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10 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, November 24, 1987 - - Viewpoint by John B. McClelland (From page 5) one game because his team had more than 36 penalty minutes. On the Port Perry side of the ledger, the team took 36 minutes in penalties on eight minors and four majors for fighting. Now, on the surface, the penalty tally may appear to be:in Port Perry's favour. But I'll say this. From the two full periods I witnessed, the referee made the right decisions. And I have no axe to grind with anyone. I was not shocked or dismayed by what I saw on the ice that night. Maybe my attitudes are changing, because a few years ago, I likely would have written a column condemning everyone in sight: the players, coaches, fans and refs, just for being part of a rather unpleasant display. I recall all too vividly my reaction several years ago on witnessing a Pier Six brawl between the Port MoJacks and the Bowmanville Eagles. I remember leaving the Arena that night swearing to myself that hockey was going down the tubes and never again would I set foot in any arena. I certainly don't condone hockey violence on the ice. In last Monday's game between the Port Midgets and Markham, the blatant fouls and the inevitable fights marred a decent exhibi- tion. No doubt, when the OMHA gets hold of the game report, there will be some suspensions. That's fine. But I found myself more intrigued by the dynamics that led to the outbreak of fighting, than I was upset by the fighting itself. There are a couple of things worth remembering about that particular game. First it was an exhibition game. Markham is an AA rated team, Port Perry is a B rated team (based on population size of the community). There was an added incentive on both sides to win. The Port Perry players would like nothing better than to claim "bragg- ing rights" on defeating a AA squad. Markham may have ex- pected to win. After all, Port Perry is just a small B town in hockey circles. There is no way in the world the Markham players would want word to get around that they had suffered a defeat at the hands of a B team like Port Perry. The first meeting the previous night ended in a 3-3 tie, so Monday's game was the 'rubber match." : This game, even though just exhibition, meant a lot to both teams. : What I can't comprehend about this game is why it was Markham who decided to "play it rough" with a 5-2 lead. Usually, when a close game suddenly breaks wide open on the scoreboard, it is the losing team that gets rough and chippy, taking the stupid penalties. Maybe the Markham players thought they could have it both ways: win the game and teach Port Perry a lesson in rough stuff in the process. I don't suggest that fighting SHOULD be part of the game. But I think it helps put things in a better perspective when one takes a close look at why fighting takes place. There's always a reason, or several reasons. [ don't feel gloomy about the future of the sport every time I witness a fight or a brawl on the ice. Maybe I've seen so many that the 'shock value' has long ago worn off. But more to the point, I have come to view violence on the ice not as an isolated incident by itself, but rather as a result of a series of incidents, both blatant to the observer and obscure. There are certain patterns, forces and dynamics at work which almost always will precipitate violence on the ice. That doesn't make it right. But it does make it more understandable, for me, anyway. By the way, the Port Midgets and Markham are talking about a uk to settle the issue. If they do play, I'll be there ke if I can. I'll ta y chances that the players will stick to hockey and put on a damn good exhibition of the way the game should be played. - BD CIC CIBC Port Perry BRENDA HOLLISTER KAREN ACTON Are You Paying Too Much? Why not consider a Personal Loan for ... CHRISTMAS EXPENSES WINTER VACATION DEBT CONSOLIDATION ANY WORTHWHILE PURPOSE Our loans are OPEN & LIFE INSURED at no extra cost. Disability Insurance is available at reasonable rates. Choose Fixed or Variable Interest Rates. CALL ... 985-7344 Durham North unit of OASWT Retired teachers meet Sixty-one teachers and guests en- joyed a delicious turkey dinner, prepared by the Sunderland U.C.W. "when they met for their Fall meeting of Durham Region North Unit of the Superannuated and Retired Teachers, on November 11. After introduction of the head table and guests, President, Mrs. Grace Hastings, called on Miss Nor- , ma Urquhart. Norma presented Mrs. Donna Ross with a gift, as a token of appreciation for her unceasing efforts on behalf of the Unit since its inception. Although taken by surprise, Donna, in her ac- ceptance, said it had been her pleasure to assist in any capacity. Qualifications had to be filled before Mrs. Marion Johnson presented silk flower corsages to six lucky ladies, Namely: Iva Rynard, Mary Irwin, Mildred Teel, Aileen Shier, Elsie Bain, and Evelyn Bailey. Past President of S.T.O., Mrs. Aileen Shier, reported that due to S.T.O., the minimum pension had been raised, and that they were - working on pensions being reckon- ed on the best five years rather than for seven years. Mrs. Keitha Richards, Director Area 7, had just returned from the Board of Directors Meeting and brought information. She spoke of 'the interesting plans for the 1988 Convention in Kitchener. Mrs. Dorothy Montgomery, Exec. Sec. O.A.SW.T. introduced her secretary, Janet Mawdsley, and three of the other 4 ladies who assist them in a long day's work each time the Newsletter Goes out-Cora and Evelyn Bailey, Janet's mother, Jean Mawdsley and another lady sort and pack 5400 Newsletters into 22 mail bags, and deliver them to the Post Office. Dorothy and Cora presented an in- formative dialogue, with touches of humour, on the gration of, and the benefits from both OASWT and STO. Before the general business ses- sion, Marion Johnson conducted several humorous Christmas ""Rounds" which were enjoyed by all. ~ President Grace Hastings reported that she and Past Presi- dent, Aileen Shier had attended the Annual Conference in Sudbury. She mentioned some of the highlights of " MEATING PLACE. the event. Also she and Marion Johnson had attended a husiness luncheon at Mrs. Keitha Richard's home in Trenton. Aileen Shier and Norma Urquhart paid tribute to the late Mrs. Luella Tompkins in an impressive *'Ip Memoriam." . In recognition of Remembrance Day, Mrs. Joyce McMullen gave a reading "Why Do We Wear A Poppy?" As music was played, a hat was passed containing anecdotes of School Days, When the music stop- ped the person with the hat read one of these. They provided a laugh and a memory for many of the teachers. The afternoon closed with the singing of "School Days' and "O'Canada."' The President, Grace Hastings wished all a happy time shopping, baking, decorating, etc. for a MérryjChristmas Season. QUALITY MEATS -- DELICATESSEN -- BAKERY 180 Queen St. - 985-2818 = ORDER EARLY! Cheese Trays -- Meat Trays Sweet Trays -- Baked Goods kr TICKETS ARE LIMITED | NEW YEAR'S EVE. _Smiel's "Place ween 0) ) En a eeensiie ly) { 3 NT JEWEL 174 Queen Stree are celebrating their be offer t DISC t -- Port Perry -- We are pleased 10 o all our customers a = viERCHAN th & Friday, No Lay-aways Please