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Ms Mllis arranged the meeting, suggesting her uncle might have some words of wisdom to pass on to her former pupil, since he once enjoyed a similar experience. Jones responded. “Remember, you're not playing only for Stouffville, you'll be representing your country, Canada. Like it was with me, this tournament will he a time in your life you'll never forget.” he said. Iones carried with him a folder containing reams of photographs‘and stories related to his memorable'72- 73 season. During his meeting with Kyle, Jones emphaslmd the The ’72 club won all of its six games and later defeated Petrolia for the prOvincial championship. The Ontario finalsweneplayedatUxbridge. The Stoufl‘ville arena, then on Park Drive South, had been condemned. Before leaving, Melissa Willis, Kyle’s Grade 4 teacher, arranged a meeting at Boston Pizza for her former student and Howie Jones, a centre ice star with the 1972 bantam club that journeyed to Swit- zerland 36 years ago. Jones, Willis’ uncle, then lived in Claremont but now resides in Oshawa with wife Cathy and his mother, Gloria Jones. Howie and Cathy have two daughters and one grandchild. Howie is employed with the city’s search and rescue unit In an act of support, Jones presented Kyle with a 1972 tournament puck. His mother had it mounted on an engraved silver stand. On it is inscribed the number 5, for how many goals he scored during the tourney. Kyie Sauro, 14, carries a good luck puck in his duflle bag. The Grade 8 Glad Park Public School student is a member of the Stouffville Bantam A Clippers, currently on a four-game hockey tour that will take them to the Czech Republic and Austria. ]ones centred a line with Keith Acton, now assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs at left wing and Doug Feasby at right. The team cap- tain was Doug Todd. Goal- tenders were Don Whitehead and Kevin Hamilton. Kyle, totally surprised, was hesitant to accept so trea- sured a gift. “What if I lose it?" he asked. “Then it'll be back close to the area from where it came,” Jones replied. “I hope it'll inspire you." he said. The team will also attend the World Junior Hockey Championship in Prague before returning Ian. 7. Puck brings _ ; luck on to ur of Europe rinks Lee Palladino, the team’s assistant coach and trainer. said Kyle earned a spot on the club through sheer desire. He wasn't a member of last year’s roster, Palladino explained, but his determination so impressed the coaching staff he was welcomed aboard. The trip costs $3,300 per player. In '72, the per player share was $430. Close to $60,000wasraised through various projects, Pal- ladino said. “You wouldn’t believe the hockey spirit in this town". While the tournament is important, like the team of ’72, the ultimate goal is win- ning an Ontario title, Palladi- no said. So far this season, the club has recorded 24 wins, no losses and two ties in regular York Simcoe League play. He also praised team management, including coach lack Watson; manag- ers Wilf Morley, Gerry Acton and Dent Smith and OMHA convener Ed Grimshaw. Iim Thomas is a Stoufi‘uille msident who has written fiJr anea newspapers for more than 50 years. “Keep your school grades up," he urged. “Learning skills will remain long after your hockey days are over." Jones felt fortunate to play on a line between two great wingers, Acton and Feasby. “He, (Acton), was initially a speed skater, just like his mother," he added. The team’s return flight is expected to touch down at Pearson Airport Ian. 7 around 3:30 pm. While each player is expected to bring home memorabilia, Kyle Sauro will carry the most treasured keepsake: Howie lones' good luck puck of 36 years ago. importance of education. "‘Doug (Feasby) was a terâ€" rific skater," he said. “And Keith (Acton) could go like the wind." Jones described Watson as “the best coach I ever had"; Morley, Acton and Smith as “tremendous”, and Grimshaw as “the leader of the pack". After leaving Sioufiville minor hockey, Jones played Junior B with the Pickering Panthers. Roaming Around with Jim Thomas POP: the Ultimate Local Events Guide â€" tailored to YOUR interests 0 choose communities and categories that matter to you! 0 export events to your personal computer calendar and Facebookl - get available e-mail alerts when new events match your interests! Stoujfville Sunâ€"'l'ribune I Thursday, Ianuury 3, 2W8