For a guy who has spent his whole life in hockey, it doesn't get any better than this past Tuesday.
I got the chance to spend the day with my two nephews from Barrie who are both avid hockey players. One 15 years old and the other 10. They came by the house and of course hockey was the main topic of conversation. It was such a breath of fresh air listening to them talk about today's game and having them listen as I talked about days of yore. The love and passion for the game became more and more obvious the longer we talked. I was beaming. My niece (their 17-year-old sister) and I also got to talk about her volleyball days that were cut short by a shoulder injury. Imagine myself immersed in an afternoon of sports talk with three youngsters. It was bliss.
I gave them a copy of Richard Buells iconic book Glory of the Game 2, which features a detailed history of hockey in Timmins. I know they will love it. I also gave them a copy of Hockeytowns that features stories of small-town grassroots hockey communities across Canada, it features a chapter on Timmins and an interview with their Uncle Mike.
A little later we would slide over to another niece's house for supper where two of my other nephews would join us. In their 20s, the two were awesome athletes as well. So it was all sports, all day. It does not get any better.
Don't forget that the Golf Ontario U17s start Aug. 18 here at the Hollinger Golf Club. The event runs until Aug. 21. Try and stop by to see Ontario's best teen golfers ply their trade, you may get a chance to say you saw the next Mike Weir play.
Well I'm not going to lie, I'm having Olympic withdrawals already. I won't just remember the triumphs, but also the disappointments of so many athletes. So many of them who were devastated and then talked about letting the country down. You didn't let anyone down. You performed on the biggest athletics stage in the world and represented Canada with grace, dignity, sacrifice, effort and skill. Hold your head high and know Canada stands with you.
There were tons of highlights in these games and for me … Canada's 4x100 relay gold medal.
I learned earlier this week of the passing of Fred Guillmette. Fred was a dear friend I met when I first started coaching. Fred was a long-time coach, manager and administrator in Kirkland Lake. He also ran a highly successful embroidery and silk screening business there. We would develop a strong bond in business when I got into the sporting goods business.
Whether it was hockey, business or just life, I knew I could always depend on Fred. His favourite nickname for me was "Shakey". And I loved hearing him call me that in his unforgettable voice. Fred would move with his family to the London area a few years back where he continued to excel in his business. He had a number of friends in the Timmins area and I know they, like me, mourn his loss.
To Ginny, Daryl and all the family — much love from Diane and I.
Later skater.
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