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Times Advocate, 1994-12-21, Page 32tephen Minor Hockey] Page 32 Times -Advocate, December 21, 1994 THE INTREPID SNOWMOBILER By Craig Nicholson Recently, Ontario has forged ahead -of the rest of the international snowmobiling world. Boasting the world's largest trail system and membership, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) also leads the way in safety, environment, driver training and charity programs. Ontario snowmobilers are the beneficiaries of this progress: better grooming, improved signage and mapping, more trails, more connec- tions, better accessibility and more reliable winter fun for the entire family. As Ontario has transformed almost overnight from a disparate series of local trail systems into the world's foremost integrated network, snowm • t ung s popu ari y scare ... t , o • ; _ ians hit the trails than in 1990. Snowmobilers from other provinces and border states are making Ontario their first winter vacation choice. But Ontario snowmobiling may become the victim of its own suc- cess. When the new TOP (Trans Ontario Provincial) Trail System comes on stream in 1995, will Ontario be able to wave the world class flag over its trails? Perhaps. The fly in the ointment may be a shortage of reliable grooming equipment. And without groomers, great trails bite the snow dust. The problem is simple. Ontario's phenomenal growth in trail de- velopment and participation is in danger of overwhelming grooming capacity. According to 1994 figures published by the International As- sociation of Snowmobile Administrators, Ontario has only 89 "in- dustrial size" groomers, 94 "medium" units and 152 "small" ones to groom 35,000 kms. of trails. Given that the 152 small units are out- dated toys that are fast becoming obsolete in a modem, world class grooming fleet, this leaves the province with 183 groomers, or 1 per every 191 kilometers. Compare this to Quebec, whose 391 -strong industrial fleet covers 30,000 kms. or 1 unit per 77 kilometers, an almost two and half times better ratio than Ontario. Add into this equation the facts that half of Ontario's existing units are classified as "medium" whose grooming ca- pability can't compare to larger industrial machines. And that many of this province's fleet are on their last legs age -wise, requiring prompt replacement. Now consider that most Ontario snowmobile clubs are already strapped to meet their current payments and cover increased trail op- erating expenses. In fact, recent figures released by the OFSC indicate that the total annual operating cost for clubs has reached about $343 per kilometer of trail, almost double what they net each season from selling trail permits. So few clubs have the immediate wherewithal to fund the huge capital equipment upgrades necessary to bring the On- tario groomjng fleet into line with today's rider demand. Will Ontario fall flat on its face? Unlikely, if. the OFSC ho its way. The Federation ail already talking abtftit a kilt tette plan to aisure that the province's grooming needs are met into the next century. In the last two seasons alone, 86 new industrial groomers have been pur- chased by clubs. But the plan needs a kick start with new dollars to lever even more units onto the snow fast. • The short term saviours could be Ontario snowmobilers. In yet an- other ground breaking first, the OFSC has launched a member dona- tion program called "The Great Grooming Plan". A direct mail appeal to each OFSC permit holder asks them to step into the breach by mak- ing a contribution that will help solve the immediate problem. Essentially, it's the same as a hospital building fund - asking the us- ers to fund a process from which they will