1955 ECHO Retirements

D Garry Paterson
Teams: Halifax Highlanders (1945-49), Montréal Métros (1949-53)
Sound Cups: 1 (1948)
Awards: None

Paterson leaves behind a legacy that includes a Sound Cup victory in 1948 with the Halifax Highlanders, showcasing his abilities as not only a great defenseman but also as a true champion of the sport. Paterson's on-ice skills were nothing short of extraordinary, and his leadership and ability to inspire his teammates were unmatched. In his 395 games played, Paterson tallied 44 goals and 126 assists, accumulating a total of 170 points throughout his career. However, it was his fierceness and tenacity on the ice that truly set Paterson apart. Known for his mastery of hits and blocks, he instilled fear in his opponents like no other. At the age of 36, Paterson can reflect on his remarkable career with pride, retiring as one of the premier defensemen to have graced the early years of the ECHO league despite not receiving individual accolades for his exceptional talent and contributions to the game.

D Jayden Ross
Teams: Halifax Highlanders (1945-47), Charlottetown Monarchs (1947-54)
Sound Cups: 0
Awards: None

Despite not securing a Sound Cup championship or individual awards, Ross's impact on the ice was undeniable. Known for his resilience, physical play, and ability to deliver crucial hits and blocks, Ross epitomized the role of a dependable defenseman throughout his 9-year tenure in the league. Amassing 36 goals and 110 assists, Ross's offensive contributions were complemented by his defensive prowess, making him a formidable presence on the ice. As he bids farewell to the game he dedicated his life to, Ross leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment, tenacity, and willingness to face any challenge head-on, solidifying his reputation as a true force in the sport.

D Kenneth Wright
Teams: Saint John Admirals (1945-48), Charlottetown Monarchs (1948-53)
Sound Cups: 0
Awards: DPOY (1948)

Despite not capturing a Sound Cup championship, Wright's career was highlighted by a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1948, showcasing his prowess as a stalwart on the blue line. In his 8-year tenure in the league, Wright accumulated an impressive total of 117 points - comprising 37 goals and 80 assists - across 412 games played. Recognized for his imposing frame and exceptional skills, Wright carved a niche as a dominant defenseman, exerting a significant influence on the game. Renowned for his physical presence and defensive acumen, Wright leaves behind a legacy of consistent excellence and invaluable contributions to his team's success throughout his illustrious career.


C Michael MacKenzie
Teams: Halifax Highlanders (1945-50), Trois-Rivières Tigres (1950-53)
Sound Cups: 2 (1948, 1950)
Awards: None

Despite being bereft of individual accolades, MacKenzie's reputation as a proficient center with exceptional playmaking abilities precedes him. The 36-year-old announced his retirement from ECHO hockey after amassing a total of 308 points - consisting of 104 goals and 204 assists - across 412 games played. Notably, MacKenzie's standout season recorded 53 points, showcasing his prowess on the offensive end of the ice. With his illustrious career marked by two championship triumphs, MacKenzie leaves behind a lasting legacy as a skilled and accomplished player within the league.


D Ronald Miller
Teams: Charlottetown Monarchs (1945-49), Montréal Métros (1949-53)
Sound Cups: 1 (1947)
Awards: None

Known for his robust style of play, Miller played a crucial role in the Monarchs' Sound Cup victory in 1947 and continued to showcase his talent during his time with the Montréal Métros. After spending a couple of seasons as a free agent, the 34-year-old Miller decided to retire from hockey to return to his hometown of Ottawa and prioritize spending time with his family. Despite not receiving individual awards during his career, Miller's contributions to his teams and the league as a whole will be remembered.

