Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 1/18/2025 7:28 pm |
1958 ECHO Retirements
G Alex Davis
Teams: Quebec Reds (1945-47), Halifax Highlanders (1947-58)
Record: 355-246-9
Sound Cups: 4 (1948, 1950, 1951, 1955)
Awards: GOY (1947-1949, 1951), PMVP (1948)
Davis hangs up his pads after a storied career as the best goaltender the league has ever seen (although Emmett O'Leary is building his case). Beginning with the Quebec Reds before becoming the face of the Halifax Highlanders, Davis was a vital part of four championship-winning teams and captured numerous individual accolades, including multiple Goalie of the Year awards and a Playoff MVP title. Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and ability to shine under pressure, Davis has left an indelible mark on the sport. In retirement, Davis plans to remain in Halifax, where he and his wife, Evelyn, have raised their three children. He looks forward to coaching youth hockey and spending more time outdoors, indulging in his love for fishing and hiking. Davis is also keen to start a goaltending academy, hoping to pass on his expertise to the next generation of netminders.
D Simon St-Pierre
Teams: Montréal Métros (1945-1951), Fredericton Stars (1951-56)
Sound Cups: 1 (1946)
Awards: DPOY (1950, 1951, 1953)
St-Pierre exits the league as one of its most revered defenders, having been the backbone of the Montréal Métros for much of his career before finishing with the Fredericton Stars. A relentless force on the blue line, St-Pierre's hard-nosed style earned him three Defenseman of the Year honours (the only defenseman so far to win it with two different teams) and a Sound Cup victory early in his career. St-Pierre is returning to his family farm outside Quebec City, where he plans to enjoy a quieter life with his wife and their four children. A lifelong outdoorsman, he's excited to get back to hunting and farming. He also intends to stay connected to the game by mentoring young defensemen in
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 1/06/2025 6:18 pm |
1958 Brand Changes
Sherbrooke Blue Jays
The Blue Jays made a few subtle yet effective adjustments to their logo, sharpening its overall look. The eye was altered, with the white section now featuring a fiercer, more intense appearance, bringing a sharper focus to the bird. The beak was refined for a cleaner, more streamlined look, while some previously squared-off lines were gently curved for a smoother, more dynamic profile.
The uniform changes are minimal. The new logo debuts on both the home and away jerseys and the font for the player numbers has been updated to be more in line with the era's aesthetic.
What is your opinion on the Jays brand retooling? I would appreciate your feedback and any questions you have about the ECHOverse.
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 1/04/2025 12:32 am |
1958 ECHO League Meetings
A General's Exit
In the spring of 1958, the Moncton Generals mourned the passing of their long-time owner, Archibald Cunningham, who died at the age of 87 from complications related to a stroke. The former Canadian Army General had overseen the team since 1932, building it into a proud franchise with a fiercely impulsive style. However, in recent years, Cunningham's health had begun to decline, and his son, Peter Cunningham, had increasingly taken on the reins of day-to-day operations. Peter's vision for the team became evident with the Generals' recent rebrand, a move that marked a new era for the franchise. While the senior Cunningham had been impulsive, Peter has shown a more measured approach, blending his father's legacy with his strategic outlook. The transition has been gradual, with Peter quietly becoming the team's operational leader over the last year or two. Now, as the torch has officially passed, the Generals will look forward to an exciting future under his stewardship.
A Close Call on Physical Play
At the 1958 league meetings, one of the hot topics revolved around a rule proposal intended to curb excessive physicality in the game, particularly in situations like the one involving Martin Rose and Edouard Lefebvre on opening night at the Aréna de Montréal, which had sent shockwaves through the league when Rose delivered a brutal hit to Lefebvre, resulting in a fractured collarbone and the Métros' star player being sidelined for the remainder of the season. In response, the league proposed a new rule to impose stricter penalties for hits that led to injuries—specifically those that targeted the head or upper body. The rule would have mandated an automatic five-minute major penalty and a 10-game suspension for any player found guilty of applying excessive force in such situations. The proposal, however, narrowly failed to pass, with several teams, like Charlottetown and the Mont
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 12/25/2024 8:26 pm |
1958 ECHO Awards
Playoffs MVP: G William Parker (QUE)
In a breathtaking display of skill and poise, William Parker emerged as the linchpin of Quebec's postseason success. He showcased an exceptional 1.56 goals-against average, complemented by an astounding .947 save percentage that left opponents frustrated. Parker's crowning achievement came during Game 1 of the Sound Cup Finals, where he recorded a shutout—a feat that not only highlighted his prowess between the pipes but also set the tone for the entire series. He is the 5th goalie to take home the award after Nicolas Deschênes (1946), Peter Chiasson (1947), Alex Davis (1948) and Emmett O'Leary (1956)
Most Valuable Player: C William MacDougall (TRV)
Recognized for his extraordinary offensive talent, MacDougall was honoured with the Most Valuable Player award. He had propelled the Tigres to yet another triumphant season, leading the entire league with an impressive 71 points. His tally included 28 goals and 43 assists, making him an unstoppable force on the ice.
