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Etobicoke Canucks Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Written By Michael J.W. Crumpton

This fall will mark the 50th season the Etobicoke Canucks will contend for hockey glory throughout arenas in the Greater Toronto Area. 

The association's roots lie deep in the cold of a winter that saw an outdoor rink at Kingsview Village become home to the Northern Etobicoke Hockey Association, more affectionately known as NEHA. 

The ten men who foresaw and founded this reputable organization for young hockey players to call "home" were Campbell MacLellan, Fred Papke, Harry Nash, George Trosino, Thomas Hore, Jack Russell, Matthew Callanan, James Gardner, John Wismen, and the association's first President Don Balmer. 

In the early 1960's the association moved to its’ current home, Pine Point Arena, near Islington Avenue and Highway 401, now an indoor facility, but at the time, an outdoor rink.

It was in 1971, that Harry Nash, (first Secretary) and Miles Cowland traveled to Montreal to seek permission from the National Hockey League to use the ‘hockey stick’ crest of the Vancouver Canucks.   When their NHL counterparts went to the ‘flying skate’ logo in the 1980's, the Canucks of Etobicoke followed suit.

 As the Etobicoke Canucks head into their 50th season of competition, they set their sights on a season anticipating many exciting celebrations marking the organization’s place amongst hockey's storied associations in Canada. 

The Canucks will be holding an Open House on August 24th 2002, at Pine Point Arena, a day in which they will welcome all Canucks, past and present.

"It is a day for anyone who played, coached, or sat on any of our committees with the Northern Etobicoke Hockey Association and/or the Etobicoke Canucks," says current Canucks General Manager Elinor Gillespie.

"They can come and look up old teammates, coaches, etc.  "I am very excited about the 50th anniversary.  I look forward to having some fun this season with the celebrations we have planned, and hope that many of our current and past members will drop in to visit."

A ceremonial  'puck-dropping' prior to the first home league game will kick off the 2002-03 season.  All Canuck teams will honour the Association's past by wearing the former 'stick' logo, originally worn by the Vancouver Canucks when they entered the NHL in 1971.

Congratulations to the Etobicoke Canucks Association for their 50 years of service dedicated to the development of young hockey players, and best wishes to all Canucks players, coaches, and endless volunteers for the upcoming season.      

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