D Gordon Shaw
Teams: Halifax Highlanders (1945-48), Saint John Admirals (1948-1952), Moncton Generals (1952-53)
Sound Cups: 3 (1948, 1952, 1953)
Awards: None

Shaw was a vital part of the Highlanders' championship win in 1948 before making a move to Saint John, where he continued to excel on the ice. A trade to Moncton played a role in the Admirals' eventual departure from Saint John, but Shaw continued to showcase his skills with the Generals for a season and a half, winning two more titles along the way. After a brief stint as a free agent, Shaw decided to retire from ECHO hockey at the age of 35 to return home to his family. Despite not receiving individual awards, Shaw's contributions to his teams and his success in winning three Sound Cups highlight his talent and dedication to the sport.

D Rémi Bellefeuille
Teams: Montréal Métros (1945-48), Ottawa Knights (1948-50), Fredericton Stars (1950-53)
Sound Cups: 2 (1946, 1949)
Awards: DPOY (1946)

Bellefeuille earned recognition early in his career by winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1946 with the Métros, a season in which they also captured the championship. He continued his strong play with the Knights, helping them secure a title in 1949 before being selected by the Fredericton Stars in the 1950 expansion draft. Bellefeuille spent three productive years with the Stars before eventually retiring at the age of 34. Despite his retirement, Bellefeuille's impact on the ice and his contributions to his teams, highlighted by two Sound Cup victories, solidify his place as a respected and skilled defenseman in ECHO history.


Other Notable Retirements

D Larry Crawford
Teams: MTB (1945-53)
D Brian Perron
Teams: MON (1945-49), OTT (1949-54)
W Nathan Stevenson
Teams: STJ/CB (1945-54)
C Harvey Wilson
Teams: STJ/CB (1945-52), HFX (1952-53)
D Gordon Cameron
Teams: HFX (1945-47), QUE (1947-49), MON (1949-53**)
W André Dufresne
Teams: MTM (1945-48*), MTB (1948-1951), FRE (1951-53)
C Maxime Chevalier
Teams: MTM (1945-46*), QUE (1946-50), FRE (1950-53)

What do y'all think about this year's class of retirees? As usual, comments, criticisms, and questions about the ECHOverse are very much appreciated. By the way, you can start sending prospects for the draft. Please focus on forwards, mainly centers.

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (4/10/2024 9:56 pm)

1955 ECHO Expansion Draft

Just like five years ago, the order of selection was decided by a coin toss, with Bathurst coming out on top, meaning that Sherbrooke would have the 1st pick in the entry draft. Here is how the expansion draft shook out for both teams:

Bathurst Phantoms
C Harold Sullivan (CB)
C Andre Michaud (FRE)
C Alan Anderson (MTM) - Kingsfan11
C Oscar Wilson (MON)
C Wayne Rose (MON) - DireBear

W Thomas Welkin (FRE) - FC MacBeth
W Duane Clark (MON) - FC MacBeth
W Jérémie Bonheur (TRV) - Burmy87
W Thierry Doucet (HFX) - Kingsfan11
W Jean-Marie Ryan (CHA)
W Hervé Clément (TRV) - idm
W Octave Marcotte (MTB) - Burmy87
W Robert Gill (CHA)
W Joseph Valentine (MON) - Kingsfan11

D Chris Davis (MTM)
D Joe Plante (CB)
D Levi Hastings (MTM) - Dan O’Mac
D Roger Legault (QUE) - Kingsfan11
D Tristan Monette (HFX) - Burmy87
D Nicholas Creegan (OTT) - idm
D Étienne Tremblay (QUE)
D Kevin Paquette (TRV)

G Loic Saint-Denis (QUE) - DireBear
G Zach Soloway (CHA)- idm

Sherbrooke Blue Jays
C Luc Rousseau (FRE)
C William Evans (CB)
C Quinton Labelle (CHA) - Burmy87
C Albert Leclerc (TRV)

W Michael Gray (FRE) - FC MacBeth
W Maxime Savard (FRE) - Kingsfan11
W James Wright (HFX) - FC MacBeth
W Alexander Ross (TRV)
W Jacob Provincefield (QUE) - idm
W Lloyd Plante (OTT)
W Joe Djogo (OTT)
W Joseph Drouin (OTT)

