I’ve seen the Knights of Meaford play hockey twice in the last week.
And while the results were mixed- a win over Lefroy and a loss to the Toronto Attack, you’ve got to admire what they’re trying to establish at the Meaford & St Vincent Community Centre.
The Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League is to be certain, a curiosity.
It’s not the Ontario Hockey League.
It’s not the Ontario Hockey Association.
What is it….?
It’s……….well, it’s a variety of things depending on who you’re listening to.
From the get-go, those with an allegiance to the OHA provided me with a long list of negatives pertaining to the league.
Fair enough. I can appreciate their concern.
Still, having seen what they’ve created at Meaford, and recognizing the endless number of challenges just to get up and rolling, I think it’s pretty impressive where they are.
Sure, it’s not perfect. Not on the ice or around the operation, but the admirable trait is they are pushing ahead, day by day, giving Meaford and area a junior hockey team to call their own.
Some nights there’s going to be issues with the venue, the sound system or a promotion. It happens.
Some nights, they’re going to be over matched in this their expansion season. That’s almost expected.
But watching the locals flock in last Thursday for the home opener and then a decent follow-up crowd Sunday makes me feel good about what might be ahead in the community.
The process continues tonight when the Knights have another tough test, hosting the Bradford Bulls on the first ever Pink in the Rink night at Meaford.
Game time is 7:30
I’m Fred Wallace