Dan Snyder, who has an arena in the complex named after him.
“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our local hockey heroes,” Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz said in a press release. “These banners not only recognize the dedication and commitment that our honourees have given to their remarkable careers, they are also a visual reminder to aspiring youth that with hard work and dedication, dreams do really come true!”
Two current NHL referees from Elmira, Garrett Rank and Morgan Macphee, will also be recognized.
Two banners will also be raised for Team Canada Olympians and Paralympians, including former sledge hockey coach Jeff Snyder and sledge hockey player Mark Noot (2006 and 2009) and former Elmira Sugar Kings equipment manager, Jim McLeod, who represented Team Canada in 2004 and in 2006 at the Olympics. McLeod also has an arena at the complex named after him.
A full list of players who are set to be honoured can be found here.
In a statement, the township said the banners will “symbolize not only personal success but also the strong support and encouragement from the Woolwich community.”