D Marc Claude (MTM) - Jayhawk
D Clark Brodhead (CB) - Wallflower
D Maximillian Frank (CB) - Jayhawk
D Will Mayo (HFX) - idm
D Alain Leblanc (HFX)
D Randall Clarke (MTB)
D Damian Stewart (MTB) - DireBear
D Kevin McMillan (OTT)
D Martin Pickford (MTB) - Jayhawk
D Jean Lalonde (QUE) - Kingsfan11


G Andy Fox (MTM)
G Philip Myorca (MTB) - Jayhawk


The Bathurst Phantoms had a solid mix of experienced players and some promising prospects in their expansion draft selections. With the first pick, they chose center Harold Sullivan from Cape Breton, a player known for his playmaking abilities. They also added some scoring power on the wings with players like Thomas Welkin and Duane Clark. On defence, they solidified their blue line with the likes of Joe Plante and Chris Davis, both known for their defensive prowess. In goal, Loic Saint-Denis was a solid choice to anchor their goaltending.

On the other hand, the Sherbrooke Blue Jays focused on building a team with a mixture of young talent and established players. They selected center Luc Rousseau as their first pick, a player known for his speed and skill. Their wing selections, such as Maxime Savard and Michael Gray, provided them with some offensive depth. On defence, they added players like Marc Claude and Clark Brodhead, who could help solidify their defensive play. In goal, Andy Fox was chosen as a reliable option between the pipes. Overall, both teams made some strategic picks in the expansion draft to lay the foundation for their new squads.

There are the first rosters for the expansion teams. How are we feeling about those? As usual, comments, criticisms, and questions about the ECHOverse are very much appreciated. By the way, I still need many prospects for the draft, mainly centers and defensemen.
 

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (4/14/2024 6:36 pm)

1955 ECHO Draft

Round 1

1. SHE | C Derek Hauptmann | Kitchener, ON - Darknes
There are no surprises at number 1. The expansion Blue Jays take the best prospect on the board in Hauptmann. The German-Canadian's scoring prowess should be very useful to the new franchise looking to spread its wings.

2. BAT | G Jean-Luc Giroux | Trois-Rivières, QC - FC Macbeth
Despite taking two young goalies in the expansion draft, the Phantoms decided to add another one with the second pick, taking Jean-Luc Giroux, the best goalie in the class. Bathurst knew he was known for his quick reflexes and ability to steal games and decided to spend their first-ever entry draft pick on the netminder.

3. CB | G David Buck | Halifax, NS - Burmy87
At 3, Cape Breton was aiming for a goalie, feeling unsatisfied with former first-round pick David Taylor. As soon as the Phantoms took Giroux, the Islanders put in their pick, selecting the other top goalie in the class, David Buck, whose steady presence in the net inspired Cape Breton to take him.

4. MTB | W Philippe Carpentier | Sherbrooke, QC - DireBear
The Beavers made an odd choice at 4, selecting winger Philippe Carpentier despite having better wingers left on the board. The Beavers front office reportedly liked Carpentier's explosiveness better compared to other prospects and made him their 1st round pick.

5. MON | W Jean Parmentier | Montreal, QC - Dan O'Mac
The Generals didn't hesitate after the Beavers took Carpentier and snagged the top winger in the class, Jean Parmentier. His powerful shots impressed the Moncton scouts enough to take him here.

6. QUE | W Bastian Nachtnebel | Kitchener, ON - Darknes
Quebec's choice was made easier by the Generals' selection. They grabbed the other top-five winger, Bastian Nachtnebel, whose skills should help the rebuilding Reds improve.

7. OTT | C Theodore Campbell | Montreal, QC - Kingsfan11
Much like last year, a top prospect falls in Ottawa's lap. This time, the Knights grab the falling Theodore Campbell, whose playmaking abilities really impressed the Ottawa scouts.

