Oldtimer All-Star Hockey Game pays tribute to former rink employee

With COVID-19 restrictions observed, history was made on April 10 at the GFL Newport and District Arena in Brooklyn.

On that day, alumni from two former rival high schools — Windsor Regional High School and Hants West Rural High School — played a fun, fast-paced hockey game that featured players over 45 years of age.

For many on the ice or in attendance, it seemed like it was just yesterday that the Warlords and Flames were playing in the Valley High School Hockey League.

In 2020, at the second annual event at the Hants Exhibition Arena, the Windsor Warlords won 11-6 over the visiting Hants West squad.

Windsor Regional was once again victorious, defeating the Flames 8-2.

The former "Voice of the Royals" Earl Davis was in attendance to announce the game.

This particular all-star game was extra special as the teams paid tribute to former arena employee Gary Lunn.

Lunn, from Poplar Grove, died on Feb. 12 at the age of 72.

Over the years, Lunn enjoyed interacting with players from all skill levels, but had a particular fondness for those who played in the Midland League, once referred to as the Bush League.

Lunn's hours of service, dedication and friendly smile always gave a person a warm feeling when they walked through the doors at the Newport and District Arena.

Five other people who had passed away were also honoured that night. They helped pave the way for players on both teams to play the game they love. Davis announced each person: Richard Lapierre, from Garlands Crossing (formerly of Ellershouse), Dale Benedict, from Avondale, Albert Connors, from Belmont, Joanne Church, from Bramber (formerly of Union Corner), and Clifford Brison, from Cheverie.

Rather than provide a moment of silence, the fans and players from both squads clapped their hands or banged their sticks on the ice.

Fred Lunn, Gary Lunn's son, was behind the bench as head coach for the Flames, dedicating the game to his dad.

Wayne Lunn, Gary Lunn's brother and former general manager at the rink, participated in the ceremonial puck drop.

That particular puck will be saved in a glass casing in honour and remembrance of Gary

Lunn.

After the puck drop, O Canada was sung by Avon View High School drama students Gretchen Pye, Sarah French and Joani Aube.

The linesman and referee for this classic match-up were Matt and Mike Patton.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

The game remained 1-1 until about halfway through the second period. Tony "Nothin' Fancy" Bonang made some key saves for the Flames near the end of the second period as the Warlords went ahead 3-1.

Each team had two starting goalies. Their alternate goalies would switch at the 10-minute mark of each period, and all four goalies put on quite a clinic.

There was only one penalty for the whole game and that was served by defenceman and former Hants West student Garnet Davison.

Former "Windsor Schooner" sniper Jeff Burgess, along with the Warlord defence, set up ‘The Trap' to avoid any offensive scoring chances by the Flames.

Honourable mention goes out to Mike Cochrane for suiting up for the Warlords as he served several years for the RCMP overseas in the Middle East.

Also, for Jason Archibald, the goalie for the Flames, it was his first time playing hockey since 2004.

The three star selections for the game were: Star 3, Flames Goalie Tony "Nothin' Fancy" Bonang; Star 2, Flames veteran right-winger Phil Brison; and Star 1, Warlords centreman Bradley "Gretzky" Burgess, who had a hat trick.

The fourth Hants County Oldtimer All-Star Game is set for March 2022 at the new West Hants sports complex in Windsor.