New Tecumseth really has a reason to celebrate and here’s hoping we do it in a big way.

The Jr. C Alliston Hornets brought home the provincial championship Schmalz Cup for the first time in club history Sunday night from Essex after a gruelling series that wasn’t decided until overtime in the seventh game. That’s reason enough to celebrate, but there’s more that we owe to our boys in green gold and their coaches, staff and executive than just a pat on the back for winning a trophy.

This team has garnered a great deal of respect in its journey to the title, for its performance both on an off the ice. Hockey, even at the Jr. C level is often filled with petty politics both between and sometimes within teams. But there’s been none of that with the Hornets.

The respect extends across the bench too. In post-game interviews, the players pay huge compliments to Darrin Shannon and his coaching staff, as well as to the club’s executive and manager Rick Bartlett, and credit them with their success. And perhaps in no other year have we heard so much positive feedback about a team from outside opposing teams, coaches and fans.

Alliston has had many great hockey players suit up and hit the ice with the Hornets over the years, but we’ve never had a “team” like this one before. Sadly, some members of this year’s team are over age next season and won’t be returning. The staff executive and players with the Hornets have shone a great and positive light on our town that will last for  some time. The Town of New Tecumseth is organizing a party for the team on Sat., May 24 at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex even if you’re not a hockey fan, be a Hornet fan for a day and come out and join the party and say thanks to this great hockey club and all that it has done for our community.

CW