When I talked earlier in the season to Vees' Jeff Blackburn, I mentioned to him that I thought the Vees had the tools for a championship but I wsn't sure about their toolbox.

When I saw him on the ice in the post game celebrations, I mentioned that conversation we had early in theseason.

He remembered.

When I talked to Casey Torres about not going out on the ice for the post game celebrations until we had nailed down the OJHL championship he said, "see you on the ice sometime in the next two weeks, Wayne."

He remembered.

When I talked to Vees' owner Gregg Rosen, before game six, about how I did not feel good about game five and our chances to wrap it in Oakville, he acknowledged he thought the same way. He assured me the Vees would win tonight in front of these great fans of Kingston. They have deserved a winner for a long time.

He remembered.

When I talked to assistant GMs Denis Duschene and Mark Emmons about what a great job they had done with this team this year in spite of whether we win or not, they said we would win tonight to cap it all off.

They remembered.

When I talked to head coach Evan Robinson before the Ruddock championship series, we talked about one step at a time and the Ruddock only. There was not any discussion about going further. Robinson was right to focus on the task at hand and not get too far ahead of himself.

He remembered.

When I talked to Mike Farrell, earlier in the season, about how he could separate himself from former Vees' greats Dylan Clarke, Tim Revell and Andrew Marcoux. It would be by winning a championship, something those guys were unable to do.

He remembered.

When I asked captain Tyler Hill, post game, to show me his badge of honour, his missing teeth that he lost in this series, he showed me proudly his courage with a big toothless grin.

He remembered.

When I told Vees' veteran Mitch Latchford to forget about old axes to grind and simply know he was a champion. That any of his detractors can not take that away from him.

He remembered.

When I saw veteran Adam McAllister posing for pictures with a couple of young Trenton fans in the post game celebrations, I thought how nice it was of him to do that. He did not forget those young trenton fans who had come to share his joy with him.

He remembered.

I will remember this for a long long time. Winning a triple crown in both soccer and in hockey all in the span of a year. the joy of being a part of it as just a fan.

I will remember.





Wayjoy

Nice tribute Wayne to what the "Vees" have accomplished so far and what their ultimate goal is! VERY few young men throughout this country have the opportunity that Kigston has right "NOW"! Still even fewer will realize that dream! Sacrifice is EVERYTHING now Wayne, and I'm sure that their coaching staff has prepared their TEAM vfor just how precious this opportunity is!

Now go get 'em Vees! 

First game for the Vees tomorrow night against the host Diesels at 7.30 p.m. The tournament starts at 2.30 p.m. with a game between the Fort William North Stars and the Soo Thunderbirds.