D2 - The Oakville Beaver, W e d n e sd a y M a y 7, 2003 L ___ Fergus anything but blue with Blue Leaf Dr. Kristina Pen By Chris Lomon SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER has relocated and is welcoming patients in her new office For appointm ent please call 905 608-1441 - 3015 WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD, SUITE #8 FEW BLOCKS NORTH OF DUNDAS Swags. Topiaries. Veggies & More EVERYTHING IS BEING LIQUIDATED AT 50%O F F Women's Fragrances Uquidating al · Taoers · Tealiglils · Scented » Jar Types · Gin Sets and More! THEIR REGULAR RETAIL PRICES! GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR MOM fan de Toilette Partum a Cologne Gift Sets & More! I Selected Designer Original Fragrances liquidation & PAY NO INTEREST Candle MAKE NO PAYMENTS Limited Otter FOR ONE YEAR With Your Liquidation World Card l iq u id a t io n YOU WILL SAVE MONEY OAKVILLE ·O .A .C . A n y p u rc h a s e o! $ 500 o r m o re . All a p p lic a b le ta x e s an d a 5% a d m in is tra tio n tee o n th e p u rc h a s e p ric e (p rio r to ta x e s ) is re q u ire d at the tim e o f p u rc h a s e to q u a lify fo r th e 12-m o n th fin a n c in g o p tio n [ex a m p le : o n a $ 1 0 0 0 p u rc h a s e , th e fe e w o u ld be $50). S ee in -sto ro fo r m o re d e ta ils . A v a ila b le M ay 2 · J u n e 30. 2003 . 183 Lakeshore W . (It Dorval) (905) 815-8811 X V Q IU .1 > Even after a 12-year NHL career, one characterized by a tire less dedication to his craft. Tom Fergus still appreciates the rewards associated with hard work. Born in Chicago, raised in Montreal and St. George. Ontario. Fergus, a veteran of 726 NHL games, established himself as a legitimate offensive stalwart, a strapping forw ard w ho lit the lamp at every stop on his hockey career. Some eight years after hanging up his skates, the 40-year-oid. who finished his pro hockey days play ing in the Swiss Elite League, is still at the top of his game, albeit in a distinctively different career. As the founder of the aptly named Blue Leaf Ltd., an Oakville-based corporate promo tional company, the former mem ber of the Toronto Maple Leafs is pan of a successful team that cele brates its IOth year in business in 2003. While comparisons between hockey and promotional apparel are few and far between, Fergus, who began his NHL tenure with Boston, has found at least one sig nificant similarity. "You can't expect to be a suc cess in whatever you do if you're not willing to work hard at it," said Fergus, who had 51 goals over a two-season span with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League. "Every day I came to the rink. I wanted to make a difference. I feel the same way about this business, too." Drafted 60th overall in 1980. Fergus was the prototypical scout's dream. Big in stature and steady on his skates, he possessed a patient eye and goal scorer's touch. Skills that had the Bruins' When / arrived, play ers like Wayne Cashman. Terry O 'Reilly and Brad Park were th ere... · Chantal Ayotte · Oakville Beaver F o rm e r Toronto M aple L eaf s ta r Tom Fergus at his O akville-based business. organization thrilled at what lay ahead for their emerging talent. "My father once told me that you never step on anyone's toes on your way up." said Fergus, of the best hockey-related advice he's ever received. "If you do that, he said, it's a long way down." In his rookie NHL season, 1981-82, Fergus lived up to the advance billing, contributing 15 goals and 39 points in 61 games. While the prospect of facing some of the greatest names in the game was daunting, walking into the Boston Garden dressing room, he recalled, was even tougher. "There is so much history behind the team and when I arrived, players like Wayne Cashman. Tern O 'Reilly and Brad Park were there." noted Fergus, referring to a few of the famous Boston stars he suited up with. "1 was nervous, but they were very friendly guys. That made me feel a lot more comfortable. It made we want to work even harder." Complacency, on and off the ice. has never been an issue for Fergus. After earning rav e reviews for his first-year efforts, the gifted goal scorer raised his own expecta tions for the following season, a campaign in which he had to con tend with the dreaded sophomore jinx. Fergus responded by producing big offensive numbers, lighting the lamp 28 times, while adding 35 assists for 63 points. More impres sive. however, was his stellar plus/minus rating o f plus-26. In just two seasons, Fergus had established himself as the team's second-line centreman. And even though he had become a popular figure with both fans and team mates. Fergus, w ho scored his first NHL hat trick on November 5. 