directly benefit. Launched in conjunction with the international snowmobiling community's first snowmobiling calendar, the Great Grooming Plan hopes to raise $250,000 in 1995. In return, members receive a full colour calendar both as a reminder of the need and in appreciation of their anticipated support. Con- tributors qualify for weekly and monthly prize draws and also to pur- chase additional gift calendars at substantial savings. It's a unique and innovative way for the Ontario snowmobiling community to show its support for organized snowmobiling. If Ontario snowmobilers are as passionate about their sport as the OFSC predicts, Ontario will be able to raise its flag past half mast this winter. Great trails and great grooming depend on it. To make your donation, call the OFSC. Until next time, happy trails and remember: Sled Smart - Ride Safe, Ride Sober. For information on local snow- mobiling, Snowaramas and clubs, contact the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) at 705/739-7669. To plan your Ontario tour, call 1 -800 -236 -SLED. YAMAHA The Power To Satisfy 10% • 15off Accessories • sI* 130 Centre St. Dashwood YAMAHA Phone 237-3322 eqritittefif4a SPQRT$__ Exeter go 1-1-1 with St. Marys Just about time to start thinking about OMHA playoffs By Fred Groves T -A staff EXET-ER - Following last Wednesday night's Shamrock Hockey League games, Ex- eter's peewees, bantams and midgets sport a 37-3-5 combined record in league play. AH arc in a fight for the top spot in the north division but it's the Legion Peewees who beat St. Marys 5-3 Wednesday to run their un- defeated Shamrock record to 10-0-3: "They listen well, that's one of the keys and they have a great attitude," said coach Bob Mac Donald. Against St. Marys, a 'B' centre compared to Exeter which is 'CC', Chad Monteith, Tim Mauer, Ryan Groot, Jcff Campbell and an em ►t -nester b Mike Scip accounted for the Exeter scoring. While the Shamrock League is important, there is usually more focus put upon the On- tario Minor Hockey Association playoffs which begin in January. "We're looking to January but every game is important. We don't expect them to win every game," said MacDonald who will rest his team over the holidays and only have a couple of practices. The Legion peewees, like the atoms, ban- tams and midgets, are gearing up towards the OMHA playoffs. "That's what we're building to. We're trying to get our play to a consistent level and it's starting. We play better against better teams." Tied game: It may go down as a 3-3 tie but when you are winning with nine seconds left and give up a goal, that's about the same as be- ing beat. Wednesday night in Exeter, the Bantam Le- gionnaires received an outstanding per- formance by goalie Joey Bierling but with nine ticks left on the South Huron Recreation Centre scoreboard, Greg Jones scored for vis- iting St. Marys. The hosts scored just 1:54 into the game when Luke Sims connected and it would be on y g r• n e urs came r r r heavy offensive pressure by St. Marys. Exeter will be without Sims, one of their top offensive performers for a few games as he was given a match penalty for spearing 23 sec- onds into the middle frame. Bierling came up big, making five saves on a St. Marys two-man advantage situation but the visitors kept banging away until they tied it up. Captain David Farquhar split the defence Dan Taylor, left; - of the -RSD, generals is hit hard during raft Wednesday's midget Shaenrdbk League game held in' Exeter. St. Marys won the game, 3-1. qv Minor hockey scoreboard Exeter Minor Hockey 1Jtt1 Novice Panthers December 17 Strathroy 2 at Exeter 0 Excellent hustle by all players. Merry Christmas to all. Next game: Exeter at Hensall on December 28 at 6:00 p m. Novice