What the Royals’ return means to Local Hockey Scene

Like many kids who grew up in Cornwall and the surrounding area, I started my connection to hockey on local ice and weekend mornings. I’ll always remember skating during the final seasons of the Bob Turner and all the other rinks in the region. Weekend after weekend, we would travel to all the local arenas for both my games and my brother’s, able to tell them apart by the smell of their canteens.

As a young fan, I spent many Thursday nights at Cornwall Colts games. I’d look up at the banners hanging in the rafters and read the tributes celebrating the Cornwall Royals’ success. To a kid who’d never seen a Major Junior game before, it was astounding to realize that one of the country's best franchises had once thrived right here, close to home.

Parents and grandparents who remember the Memorial Cup era can now instill the same passion they had with their own children and grandchildren. Seeing the Royals jerseys back on the ice reminds us why hockey has always been part of the ethos of our city.

Having some of the best hockey around also gives kids an affordable and accessible way to watch elite players and great role models. Reintroducing the OHL into the Ed Lumley Arena ensures that the next generation of kids gets the opportunity to dream just as big as those who came before them.

Purchase tickets to the OHL Seaway Shootout here. 

About Liam Godard

Liam Godard, originally from Long Sault, is a Communications student at the University of Ottawa. He is currently completing a placement with the City of Cornwall’s Communications and Tourism departments.