1983. was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Bill Derlago on the eve of the 1984-85 campaign. The change of address hardly affected his contributions, as Fergus became the club's go-to guy. a dependable scorer who became an instant fan favourite. In his first year w ith the Original Six squad. Fergus netted a career-high 31 goals and finished the season with 73 points. On a personal level. Fergus fared extremely well. The team, however, struggled to win games, a situation that diminished any individual accomplishments. "The fans are great in Toronto, but it was very disappointing we didn't fare well. I really enjoyed my time there, it just would have been nice to win more than we did." After a brief stint in Vancouver and two seasons with EV Zug of the Swiss Elite League, Fergus called it a career, finishing with 581 NHL points. These days, the Oakville resi dent and father of four, is still hard at work. Along with his wife. Judy, the couple has seen their business grow steadily over the years, grate ful for the success it has become. "We did n 't really move to Oakville for any particular rea son." said Fergus, who coached the Oakville Blades provincial junior A team in the 95/96 season. "But I'm certainly glad we did. It has so much to offer and I couldn't imag ine being anywhere else right now." GRAND PIANO SALE ONE DAY ONLY --i-- Saturday, May 10th, 10am - 5pm -- __-- H Tom Fergus Have you ever dreamed of owning a Yamaha Grand Piano? Let us help make your dream come true A factory representative, from Yamaha will be on hand during this very special promotion to authorize factory direct pricing, and to answer any questions you may have regarding Yamaha Grand Pianos. Because of the unique nature of this promotion it will be conducted for one day only. Delivery for your piano may be requested for a future date but it must be ordered on the day of this event to receive the special pricing. "NO MONEY DOWN NO PAYMENTS, NO INTEREST UNTIL NOVEMBER 2003" OAC TRADE INS WELCOME FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT 2388 Fairview St. Burlington (west of Guelph Line) (905) 639-4465 800-633-7088 www.keyboardcentre.com STEV E LO A TES Sabrina Byrnes · Oakville Beaver Buzz captain Reid W estm acott ( # 14 ) stares down the London goaltender. KEYBOARD CENTRE Buzz are back on winning track By Neil Becker Get the Results You Want, at a Price You Can Afford! colour Comes Alive... W ith The Gardening Experts Wave Petur I l l Hanging Ba ket This hanging basket will make a stunning accent to any patio, deck or balcony. 10 pot SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER 4-month Student SPECIAL ot\\y $179 ~ost " Geraniums These easy to care for annuals are know -i for their brillant flower clusters lo : with deep green sculpted leaves. One o f the most popular garden flowers. Ideal tor pots ami planters. Plant in full sur> It's early in the season, but the 14-2 laugher by the Oakville Buzz over the London Blue Devils on Monday night could serve as a turning point should they make the playoffs. Riding a three game losing streak, after winning their opening game, the (See 'Buzz' page 03) COLLI CTIBl i; COUPON? (all Inclusive) 6 pack. W e Make Fitness Easy! d . m D E L U X E S O IL $9500 r cu. yd. bag j 2 Bags 'f a r mih PRESENTED B Y i r i i r i r n To Join Call 844-1610 *155 NAME OF YOUR SCHOOL GROUP OR ORGANIZATION: DELIVERY INCLUDED G re at M o th e r's Day G ift Ideas \ in o u r Flyer in today's new spaper. Send or drop off your collected coupons to: THE OAKVILLE BEAVER, 467 SPEERS RD. OAKVILLE ON L6K3S4 No copies or reproductions accepted