New book written on the former Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League

Fred Groves (right) has authored “A League to Remember,” a look back at the former Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League. At left is book editor Savannah Hayes. It was launched last Saturday at “A Salute to Essex Hockey” in Essex.

A new book now chronicles the history of the former Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League.

“A League to Remember” takes a nostalgic look back at the former hockey league, with the league having existed from 1974-2016. In 2016, teams that were playing in the Great Lakes Jr. C league became the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Stobbs Division.

Authored by Fred Groves, the book takes a look at teams that are still going – such as the Amherstburg Admirals – and others that are not – such as the Amherstburg Vikings. 

Groves, also a freelance reporter/photographer with the River Town Times, held a book launch as part of “A Salute to Essex Hockey,” a display of classic hockey memorabilia held in partnership with the Essex & Community Historical Research Society. 

While current teams are in the book, he noted Tilbury, Petrolia, Clearwater, Leamington, Kingsville and others also had teams with the latter, the Kingsville Comets, having moved to Amherstburg in 2013 to become the Admirals.

Petrolia has a team once again, but the original Petrolia Jets were in the Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League. The Flyers play in the PJHL’s Yeck Division.

Teams in the league were from Essex County, Chatham-Kent and Lambton County.

“It took me three years,” he said, of writing the 200-page book.

“A League to Remember” was inspired by an exhibition organized by Joe Garon during the Essex 73’s 50^th anniversary season. Garon, who is also an Essex town councillor, brought forth the history of the 73’s franchise and Groves decided to take a look back at the entire league.

“My son and I were amazed about the hockey history in this league,” he said. “That inspired me to write the book.”

Interviews with former players, research into municipal archives of regional communities and a look at old newspaper articles helped fill in the blanks on history of teams. He credited Mark McMath and Chris Glenwright for giving background on some of the Amherstburg history.

“The people I reached out to were fantastic,” said Groves.

The book also references some of the league’s better players, a timeline of important happenings, and a list of Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League champions. The foreword was written by Amherstburg Admirals co-owner Greg Crain.

The “Salute to Essex Hockey” exhibit featured sticks from the town’s first OMHA champion, historic photos and memorabilia from days gone by, guest speakers and newspaper articles accurately documenting hockey history.

Groves credited Savannah Hayes, who helped serve as his editor during the book writing process. Matthew Zaidan, who also works as a graphic designer with the River Town Times, helped design the cover.

“A League to Remember” is available for $20 and is for sale on Amazon. He will also be selling copies at the Libro Centre prior to the Oct. 18 Admirals game against the Walpole Island Wild, with that game starting at 7:30 p.m.

New book written on the former Great Lakes Jr. C Hockey League

By Ron Giofu