The Essex 73’s have been blessed with much talent over the years, and in anticipation of its upcoming 50th anniversary next season, the club Is paying respect to those players and individuals who have contributed to the organization’s success over the years.
The club recently announced a plan for a Wall of Honour in the arena, and now, they have revealed the club’s all-time 100 players list. From that list, 73 players have been nominated for consideration for the Wall of Honour in the inaugural year.
“It’s a pretty special thing to be involved with, for sure,” said executive member, Joe Garon, who is the chair of The Wall’s selection committee. “Nominating 73 players in honour of the 73’s nickname is something the committee thought was also appropriate.”
The six-person selection committee consists of Garon, a former player and long-time executive member, former general managers, Mike Sadler and Scott Miller, former player and coach, Lee Jones and Mike Quinlan, and former coach, Dave Prpich.
Garon points out that the process to get down to 100 players was a difficult process in itself, but feels the process was more than fair and that for the most part, the committee got it right.
“I think there are many players who could just as easily fit into the top 100,” says Garon. “We were truly splitting hairs in the end.”
Club president, Gord Andry, applauded the selection committee on their efforts to narrow down a field of 800-plus players to a more meaningful number.
“Whether you get inducted, or not, anyone on that 100 list should be proud of the fact they were thought of in this light,” said Andry. “A lot of really great hockey players and great people have come through our organization and I’m sure it was a daunting task for the selection committee.”
The 73’s have planned a Wall of Honour Induction Ceremony Weekend for August 26, 27 and 28 of this year. Details are still in the works but there will be alumni hockey games, a golf outing, an induction ceremony and a dinner banquet and social, all at the Essex Centre Sports Complex and open to the public.
“It’s really going to be something special, not only for the inductees, but for our organization, our fans, and the entire Town of Essex,” said Garon. “Many of the guys have not seen each other in decades, and some may never see each other again in their lifetimes, so this will be a huge event.”
The first-year induction class will be a large group but The Wall itself will go on in perpetuity and others who are not selected this time around may still have opportunities in the future to be inducted.
The club will also be inducting other individuals outside the player category.
“So many to thank – to honour - I don’t think there’s a wall big enough,” Garon said. “The 73’s organization and this Town are truly fortunate.”
The selection committee will vote on the nominees March 11th and the results of the Wall of Honour Class of 2022 will be announced on March 16th.