Defensive Player of the Year: D Stanley Blackwood (HFX)
Stanley Blackwood dominated the ice with his remarkable physicality and sharp defensive instincts, earning him the coveted title of Defensive Player of the Year. With an impressive tally of 56 takeaways and a jaw-dropping 146 hits, he transformed Halifax's defensive line into a formidable force that opponents feared to face. His presence not only changed the flow of the game but also inspired his teammates to elevate their performance. He is the second Highlanders defenseman to take home the award after Alain Leblanc (1949)
Defensive Forward of the Year: C Derek Hauptmann (SHE)
Derek Hauptmann’s relentless two-way play and unwavering commitment to shutting down opposing threats distinguished him as the league's top defensive forward. His remarkable tally of 26 takeaways, pa
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 12/22/2024 6:05 am |
FC Macbeth wrote:
13 years. 13 years of ups and downs, hope and despair, and whatever goes inside the mind of the Quebec faithful. Well done, Reds. You outdid everything yourself.
And on the other news, how goes my created players? It's been a looooooong while since I submitted one. Have they become the successful players that I wanted to be.
Well, for starters, you had three guys on Quebec’s winning roster, all wingers: Darren Bennett, Roger Adams, and Henri Tremblay.
Bennett: Current 2nd line winger, has a nice 69 RS points to his name so far in his 3 years in the ECHO
Adams: 3rd line winger, was actually drafted by Cape Breton 5 years ago, moved to Quebec 2 years ago (Has not missed a game in 3 years). has 96 points
Tremblay: 4th line winger, was actually picked number 1 in 1954 but has not cracked the top of the lineup, 48 points in 4 years; his best year was his rookie year, where he got 25 points
Here is a list of other players that were on championship-winning teams
W Terry Gemmill (MON 1952, 1953). He was not involved much but has since moved on to Ottawa, where he has had two 50-point seasons in three years and is the second-best winger on the team behind one of your guys (reveal later in the answer). Still, that’s two rings for him.
D Leonard Lefevre (MON 1952, 1953). Very defensive defenseman. After his rookie deal ended with Moncton, he went off to Charlottetown and lasted four games there before getting shipped to Ottawa, where he would stay for 2 seasons before signing a big 5-year deal with Bathurst (oh yeah, Bathurst has a team now if you haven't followed the series attentively)
W Michael Gray (MTM 1954) Is a fringe third-line player. After that Cup, he spent a year in Fredericton before being picked in the 1955 expansion draft by Sherbrooke. He spent two seasons there and is now in Charlottetown.
C Robert Richelieu (HFX 1955). That was his rookie season after getting drafted 5th by Halifax. He is currently jobless afte
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 12/21/2024 5:05 pm |
1958 Sound Cup Finals
Halifax Highlanders vs Quebec Reds
Game 1: The first period was a thrilling display of high-octane hockey, with both teams battling fiercely for control. Both goalies, Alex Davis for Halifax and William Parker of Quebec were in top form, turning away a barrage of shots, including blistering wrist shots and thunderous slapshots that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The ice was alive with hits like Halifax's Gilbert Houle levelling Quebec's Wilfred Gauthier in center ice and also the Highlanders' Karl Sarrazin's crunching check on the Reds' Jules Henry. Even as the clock ticked down, neither team could find the back of the net, leaving the fans in suspense as the two teams headed into the intermission with a 0-0 deadlock. The second period saw both teams continue their intense back-and-forth battle, with Quebec striking first about 6 minutes into the period when winger Nicolas Béland received a crisp pass from teammate Bastian Nachtnebel and beat Halifax netminder Alex Davis glove-side with a quick wrist shot. Still, after that, it went right back to a defensive battle between the two teams. Halifax did go on the powerplay late in the period after Bastian Nachtnebel was penalized for tripping, but the Highlanders couldn't do a thing with it, and Quebec would go into the 3rd period still up 1-0. Seven minutes into the 3rd period, Nachtnebel would put Quebec up by 2 with a perfectly placed wrist shot past Halifax goaltender Alex Davis. The period continued with both teams fighting hard, but Halifax could not break through Quebec's defence. Despite several strong chances, including a few near-misses in front of the net, the Highlanders were unable to get past William Parker. As the clock ticked down, the Reds focused on maintaining their 2-0 lead, stifling any final attempts from Halifax. When the final buzzer sounded, Quebec emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, with Parker earni
