Five More to be Added to 73's Wall of Honour

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(L-R) Milan Dobric, Mike Venables, Daniel LaBrash, in honour of his late father, Ted LaBrash, Ron 'Peewee' Prpich and Ron 'Soupy' Campbell. 

Photo LAURIE BEATEN

 

Saturday, Nov. 18th, the Essex 73's hosted its Class of 2023 Wall of Honour Induction Ceremony, adding five more names to the already list of 36.

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Last year, the Essex organization celebrated its 50th season and also established a Wall of Honour to pay tribute to those players, staff and others who have made a significant impact on the overall success of the club over the years.

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Ted LaBrash, Milan (Mike) Dobric and Mike Venables will be entering in the Players Category, while long-time equipment managers, Ron ‘Soupy’ Campbell and Ron ‘Peewee” Prpich will enter in the Coach & Staff Category. 

 

“The selection committee deliberated throughout the summer months and reached a decision based solely on a voting system,” said former 73’s goaltender, and selection committee chair, Joe Garon. “We strongly feel these five members meet or exceed the meaning of The Wall, and are all most deserving of this honour.”

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LaBrash played four years with the 73’s from 1982-1985, and is the last 73’s player to score 40 goals (44) and 80 points (87) in a season (1985) while leading the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League in scoring that same season. He will join The Wall posthumously as he passed away in 2021 at the age of 57 after a long and courageous battle with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

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Dobric played for the 73’s for three seasons (2008-2010) and was a high-scoring defenceman who also defended his own end as good as anyone. Dobric won one Schmalz Cup (2009). He is currently an assistant coach with the Lakeshore Canadiens.

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Venables played five seasons in Essex and won two Schmalz Cups (2001 and 2005). He led his team in scoring on two occasions, including 2005 when he was crowned league scoring leader.

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Campbell, referred to only as Soup, or Soupy, started his 73’s tenure in 1988-89 and was with the team in some capacity for over 20 years. His last season with Essex was 2013-14. He has been a part of 8 league championships and 2 Schmalz Cups.

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Prpich, known simply as Peewee, started with the 73’s in 2002-03 and is in his 20th season with the club. He has been a part of 11 league championships and 3 Schmalz Cups.