8. FRE | C Cassius Robitaille | Tadoussac, QC - DireBear
The Stars decided to take an unexpected path and selected center Cassius Robitaille. Robitaille excels in puck control and can easily weave around defenders but struggles with turnovers despite being capable of taking over games.

9. CHA | C Justin Spring | Springdale, NL - Jayhawk
The Monarchs didn't think twice after Fredericton's selection and went for the perceived better center, Justin Spring. Spring is a speedy center that will need to buff up a little bit to get past bigger opponents.

10. TRV | W Éric Renaud | Sainte-Marie, QC - Kingsfan11
The Tigres would then take the best prospect available, winger Éric Renaud, who has lightning speed and scoring ability. Renaud has been turning heads in the Quebec junior league with his dynamic playing style and natural goal-scoring instincts. The Tigres are confident that Renaud will be able to make an immediate impact on their team and bring a new level of excitement to their offence.

11. MTM | D Julien Villeneuve | Sherbrooke, QC - FC Macbeth
After that, the Montréal Métros would take defenseman Julien Villeneuve, a highly skilled player known for his strong defensive capabilities and physical presence on the ice. Villeneuve is an innovative and reliable defenseman who excels in shutting down opponents and dominating the defensive zone. His ability to read plays, make quick decisions, and contribute offensively when needed makes him a valuable asset to the Métros.

12. HFX | W Gabriel Roberts | Barrie, ON - DireBear
Finally, the defending champion Highlanders would take winger Gabriel Roberts. Roberts is a hard-hitting, towering winger who brings a physical presence and scoring touch to the ice. He is known for his aggressive style of play, often overpowering opponents with his size and strength. Despite his intimidating demeanour, Roberts also possesses a finesse for finding the back of the net and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Round 2

Sherbrooke started the second round by taking speedy winger Stephen Dawson, followed by Bathurst taking playmaking center James Chartrand. Cape Breton would then bolster their defence by taking Bjorn Erikson, a towering defenseman, and the Beavers would follow suit with speedy defenseman Alphonse Boudreau, who can hurt you with his shots. Moncton would then take a shot on another goalie to back William Parker, taking Gilles Michaud, and then Quebec would select Darren Bennett, a winger with a dynamic scoring touch and a solid offensive presence. Bennett is known for his ability to create scoring chances and finish plays with precision, making him a valuable asset on the ice. Ottawa would then add depth to their defensive corps by selecting Orphile Gobeil, a reliable blueliner with a solid two-way game. Fredericton followed suit by choosing Cédric Dupont, a versatile center with excellent playmaking skills and a high hockey IQ. Charlottetown added a physical presence to their blue line with Darren McLeish, a defenseman known for his aggressive style of play and ability to shut down opponents' attacks. In the later part of the round, Trois-Rivières selected Yves Duclair, a talented center with a well-rounded game and a knack for finding the back of the net. The Montréal Métros added defensive stability with Leandre Beauregard, a reliable blueliner with strong puck-moving skills and leadership qualities. Halifax rounded out the second round by selecting Karl Sarrazin, a speedy center with excellent offensive instincts and playmaking ability.


13. SHE | W Stephen Dawson | Fredericton, NB - Kingsfan11
14. BAT | C James Chartrand | Gatineau, QC - DireBear
15. CB | D Bjorn Erikson | Yarmouth, NS - Darknes
16. MTB | D Alphonse Boudreau | Saint Andre, NB - Darknes
17. MON | G Gilles Michaud | Cowansville, QC - Kingsfan11
18. QUE | W Darren Bennett | New Glasgow, NS - FC Macbeth
19. OTT | D Orphile Gobeil | Laval, QC - Burmy87
20. FRE | C Cédric Dupont | Montreal, QC - FC Macbeth
21. CHA | D Darren McLeish | Windsor, ON - FC Macbeth
22. TRV | C Yves Duclair | Montreal, QC - Darknes
23. MTM | D Léandre Beauregard | Montreal, QC - Kingsfan11
24. HFX | C Karl Sarrazin | Saint-Laurent, QC - Burmy87

