CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVILLE
March 18, 2018
On Sunday, the Pontiac Old-Timers took to the ice in Shawville for an exhibition match in the memory of a teammate and friend.
“It’s all about this here,” said organizer Marc Latreille, pointing to the moustache labelled with the name Freddie, emblazoned on his jersey over his heart.
He explained that the game was in honour of Fred Desabrais, a beloved teammate and friend from Quyon, who passed away suddenly in November 2017.
“He was well known across the valley, he was a picker, sold antiques and so on,” Latreille said. “He came out to play with us last year, I think he was 72 and he was the life of the party.”
Latreille explained that Fred was adamant that the team should have a Christmas party, as well as organize a formal team to play in exhibition games or tournaments. He remembered the previous year’s party fondly.
“I was coming off the ice and someone said, ‘Freddie’s gone in [the dressing room], Lord only knows what he’s doing,’” he said with a laugh. “We get in there and he’s got balloons on the walls, presents for everyone of us, wrapped up in Christmas paper. This is in March. That was Freddie. He was very caring … just a great guy.”
The Pontiac squad went up several points on the visiting Renfrew Rusty Blades, but the Ontario boys fought back to within one goal before the final buzzer went. Final score: 8-7 for the home team.
In addition to the swanky new sweaters, Latreille said that there would now be a plaque in honour of Desabrais presented to a player from Shawville Minor Hockey, as well as possible contributions to sports leagues in Quyon in the future.
He added that the late Shawville Councillor Peg Sheppard, who also suddenly passed away last week, had been instrumental in helping the organization put together their upcoming fundraiser dance on April 7.
He said that he hopes to keep the spirit of both these community pillars alive through more events with the Old-Timers in the future.
“This is the first time I’ve played a real game in a long time,” he said. “I hope that next year we’ll put on a few more of these games, maybe even put on a tournament here.”
