WINGHAM – With a dedicated group of hockey personnel, a charged up executive and many local businesses for sponsors, Wingham was granted a franchise in the Ontario Hockey League in 1973.
The team would compete in the Northern Junior D Hockey League at the beginning of the 1973-74 hockey season. In its inauguaral season, the Ironmen competed against teams from Owen Sound, Port Elgin, Arthur, Walkerton and Milverton.
It did not take long for the Ironmen to make their name known, as they captured the league championship in their first year. The Ironmen were presented with the Five Counties Trophy, donated by Bob McNair, by Clarence (Tubby) Schmaltz. After capturing the league championship, the Ironmen then took on the Stayner Siskins, who eliminated the Ironmen from further play that season. This was the beginning of high-calibre junior hockey in Wingham.
The Ironmen remained in the Northern Junior D League until 1979-80, when the Ironmen would join the Brussels Bulls, Walkerton Blackhawks, Mount Forest Patriots, Wiarton Wolves, Hanover Barons and the Kincardine Bulldogs to form the Western Junior C Hockey League. During their time in the Northern Junior D League, the Ironmen captured three league titles (1973-74, 1975-76 and 1977-78).
Throughout the years, the Ironmen have enjoyed team success, as well as numerous individual awards. These individual awards include Most Valuable Player in both league play and across the province, Best Defenseman, League Scoring Champion and goaltending awards. The list of these awards is long as the Ironmen have had many talented hockey players over the years.
Today, the Ironmen play in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL). Wingham, along with the Hanover Barons, Mount Forest Patriots, Walkerton Capitals, Goderich Flyers, Kincardine Bulldogs, Mitchell Hawks and newly-formed Fergus Whalers, make up the Pollock Division of the North Conference.
With the upcoming hockey season, it is time to reflect, celebrate and remember all the dedicated players, coaches, managers, executive and, of course, dedicated fans. It will be an exciting year in Ironmen hockey.
To help co-ordinate some activities, a committee of five has been meeting to look at what events/activities can be planned and executed throughout the year. As of printing, the committee has identified three key events/activites to focus on with more to follow throughout the hockey season.
The first event will be the 50th Anniversary Golf Tournament. This tournament is being co-chaired by current Ironmen President Wayne Johnston and alumnus Doug Neil (Alumni).
The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 22 at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club. At the time of printing, there are a few open spots to enter your team. If you are interested in entering a team, please contact Wayne Johnston by text at 519-531-2330 or by email at wayne2330@hurontel.on.ca.
Following the golf tournament, the Ironmen welcome anyone to the Wingham Golf and Curling Club for social time.
The second event being planned is Ironmen Alumni Day. The date selected for this event is Saturday, Oct. 14, and it is hoped that enough former Ironmen will be interested in having a couple games of “shinny” in the afternoon, followed by an Ironmen game that evening and a dance after the game. The event co-chairs for this event are Cory Hamilton and Joel Riley. Cory Hamilton can be contacted by text at 519-357-8575 or email at cory.a.g.hamilton@gmail.com. Joel Riley can be contacted by text at 519-357-8990.
The third activity currently underway is the 50th Anniversary Program, which will be ready for sale at the Ironmen’s home opener in September. Jamie McCallum, chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee, is leading this activity and is looking for program sponsors. If you are interested in a quarter-page or half-page ad, contact Jamie McCallum by text at 519-357-5642 or by email at jamemcca@yahoo.com.
The 50th Anniversary Committee is also asking any former player, coach, executive member or volunteer to contact the committee and spread the word to other family members who may no longer reside in the area.
It is going to be an exciting year celebrating the history of the Wingham Ironmen.
