73’s set to take to the ice for 50th season

by Garrett Fodor 

As volunteers, players, staff, and alumni of the 73’s are looking back into their history books to organize the upcoming 50th anniversary, the local Junior “C” Hockey Club hopes to give fans something to celebrate on the ice this season as well as build its 2022-223 team. 

  The team is set to kick off its 50th season festivities at the end of August, debuting the “Wall of Honour,” along with hosting other festivities, including an alumni game, parking lot barbecue, and alumni golf outing. The event features opportunities for current players and families to interact with alumni of previous years, and fans will be able to mingle and celebrate the club with the players. 

  “We know how much the team needs the community, and to bring those guys in that have been 73’s in the past and show them to our guys now, and what it means to the community,” 73’s General Manager, Mike Pailey, said, adding he believes it is special to be able to bring all the players back, who are coming in from out-of-town, and show their family what the organization is about. “And I liked the idea, in true Essex fashion, we tried to do it right and make it as big as possible.”

  This coming season, Essex’s on-ice product will be shaped by several former 73’s: Lee Jones, Chad Wolters, and Jamie McDermott, many of whom appeared on the generational 73’s all-star teams. 73’s General Manager, Mike Pailey, hopes the club is able to emulate a similar playing style to years’ past, describing his goal is to be a hard-nosed 200ft, team who are strong defensively.  

  With skaters currently in the midst of Junior B and other training camps, the 73’s will hit the ice for tryouts later this month. Pailey noted that with the club having a long list of potential returnees, he believes competition will be rampant as the team looks to win its first divisional title in over five-years. 

  “We’ve got a very limited [number] of spots left that we’re going to be filling at our main camp,” Pailey said. “I really like where we’re at. I liked where we were last year. We do still have a young team, but our compete level has got to be high to play here. I think we’re in a good spot, not just from a staff perspective, but from our player perspective. And I think we can pick up the last few pieces of the puzzle here in the next upcoming weeks and see how the chips fall.” 

  While being in the midst of training camp preparations, the club recently announced the signing of former Chatham Maroon and LaSalle Viper, forward Isaac LeGood. 

  “We’re really excited about Isaac,” Pailey said. “He’s a great 200ft player and he plays his game the right way and comes in with a championship pedigree, winning their conference in Chatham last year. We have a few more Junior ‘B’ cards and we’re hoping to fill them and see who else we can find to help our team.” 

  Pailey is excited to kick-off the 50th season celebrations later this month. He is thankful to the fans for their continuous support, along with the work of the Board of Executives and Joe Garon for helping to organize this tribute and celebration of past 73’s alumni.

  Also, as part of the celebration, the 73’s have had its 50th season signs added to Essex Centre’s gateway signs as a way to celebrate the organization.