Sometime in the early fall of 2007, I was speaking with NPHL president Jack McAvoy. At the time, as I still do today, I was assigned the task of drawing the NPHL schedule.
“What the heck are we doing playing on Remembrance Day?” I asked him.
I remembered on Nov. 11, 2006, the NPHL played four games. The High Prairie Regals defeated the visiting Grimshaw Huskies 10-2, the Horse Lake Thunder crushed the visiting Manning Comets 21-2, the Peace River Stampeders whipped the visiting Lakeland Eagles 13-3, and the visiting Spirit River Rangers won 7-5 at Fairview against the Kings.
These games are significant because they were the last ones the NPHL played on Remembrance Day.
“Do we really have to play on Remembrance Day?” I asked McAvoy.
To make a long story short, the answer was no. This year, 2025, will mark the 19th season the NPHL has not played on Remembrance Day.
I believed and still do today the NPHL should set aside the day to focus and remember the sacrifices of veterans.
Today, many arenas in the North Peace and South Peace close to honour Nov. 11 so scheduling became a moot point. Others do not. It does not matter because not one team in nearly 20 years has opposed the idea of shutting down the league on Remembrance Day.
Years ago, some teams used to honour veterans on Remembrance Day or close to it by having them drop a ceremonial first puck. It was a fine gesture and one I am sure veterans appreciated.
In the world of professional sports, many teams also hold similar ceremonies. Again, if you have to play, at least teams are doing something to mark the occasion. Good on them for making an effort!
It should also be noted the veterans or the Royal Canadian Legion never made the request to the NPHL to not play games.
I would never suggest the general population does not appreciate the efforts of our military past and present. High attendance at Remembrance Day services attests to that. Many people who do not attend the service still appreciate the efforts, however.
The schools do a terrific job supporting veterans. Whether it is writing letters, having them over for refreshments and cookies, and participating in No Stone Left Alone where poppies are placed at the graves of veterans, all are excellent tools for teachers to use in teaching our young generations the sacrifices made.
I am never going to change the world, but it also disappoints me that Christmas decorations are up before Remembrance Day. Do businesses have to exploit the holiday season before Nov. 11? Why not do something to honour veterans first? Nov. 12 until Christmas leaves plenty of time to capitalize on the holiday season. Oh, well! Some things are not changing.
How much longer the NPHL chooses to not play on Nov. 11 will be left up to future board of governors. Hopefully, the league chooses to not play. Even if some fans choose to not honour the day in some way, the fact the league sets aside the day as a day of remembrance, and not one of shooting pucks and scoring goals, is admirable.
Years ago, McAvoy and I implemented the idea. A small gesture perhaps, but one I am proud to have played a part.
Clegg’s Corner
Chris Clegg