AltFL » The AltFL Season 2024 » 12/06/2024 10:44 pm |
Well, we couldn’t get it done in Philly, but now it’s time to wrap up the season in style—because it’s SoCal Showdown time! Rivalry week is here, and we’re back home to face the Los Angeles Sabercats in a battle of, well... let’s say, “rebuilding” teams. It’s 3-10 San Diego against 2-11 LA, and we’d love nothing more than to hand them that 12th loss. Because if we’re bad, they’re worse. (Gotta keep the rivalry spirit alive, right?) We’ll be rocking the same combo as last week—navy helmets and alternates—but swapping out the grey pants for navy ones this time. Our featured player this week is WR Mack Hollins, a midseason free-agent pickup who snagged a touchdown last week with seven receiving yards on the day. #KingsintheWest #BeatLA #SoCalShowdown2024
Hockey » Eastern Canada Hockey Organization » 11/29/2024 10:27 pm |
1958 Sound Cup Playoffs (Divisional Finals)
Quebec Reds vs Montreal Beavers
The atmosphere at Quebec's Citadel Arena was electric as Game 1 of the highly anticipated playoff series between the two teams started. The air crackled with excitement from the crowd, eager to witness the clash on the ice. From the outset, the Reds quickly asserted their dominance through relentless forechecking, a strategy that paid off swiftly. Winger Bastian Nachtnebel found the back of the net early in the period, thanks to a slick play set up by center Hank Rodriguez and defenseman Travis Jacquessonne. However, the Beavers refused to be daunted by this early setback. With grit and determination, they mounted a response, and soon after, a well-orchestrated play culminated in a goal by Kurt Main. His shot slipped past the Reds' defence, tying the game at 1-1 just before the first period came to a close. As the second period unfolded, the intensity on the ice reached new heights. Both teams engaged in fierce physical play, trading chances, with bodies crashing against the boards and players battling for puck possession. The Reds were given a significant opportunity when Beavers defenseman Alphonse Boudreau received a major penalty for charging, allowing them a power play. The Reds seized this moment, and early in the third period, Mathias Tardif unleashed a powerful shot that found its mark, putting the Reds ahead 2-1. Yet, the Beavers were undeterred. They regrouped and soon delivered a dazzling response with an impressive slap shot from Yvon Robichaud that sailed past the Reds' William Parker, equalizing the score at 2-2. With tensions running high, the teams entered an intense overtime, where the weight of the game hung heavily on their shoulders. Both sides had golden opportunities to seize victory, but exceptional saves and missed chances resulted in a second overtime period. Finally, in that critical moment of the second overti
AltFL » The AltFL Season 2024 » 11/28/2024 9:54 pm |
The Destroyers pulled off another one! In a nail-biter, we took down San Antonio for our second straight win, moving to 3-9 on the season. Sure, it’s been a rough year, but beating both Texas teams in back-to-back weeks is fantastic, honestly. Now it’s off to Philly for our last road game of the season, where the 7-5 Brawlers are waiting. It’s going to be a tough matchup, but we’re ready to keep this streak alive. We’ll be suiting up in our classic navy helmets paired with our grey alternate jerseys and pants for this one. Our featured player this week is linebacker Jordan Hicks, who had a standout performance against the Phantoms: 1 sack, four assisted tackles, and two solo tackles. #KingsintheWest
AltFL » The AltFL Season 2024 » 11/21/2024 9:47 pm |
Well, well, well, what a game! Running back Joe Mixon was a one-man wrecking crew, absolutely tearing up Dallas with three rushing touchdowns, 109 yards on the ground, and 44 yards receiving. That performance powered us to our second win of the season (yeah, we’re still 2-9, but at least we’re not entirely out of gas yet). Even though we’re not in the playoff picture, it feels good to put another one in the win column finally. Now, we’re hitting the road for our last two away games of the season. First up, we’re heading to San Antonio to face the struggling 3-8 Phantoms. It's a chance to pick up another win, and we’re not taking it lightly. We’ll be rocking our navy helmet, white jerseys, and white pants as we try to keep the momentum going. #KingsintheWest
(Also, you're welcome, Chicago)