1974/75 Elmvale Juveniles
Induction Award:
The Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team of 1974-1975 consisted of some of the strongest hearted young men that have played the game. They were a team defined by their determination and ability to overcome adversity including the sudden loss of teammate (Ron DeKylne) during the provincial finals. They drew inspiration from the local community which packed home games and travelled by bus in large numbers to away games. They played four unique and challenging series on route to becoming the All-Ontario Juvenile DD Champions. These Juveniles always put “Team” first and they would not be denied.
(L-R) Back: Bill Trace (Manager), Mark Archer, Dan Breedon, Ron DeKlyn, Rick Durnford, Steve Loftus, John Melnyk, John Trace, Ross Walton, Julian Melnyk, George Conn (Coach), Brian Handy (Trainer), Front: Paul Craddock, Peter Beardsall, Danny Ritchie, Jeff Columbus, Guy Reevie, Jim Grigg, Greg Giffen, Ross Downey, Rob Conn(mascot), Inset: Dave Morrow
Member Details:
Category: Team
Induction Year: 2024
Nominator: Bernice Trace
Sport(s): Hockey
Association: Ontario Minor Hockey Association (O.M.H.A.)
Category: Juvenile“DD”
Narrative:
The Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team of 1974-1975 consisted of team members Mark Archer, Dan Breedon, Ron DeKylne, Rick Durnford, Steve Loftus, John Melnyk, John Trace, Ross Walton, Julian Melnyk, Jeff Columbus, Paul Craddock, Greg Giffen, Ross Downey, and Dave Morrow. The team was coached by George Conn, managed by Bill Trace, and trained by Brian Handy. Rob Conn was the mascot. This extraordinary list of men won the Provincial Hockey Championship despite great adversity and trauma, making their victory truly worthy of this award.
Already the underdog due to playing against teams with much larger population centres, which could draw players from a larger population base, the Elmvale team also endured multiple additional hardships. At the time of the final series, the team saw the untimely death of teammate Ron DeKylne as a result of a snowmobiling accident. The team was badly shaken but pressed onward.
As though the shocking loss of a teammate wasn’t enough, while the team was playing the final game of the final series against Dorchester (a formidable opponent), they received the news that their home arena had burned down. This horrible event did not stop the team. The Elmvale Juvenile Hockey Team went on to score the winning goal in an overtime victory.
Golden Reunion:
GOLDEN REUNION
Elmvale Juvenile 1975 OMHA Championship Hockey Team
Wasaga Stars Arena & Loftus Farm
May 3, 2025
by Mark Archer
On April 13, 1975, the Elmvale Juvenile hockey team etched its name into history by winning the OMHA DD Championship in Dorchester, Ontario. The road to glory was anything but smooth—Elmvale battled past Powassan, Nobelton, and Stirling, overcoming adversity at every turn.
The team’s triumph was forged in the fires of resilience. They endured the heartbreaking loss of teammate Ron DeKylne, grappled with injuries, survived gruelling overtime battles, and endured long, exhausting bus rides. With a depleted roster, three players were called up from the Midget team to help carry the load. And carry it they did—with heart, grit, and an unwavering bond.
In a twist of fate, during the second-period flooding intermission of the championship game, word came that the Elmvale arena had burned down. Ironically, had they lost, there would have been no barn to return to. But they didn’t lose. They won. And that fire became a symbol of their spirit.
Fast forward to September 2024, when the team was inducted into the Springwater Heritage Sports Hall of Fame. Inspired by that honour, the idea of a reunion was born—a game that would bring together three generations: proud kids, prouder fathers, and even prouder grandfathers.
On May 3, 2025, they laced up once more. Eight original team members hit the ice at Wasaga Stars Arena, joined by family and fans who came to witness a truly special moment. Some players took on coaching roles, others cheered from the sidelines, but all were part of the magic.
After the game, stories flowed as freely as the pizza upstairs at the arena. The celebration continued at the Loftus “Barn” with dinner, dancing, and more reminiscing—echoes of 1975 blending with laughter from 2025.
The reunion also served as a time of remembrance. Those who had been called up too early by the heavenly scouting office were honoured with love and reverence:
• Bill Trace (Manager)
• George Conn (Coach)
• Jeff Columbus
• Paul Craddock
• Ron DeKylne
• Jim Grigg
• John Melnyk
• Guy Reevie
It was a game for the ages. And if the stars align, it won’t be the last. Check out the Inductees Galleries below for treasured/cherished Images and Documents
Galleries
