Chants of “Muskies, Muskies, Muskies” or “Go Muskies Go” shook the walls of the Countryside Arena in Sudbury before the start of the black-and-gold’s quarter-final showdown with the Upper Canada College Blues of Toronto.
The cheering grew even louder by the roughly 100 or so Muskie faithful on hand as their favourite team stepped onto the ice for their biggest game of the season.
In fact, both the start and finish of that game (a 3-2 overtime loss) were met with a similar response–a standing ovation from their fans. Horns were blaring and calls of encouragement came from many.
It was support that was clearly unmatched by any other team. It literally sent chills down your spine.
“We’re hockey supporters,” noted Edna Freeman, sitting comfortably in the stands before the game. “We enjoy the game and we’re behind the team.”
Parents and grandparents proudly wore team buttons, many of them taking vacation time from work to cheer on the Muskies. Young boys and girls were dressed in their favourite Muskies’ jerseys.
Some had their faces painted black and gold with a player’s number on each cheek. To them, these were their heroes.
It didn’t matter that Fort Frances was, by far, the longest trip to the all-Ontario’s. Some made the 14-hour trek by car while others rented a van from North Air.
Crowds were modest, at best, for many of the games at OFSAA in Sudbury, and there’s no question the Muskie fans provided an atmosphere at every rink they visited.
Several tournament officials often made comments regarding the size and vocal support from the Muskie supporters. Without question, it was noticed by parents and players from opposing teams.
In fact, the Muskies outdrew the host St. Benedict Bears in terms of fans for their Thursday afternoon tilt in pool play. Black-and-gold dominated the Sudbury Community Arena, home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Wolves.
“There is no junior or OHL team like there is for some of these other teams,” said Christine Brown, who made the trip to Sudbury with her family. “This is it.”
“You’re used to driving to cities like Winnipeg and Thunder Bay so it’s no big deal to travel this far to cheer them on,” she reasoned.
Brown said the Muskies’ tradition is as strong as ever back in Rainy River district–and that showed at the all-Ontarios.
“There’s no question the kids grow up wanting to be Muskies,” said Brown, whose son, Justin, was clad in full Muskie attire.
Lynne Ross said she was impressed with the number of people who made the trip and the support they showed the team. She felt it shouldn’t go unnoticed to those back home.
The players and coaches alike definitely noticed the support and were grateful for it.
“We’ve had tremendous support. [The fans] always come down to the all-Ontarios,” said Muskie head coach Glen Edwards. “With the news media coming down, the radio, the fans are really into the game.”
And with support like that, the players said they get an extra dose of adrenaline out on the ice.
“It just keeps us motivated with the fans there,” said Tyler Coyle, who played his final game in a Muskie uniform against Upper Canada.
“With everyone behind us and how they believe in the team, it definitely helps us,” echoed Jon Rogoza.
While the support couldn’t give the Muskies that extra push to beat the Blues in that quarter-final game, it did confirm the district as being a truly hockey-mad area.
Edwards went as far to say the Muskies’ on-ice performance continued the team’s “legacy” at the all-Ontarios. The same could be said for the support from the fans–it was truly amazing.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
