Members of the Chesterville Jets throughout the years were gathered for a photograph during the reunion dinner at the Chesterville Legion. Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – There was a wonderful sense of excitement, happiness, and friendship during the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Chesterville Flyers and Chesterville Jets’ teams May 19-21.

As the former hockey teammates, referees, and coaches of the two hockey teams entered the Legion, there were shouts of welcome, followed by reminiscing about the past, catching up on the intervening years, followed by photo taking, a delicious chicken barbecue, speeches, and dancing.

In 1973-74, the Chesterville Midget Flyers won the league championship and the Chesterville Jets, a Junior C team was formed for the 1974-75 season, so players could continue in a hockey league.

Lyle Servage and David Arnold were the co-organizers of the reunion that featured a round of golf, a Sunday brunch and a Saturday dinner and dance at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 434 in Chesterville.

Many of the players brought in souvenirs from the era including Jets’ coats, team photographs, newspaper articles and badges which were displayed in a memorabilia area at the front of the Legion. A slideshow depicting many parts of the history of the two teams was played throughout the event, which included many of the local people that supported the sport over the past years.

“It is my honour to take a few minutes to acknowledge the contributions of a few important people that played a significant role in our hockey playing days as youngsters and young men growing up in Chesterville,” commented Servage.

He mentioned the late Frank Cook who volunteered as a coach and taught the players “the importance of sportsmanship, fair play and being part of a team.” Servage then acknowledged the work of Grenville Fyke, who growing up played hockey and fastball in Chesterville, then coached and managed teams, “establishing the first Junior Jets’ team and was the general manager and coach of our inaugural season in 1974.” He then introduced Larry Stevens who was “instrumental in establishing and coaching our first Chesterville Midget Flyers Hockey Club” and then assisted in managing the Junior C Jets’ team and spent several years volunteering as a league official.

David Arnold, on behalf of himself and reunion co-chair Lyle Servage, thanked those people and small businesses whose contributions of time and/or money to the reunion made the event possible. After thanking and acknowledging the “volunteer coaches, trainers, league officials” on behalf of the former players, he thanked the “original volunteer Chesterville & District Community Centre Committee; these were the people who were the driving force behind the construction of the Chesterville & District Arena in 1972,” noting the arena extended the 6-8 week season on natural ice to a 20 week artificial ice season which contributed to the growth of hockey teams locally.

He expressed thanks to the North Dundas Demons’ Minor Hockey Association and the North Dundas Rockets’ Junior Hockey Club. “Thank you for carrying on the tradition and keeping minor and junior hockey alive and well in the community,” said Arnold. In a post event message, Arnold confirmed the reunion had raised just over $5,000 in support of minor hockey.

During the evening a video message from former NHL player and Hockey Hall of Fame member Larry Robinson, formerly of Marvelville in Russell township: “It was 49 years ago this spring that Danny Geoffrion and I had the pleasure of joining you at a very special Chesterville Minor Hockey Banquet celebrating one of your first seasons of Indoor Hockey in Chesterville,” said Robinson, before commenting how “I’m sure you will all enjoy a wonderful evening, sharing many special memories from your rich and successful hockey heritage.”

“A well organized reunion by 2 local gentlemen who were raised in Chesterville minor hockey before the arena was built and after.  David Arnold and Lyle Servage did a super job. It was great to see so many who came from far and near to attend such a well organized weekend. Thank you to all those who were a part in the growth of North Dundas minor hockey.  You have helped make this 50th a special memory for all.” commented Jeff Johnston.