HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1981-04-29, Page 18Pose 2A
Times -Advocate, April 29, 19$1
Sports
Spotlight
By ROSS HAUGH
This year's Stanley Cup playoffs have proven that
where the first 16 teams finished in the regular stan-
dings didn't seem to make much difference.
The old saying of "odd man out" certainly doesn't
apply to the 1980-81 playoff pattern. All of the four
teams remaining in the hunt for Lord Stanley's trophy
were odd numbers when the 80 game schedule ended.
The New York Islanders were first, Calgary
Flames seventh, Minnesota North Stars in ninth spot
and the New York Rangers ended up in 13th spot.
Competitors in the two semi-final series should not
get too weary from travelling. The Islanders and
Rangers set could be classed as a subway series and
only an hour or two flying is required between Calgary
and Minnesota.
The Calgary Flames now became the only Cana-
dian based team in the playoffs and should get lots of
fan support.
Not only the play of the Flames, but, that of the
Edmonton Oilers has to be the greatest thing to happen
to hockey in many a decade.
A few weeks ago in this corner we predicted that
within a couple of years Wayne Gretzky would score
200 points in one season not only as matured and im-
proved. but, the entire Edmonton team.
Well, it didn't take years for that to happen. Just
ask the Montreal Canadiens and also the Islanders who
certainly knew they were in a real fight.
It seems that young legs and unknown quantities of
desire can take care of age and experience.
While there have been pleasant surprises during
the playoffs there were many large disappointments.
One has to be in Boston, not only with the Bruins,
but, with their fan support.
In the Boston Gardens where close to 15,000 fans
jammed in to watch Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito in
their heydays, only .8,539 arrived for the first game
against the Minnesota North Stars and only 9,069 were
on hand for the second. The entire Boston regular
season crowd was down by about 60,000 people.
There were only two other rinks that had ap-
preciable cuts in fan support than Boston. In Detroit
the drop from the 1979-80 season was some 71,000 fans
and the Colorado Rockies crowds were lower by 36,000.
The Calgary Flames attendance was down by 117,-
000, but, their last year's figures were based on crowds
in Atlanta when the team was based there.
Four teams had increases of more than 60,000. St.
Louis Blues were up by 93,000; Hartford Whalers
ahead by 74,000; Edmonton up by 80,000 and the
Quebec Nordiques up by 60,000.
Amateur hockey ends
The 1980-81 hockey season came to a complete
close on two fronts, Sunday. One was very successful
for a Western Ontario team and the other ended on a
losing note.
The big winners with sort of an upset were the
Petrolia Squires who won their second Allan Cup
championship in three years by winning 5-1 over St.
Boniface in Thunder Bay Sunday afternoon.
We heard parts of the broadcast by George Heath
and our good friend Roy Caley and the Squires were
full value for their win.
The Petrolia cause looked pretty bleak as they
were trounced a week earlier by the host Thunder Bay
Twins. But, after that intitial loss the Petrolia club
tightened up and some of the players turned in the best
performances of their careers. It shows what desire
can do.
Exeter native Bill Fairbairn was a valuable
member of the Squires for both Allan Cup victories.
Sunday's game didn't come without squabbles.
The OHA representative Hugh McLean of London had
to make some rulings regarding the colour of sweaters
the teams wore in the final game and which bench they
were able to use.
McLean ruled that Petrolia having won the flip for
the home game also had the say for the sweaters they
wore and which bench they rested on.
The Petrolia championship victory was helped im-
mensly when St. Boniface, Manitoba knocked off the
home Thunder Bay club in the semi-final found which
was a big blow to the hometown fans and certainly cut
the attendance for Sunday's wrapup contest.
It proves that money is always able to buy a cham-
pionship. The northern club went out and brought in a
handful, really a large handful of ex -professionals in
an attempt to win all the marbles, but, it all backfired
when St. Boniface beat them Friday night.
In Stratford Sunday night it wasn't quite as rewar-
ding and as exciting as for Petrolia, but, the Cullitons
can be proud of putting up an excellent battle against a
strong Burlington team.
Congratulations to coach Jack Nairn, manager
Dinny Flanagan and Exeter natives Dave Shaw and
Tom Coates and goalie Rick Petrie who is now an
employee at the Exeter branch of Victoria and Grey.
Blue Jays on TV
The third game of a series of 22 American league
baseball games featuring the Toronto Blue Jays will
be seen tonight, Wednesday on Channel 13 CKCO in
Kitchener and the CTV network.
The Blue .Jays fresh from two weekend wins over
the New York Yankees will take on the Milwaukee
Brewers in Milwaukee with game time set for 7:30
p.m.
The play-by-play broadcasters are Don Chevrier
and Tony Kubek who handled the same duties on the
CBC network the first four years the Toronto club was
in existence.
Tom McKee has also moved over from the CBC to
work behind the cameras in the role of producer and
Fergie Oliver of CFTO in Toronto, the CTV affiliate
does the on -field interviews and acts as show host.
While talking about the American league there are
two big surprises. The flying start by Billy Martin and
his Oakland Athletics is almost unbelievable with 17
victories in their first 18 starts.