Waxers December 15 St. Marys 3 vs. Exeter 3 Goals: Justin Fields, Jamie Rasenberg, Cameron Murray Assists: Murray. Tony Regier. Michael Ned- ra. Andrew Sedlak Excellent game by all. especially goalie Jus - lin Hayter. December 27 Exeter 2 vs. Lucas 2 Goals: Murray. Shane Gregoire Aasll: Murray Excellent game by Justin Fields December 18 Goderich 2 vs. Exeter 3 Goals: Michael Maclean, Costas Kollias, Fields Assists: Shane Gregoire. McLean Atom Broncos December 17 Exeter 0 at Strathroy 3 (;oaltenders: Kyle Farwell, Chris Desjar- dine December 18 St. Marys 6 at Exeter 2 Goals: Kevin Overholt, Mike Kerslake Assists: Overholt. Daryl Bourne. Tim Mei- dinger, Daryl Weiss Goallenders; Desjardine/Farwell Terrific effort all weekend Broncos! Peewee Big V Bullets December 15 Exeter 5 vs. Watford Bruit(s 3 Goals: Jason Miles, Andrew Freiter, Mark Bilinsky (3) Assbtst Ben Rader, Bilinsky. Netter. Rob Acton, Brad MacDonald Goaltender: MacDonald December 17 Exeter 4 vs. Strathroy 3 Goals: Bilinsky (3). Freiter Assists: Reiter (3), Bilinsky, Acton (2), Jo - son Revington Goakersder: MacDonald Team record: 7-4.1 Next game: Exhibition at Si. Marys, De- cember 22. 12 noon Shamrock Peewee Huron Tractor Dcccmhcr 17 Exeter 8 at Ildenon 1 Gosh: Ryan Ralph (2). Rob Del/ries. Peter Fragickatos (3), Brandon Martin, Steve Ra- senherg Assists: Fragiskatos, Racenherg (2), IkV ries (2), Martin December 18 S. Marys 1 at Exeter 3 (;oats: Racenberg, Bob Hamilton, Mark Bi• Assists: Ralph. Ben Rader, DeVriex. Fragis katos Peewee Lazers December 18 Mt. Brydges 5 at Exeter 2 Goals: Matt DenHollander, Tyler Obre Assist: Aaron Heywood Legion Ladies Auxiliary Peewee December 12 Exeter 7 vs. Mt. Brydges 4 Goals: Jason Grenier, Ryan Groot, Chad Monteith (3), Mike Seip, Scott Keys Assists: Grenier (3), Monteith, Seip, Keys, Jared Bourne. Craig Overholt December 18 Exeter 7 vs. Parkhill 1 Goals: Jeff Campbell (3). Keys (2). Tim Maver (2) Assists: Campbell. Keys (5), Mayer (2). Groot. Bourne, Steve Farquhar L/M Bantam Lincolns December 17 Mt. Brydges 2 at Exeter 11 Goals: Mike Wilhelm (4), Rob McIntosh (3), Adam Miller (2). Ryan Munn, Jamie Monck Assists: Wilhelm (3), Ben Cottrell (2), Munn (3), Jon Campbell (2). McIntosh (2), Paul Gregus Real scoring spree by Lincolns in their last league ame before Christmas break. Pee- wee to Greg Monck shared goalie dudes wit Tony Eagleson. Both goalies played well. December 18 - Exhibition Game Exeter 1 at Seafonh 2 Goal: Campbell Assists: Munn, McIntosh 3 Stars: Tony Eagleson (goalie), Ryan Munn, Rob McIntosh Next game: December 21, Exeter at Zurich, 7:25 p.m.. Exhibition game Shamrock Bantam AE December 17 Exeter 7 at Lambeth 0 Goals: Mark Parsons (2), Greg Young (2). Kevin Hogan, Scott Gilfrllan, Ty Bourne Assists: Gilftllan (3), Boume (3). Matt Sza- bo (2), Hogan (2), Jim Seaton. Young, Par- sons Goakender: John Miners (ninth shutout in 14 games) Next game: Ildenon at Exeter Saturday. January 7 at 6:30 p.m. Team record: 14 wins, 3 losses. 1 tie for 29 points (eller 18 league games). Pxeter has outscored their opponents 97 goals to 19. Bantam Legionaires December 12 Exeter 7 at Ilderton 0 goals: David Marshal! (3), Brian Hayman, Dave Farquhar (2), Tyler Bourne Assists: Farquhar (3), Greg Geoffrey (4), Marshall. Hayman, Luke Sires Shutout: Joey Beierling December 14 St. Marys 3 at Exeter 3 Goals: Sims, Geoffrey, Marched Assists: Marshall, Farquhar (2), Hayman Next game: Exhibition game December 21 at 7:40 vs. Seaforth and went to the net where, after some haAJ work, Greg Geoffrey scored. Enjoying a two: man advantage, [)avid Marshall scored for Ex- eter in the third. Tough loss: The RSD midget Generals watched as their biggest rivals St. Marys came to town on Wednesday and won 