One of Windsor-Essex's junior-C hockey teams will look to its past as it celebrates a half-century on the ice.
The Essex 73s will mark its 50th anniversary next season. In preparation for the milestone, the team will pay tribute to the players and individuals who have made their mark on the 73s. A selection committee has been appointed to create the Essex 73s Wall of Honour, to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the team.
Executive member Joe Garon said it will not be an easy task, as there were so many people who were a part of the organization.
"We’re sorting through the nearly 800 players and countless others who have helped make the Essex 73s the success we are today," said Garon in a media release. "There are a lot of people who have come through this organization over the years, left their mark, and it is going to take an enormous effort to get to the number we need to, no doubt about it."
Garon chairs the selection committee, consisting of 73s alumni Mike Sadler, Scott Miller, Lee Jones, Mike Quinlan and Dave Prpich, who have spanned the team since its inception in 1973.
The Wall of Honour will have a large inaugural class, but the permanent wall will have plenty of room for more alumni to be honoured as the years go on. The wall will be permanently displayed outside the Libro Credit Union Rink main doors, surrounding the current 73s trophy cases.
An induction weekend is scheduled for August 26, 27 and 28. Details are being worked out, but activities include alumni hockey games, a golf outing, a banquet social, and the induction itself. All events will be open to the public.
"Many of the inductees have not seen each other in decades, and some may never see each other again in their lifetimes, so this will be a huge event filled with a lot of anticipation, excitement, nervousness and emotions," said Garon. "The organization has always done things professional and over the top, and I don’t think that will be any different when it comes to this event. This could be easily the biggest event in Essex in quite some time."
Since 1973, the 73s have won 21 league championships, including six straight between 2012 and 2017, and made 14 Schmalz Cup appearances, winning seven.
Once the extensive list of nominees is narrowed down, it will be announced publicly on the 73s' official website.