In Detroit it was more of a shock than a surprise
when the Tigers losing streak went to sevea games
Sunday afternoon.
•
HAPPY CULLITONS — After Tuesday's victory over Burlington, the Exeter Connection of the Stratford Cullitons appeared
to be in good spirits. From the left are Dave Shaw, Rick Pitrie, Tom Coates and coach Jack Nairn. T -A photo
McCURDY WINS IN BASKETBALL — The senior boys basketball championship in Friday's district elementary school tour-
nament was won by J.A.D. McCurdy School. Back, left, Brad Shoebottom, David Rook, Scot Merrylees, Jeff Maxwell, Sean
McGregor and coach Andy Fraser. Front, David Smith, Daryl Greb, Jason McDonald, Evan McGregor and Stephen
McIntyre. T -A photo
Soccer
There was an excellent
response to minor soccer
registration in Exeter on
April 11 and 18 with about
140 children between the
ages 5 and 17 signed up.
The Centennial soccer
club has entered 10 teams in
the Lucan and district
league this year, two more
than last year. The two new
teams include one from the
Squirt division (5-8 years)
and a Bantam team (15-16
years).
The coaches will be con-
tacting parents this week to
set up training nights as the I
season starts the week of
May 18.
Any one interested in
coaching and for assisting
coaches are asked to contact
Martin DeBruyn 234-6798 or
Mike Cregan 235-0893.
Miller
Auto Parts
Call Bob Toll Free
234-6776 or
1-800-265-4273
Ford Premium 1OW-30
OIL SPECIAL
950
per litre
April 22 - till
Stock Depleted
Case Lots Available
ATTENTION GOLFERS
Rollies Pro Shop in Grand Bend Has Some
Super Values For You.
GOLF CLUBS
WILSON
STAFF
1200 Light
WILSON CREST
POWER BUILT
SLAZENGER
ACCU-POWER
PRO 200
Sugg.
Retail
NOW
5475
5375
5179vs
5239
'705.
'525.
'230.
'318"
'416
'399"
HOGAN PRINCESS '416°'
R
5299'5
5309"
5319'=
GOLF CARTS
Play Day
Bag Boy
Reg. NOW
79.50 57.50
manual 90.00 69'0
79S0
Automatic 105(0
GOLF BALLS
Top-Flite XL, Top-Flite
Pro Staff Hogan
1795 doz.
Many More Clubs, Bags, Shoes,
Putters and other Golf Accessories
Now on Sole
Sale Ends May 10
LLIES PRO SHOP
Oak Wood Inn
238-8060
Proper wear
for bikers
In 1979, 75 motorcycle
driver and 10 passengers
were killed on Ontario's
streets and highways.
Another 3,667 motorcycle
drivers and 710 passengers
were injured.
With the advent of warmer
weather, motorcyclists are
out in full force. The Ontario
Safety League points out to
bikers that the use of proper
clothing and footwear should
be of primary concern to any
safety -minded motor-
cyclists. Substantial pants
and jackets, gloves and
boots can successfully
reduce injuries.
This is purely common
sense. Yet casual obser-
vance would indicate a
growing popularity during
summer months for cut-off
jeans, tee shirts and running
shoes. Frequently,
passengers have been noted
without footwear what-
soever. Without proper
clothing, the Ontario Safety
League suggests, even a
minor spill could cause
serious injury.
While the mandatory use
of helmets in 1968 substan-
tially reduced the number of
motorcycle deaths, there
seems little point in protec-
ting the head if the rest of
the body is exposed. True
enthusiasts know this, the
League believes, and protect
their bodies from the effects
of a spill.
Now Open
t(CP‘IWS
Centre mall
LEARN
TO
DRIVE
GERRY'S
Driver Training
Institute
235.2497
Gerald F. McAuley
on's
urprise
eals
TO -DAY 6-9 p.m.
Check our Flashing Sign
At 6 o'clock -- Then
Come On In For The Best
Deal on Sporting Goods
282 Main St. S.
Aro alloco
235-1314
DR70-14" Goodyear
Fiberglass Radial $49.95
G78-14" Firestone Belted $46.95
1.78-14" Firestone Belted $55.95
J78-15" B.F. Goodrich
Belted $52.95
G78-15" Summer Tires $39.95
MANY OTHER SIZES IN STOCK
ATTENTION
SWIMMING
POOL
OWNERS
Mr. Bob Jordan of Lawrason Swimming Pool Chemical will be in our
store this
SATURDAY MAY 2
from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Mr. Jordan wil be happy to discuss you r pool operational problems •
as well as advise you how to maintain a clean crystal clear healthy
pool all summer long.
Please take this opportunity to come in and see Mr. Jordan.
All Pool Chemicals And
Acce>:sories
(Except In -Store Specials)
0e/0 off
Oh yes...Jerry is going to give away a free coffee and donuts.
PLUS FREE DRAWS
Remember - Sat., May 2
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
JERRY M�cLEAN & SON
AUTO & SPORTS Ltd.
:0 OUR STORE IS BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOUR NEEDS
BUT SMALL ENOUGH TO BE FRIENDtY
Exeter 238-01100