Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE April 7, 2018
What started as a night dedicated to an old hockey pal quickly evolved into an evening about the loss of two locals.
Friends and family of Freddie Desabrais came together for the dance at the Shawville Lions’ Hall on Saturday, where his teammates on the Pontiac Old Timers shared some tributes to their pal.
With Reg Carkner leading the band, tributes to Desabrais started just before 10 p.m., with Marc Latreille giving some history on their hockey team and why their passed friend was instrumental to its success.
While anecdotes were shared about the kind of guy Desabrais was – from providing presents for his teammates to his ability to keep his buddies well-oiled – Shane Presley would pepper in a few details every once in a while.
“The last time I spent four days with you, I got a divorce,” was once told to Desabrais, grabbing a big laugh from the room.
However, the stories were all leading up to the unveiling of a new award for minor hockey: The Fred Desabrais ‘Moustache’ Memorial Award, which will see it’s first recipients at an awards gala on April 15.
“After Freddie passed, we decided we were going to fulfill what he wanted,” said Latreille.
It was shared that the team jersey was designed with respect to Desabrais’ jacket and that everyone had a moustache on the front, left hand side of the chest in honour of him.
Latreille said that all sponsors were incredibly eager to support the team in any way, before reading out the list of sponsors for their sweaters. Afterwards, Latreille and Presley presented Lion Ed Walsh with a sweater, bearing the Shawville Lions Club across the back.
As well, the team made sure to pay tribute to his family, presenting his wife and three of his children with a team sweater, emblazoned with the family name.
Finally, the team wanted to reaffirm their commitment to local minor hockey, promising to put money into supporting equipment and supply costs for the local kids.
However, the night took on a second dedication, with the recent passing of Shawville Councillor Margaret “Peggie” Sheppard. She was remembered for providing organizational support to the group while planning events like their Christmas party.
“If it wasn’t for Peggie, we wouldn’t have a Christmas party, or this place tonight,” said Presley.
To finish off the round of dedications, Carkner played the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah,” making sure to leave no verse left out. He soon had the whole room singing along with him through the chorus.
Next up for the group, the Old Timers will host a golf tournament at Mickey Creek on June 9. Of course, food and music will follow, with the latter led by Carkner.