3-1. Exeter's Brent Gibson opened the scoring with 2:38 left in the first period as he com- bined speed and a nice shot to make it 1-0. But that would be the only goal the Generals would score. Goalie Jason Glavin had to commit himself as he rushed into a breakaway and got caught out of the net for the second Si. Marys goal. Defenseman Brian Richardson had a good chance to tie it up late as he rushed with the r't' ' •t ryone-but the -referee and -the -op= position thought he had scored. The Generals, now with a 13-2-1 Shamrock League record will be tough to beat in the playoffs especially since they have Glavin, back for the OHA Junior Development League Lucan Irish back, Marty DeBruyn and Bill Hodge returned from the Hawks and captain Chris MacDonald getting back into shape fol- lowing a broken ankle. Lucan Minor Hockey UIN Tyke Wantabe's December 17 Lucan 7 at Exeter Blues 3 Goals: Gregory Noyes (4), Lance Lefebvre. Adam Floats Assists: Brandon Smith (2), Danhy Ryan. Dustin McTaggart. Lefebvre. Josh Cornelis - sen. Jesse Garrsion, Gregory Noyes Goaltender: Mike Ryan December 17 Parkhill 0 at Lucan 2 Goals: Froats, Lefebvre Assists: Lefebvre, Garrison Goaltender: Michael Noyes Shamrock Novice December 17 Exeter 2 at Lucan 2 Goals: Kyle Smith, Tommy McHugh Assists: Paul Shipway. Steven Wilding. Pat rick Maguire Shamrock Novice AE December 17 St. Thomas 8 at Lucan 4 Goals: Tyson Dejong (2), Michael Noyes, Cam Mitchell Assists: Mitchell (2). Nathan Ferguson Exhibition game South East Bruins 0 at Lucan 2 Goals: Dwaya VanderHyden (2) Assists: Dejong, Josh Kleuskens Shutouts John Young UM Novice Blizzard December 13 Forest 2 at Lucan 3 Goats: Bryce Bumstead (2), Ryan 91rong Assists: Strong (2). Bumstead Shamrock Atom December 17 St. Marys 2 at Lucan 2 Goals: Stephen Wraith. Craig Galbraith Assists: Nathan Carter. Darrell Parsons Shamrock Atom AE December 17 St. Thomas 4 at Lucan 4 Goals: Matt Rushton (3), Alex Michaelis Assists: Dave Fleming, Jeff Moon. Grant Barker Shamrock Peewee December 16 Forest 2 at Lucan 2 Goals: Andrew Stansell, Adam Thomson .sststs: Thomson, Shawn Smith. Ben Dob- bie, Dan Harrigan December 17 Lucan 3 at Strathroy 3 Goals: Jay Fusnton, Stansell, Dobbie Assists: Stansell, Thomson (2). Jonathan Smith L/M Peewee December 17 Belmont 5 at Lucan 1 Goal: David Park Assist: Jamie Tsantilis Pre -tyke Stephen 3 vs. Zurich 1 Goals: Leanne Cronyn (2). Jordan Cronyn Assists: Nick Jeffrey (2) Goaltender: Justin Knee Atom Sonics December 16 Stephen 0 vs. Mitchell 3 December 17 Stephen 14 vs. Clinton 7 Gosh: Jesse Schroeder (3), Brian Dixon (3). Henny Pfaff (3), Scott Davies (3). Brent Ta- tars (2) Assists: Schroeder, Dixon (3), Pfaff, Davies (2), Brayden Lord (4), Tatara Goallender: Gary Sauder Atony Ice Hawks December 16 . Exhibition game Stephen 10 vs. Parkhill 2 Goals: Roman Wilson (3), Cal Delange (2). Shawn Thompson (2), Mark Laye Jr., Chris Arnold, Ben Parsons Assists: Adam Cyr (3). Laye Jr. (2), Colin Sauder (3), Jamie Sandwith, Wilson. De- Ianggee, Kenny Tilley, Thompson Goaltender: Gary Sauder December 17 Stephen 12 vs. Mensal! 0 Goals: Wilson (4), Delange (3), Sauder (2), Thompson Scott Davies, Laye Jr. Assists: Davies (3), Sandwich (2), Saucier (2), Wilson (2), Thompson, Arnold, Parsons, Delange, Laye Jr. Goaltender: ('yr December 18 - Exhibition game Stephen 3 vs. Lucas AE 3 Goals: Wilson (2), Davies Assists: Davies, Thompson. Defense (;nakender: Sauder More minor hockey see page 33 Shamrock Bantam December 16 Forest 1 at Lucan 2 Goals: Chad Greenlee, Robbie Silver Assists: Silver. Pat Conlin December 18 Port Stanley 2 at Lucan 6 Goals: Silver (3). Jeremy Cornish. Ryan Carroll. David Hickson Assists: Conlin (2). Hickson. 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