The OHL paid tribute to fallen military heroes on Wednesday morning, November 11, with games played in Mississauga and Erie.
On Remembrance Day in Canada, the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors hosted the Kitchener Rangers with both teams wearing special commemorative jerseys. Don Cherry was in attendance and participated in the opening ceremonies that also included the Toronto Scottish Regiment with bagpipes, along with various school groups that sang the National Anthem and read the famous World War I poem "In Flanders Fields" followed by a moment of silence.
On the ice, the Majors treated the thousands of kids in attendance to a 3-1 win in their second annual School Day Game before a crowd of 4,857.
The Majors produced three goals in a span of 3:18 midway through the second period to grab the win over the Rangers. Dustin Ekelman was named first star for the Majors with a goal and an assist. JP Anderson earned the win in goal making 17 saves while Mavric Parks took the loss despite 29 saves as third star of the game.
The Majors' commemorative jerseys are available through auction until Friday November 20 to benefit the Dominion of Canada Poppy Trust Fund. Please visit www.stmichaelsmajors.com for more information.
The Rangers' jerseys were also worn on Sunday in their 3-1 win over the Guelph Storm as part of their fifth annual Remembrance Day Jersey Auction. In the past five years the Rangers have donated more than $100,000 through commemorative jersey auctions to various beneficiaries.
The Otters celebrated Veterans Day in Erie with a big third period comeback win over the Saginaw Spirit by a score of 5-2. The Otters scored four unanswered goals in the third including two from Andrew Yogan who was named the game's second star. First star Mike Cazzola scored two goals and one assist. Jaroslav Janus earned his second victory of the season in as many games for the Otters with 27 saves. Edward Pasquale made 29 saves in the loss.
The OHL's Remembrance Day schedule will also include a 7:00pm start with special opening ceremonies in Belleville when the Bulls host the Oshawa Generals. Earlier this season the Bulls announced that their 2009-10 campaign would be dedicated to 8 Wing / CFB Trenton.