Round 3

In the third round of the draft, George Edwards was selected by Sherbrooke, adding a versatile center with two-way solid play. Bathurst followed up with Isaac Rodriguez, a skilled center known for his playmaking abilities. Cape Breton picked up Mathieu Sauriol, a defenseman with a physical presence and good defensive instincts. The Beavers chose Denis Fontaine, a center with a scoring touch and offensive flair. Moncton selected Nixon Cohen, a defenseman who excels in shutting down opponents and moving the puck effectively. Quebec added goaltender Hiram Paulsen, who brings agility and composure between the pipes. Ottawa selected Laurent Chouinard, a winger with speed and a scoring touch. Fredericton bolstered their defence with Frank Kane, a solid defenseman with a strong physical game. Charlottetown chose Tom Hardcastle, a center with a strong work ethic and leadership qualities. Trois-Rivières added Henri Desroches, a center with offensive skills and a solid two-way game. The Métros selected Bill Black, a goaltender with quick reflexes and a competitive spirit. Halifax rounded out the third round with Nicholas Young, a defenseman with good skating ability and sound defensive play.

25. SHE | C George Edwards | Miramichi, NB - FC Macbeth
26. BAT | C Isaac Rodriguez | Ottawa, ON - idm
27. CB | D Mathieu Sauriol | Saint-Eustache, QC - DireBear
28. MTB | C Denis Fontaine | Quebec City, QC - Kingsfan11
29. MON | D Nixon Cohen | Saint John, NB - Burmy87
30. QUE | G Hiram Paulsen | Fredericton, NB - idm
31. OTT | W Laurent Chouinard | Quispamsis, NB - Kingsfan11
32. FRE | D Frank Kane | Bedford, NS - DireBear
33. CHA | C Tom Hardcastle | Kitchener, ON - FC Macbeth
34. TRV | C Henri Desroches | Lévis, QC - DireBear
35. MTM | G Bill Black | Carleton Place, ON - DireBear
36. HFX | D Nicholas Young | Windsor, ON - Kingsfan11

Round 4

In the final round of the draft, Sherbrooke selected Gérard Simoneau, a center with speed and offensive skills. Bathurst added William Walker, a defenseman with strong puck-moving abilities and a solid defensive game. Cape Breton chose Doug Willoughby, a physical defenseman who can shut down opposing forwards effectively. The Beavers selected Everett Turner, a goaltender with quick reflexes and a calm presence in the crease. Moncton picked up Antoine Leroux, a center with playmaking abilities and a strong hockey IQ. Quebec added Mathias Tardif, a versatile center with a scoring touch and solid defensive play. Ottawa selected Robert Warner, a defenseman with good positioning and shot-blocking skills. Fredericton chose Yvan Auger, a center with strong face-off skills and a knack for scoring clutch goals. Charlottetown added depth on the wing with Len Flowers, a winger with a scoring touch and physical presence. Trois-Rivières selected David McMillan, a center with speed and agility who generates scoring chances. The Métros added Luc Marcotte, a defenseman with good vision and leadership qualities. Halifax rounded out the draft by selecting Brett Kingston, a winger with a nose for the net and a willingness to battle in the tough areas of the ice.

37. SHE | C Gérard Simoneau | Sherbrooke, QC - Kingsfan11
38. BAT | D William Walker | Summerside, PEI - DireBear
39. CB | D Doug Willoughby | Lamoline, NL - FC Macbeth
40. MTB | G Everett Turner | Toronto, ON - Kingsfan11
41. MON | C Antoine Leroux | Dalhousie, NB - FC Macbeth
42. QUE | C Mathias Tardif | Saint-Antoine, NB - DireBear
43. OTT | D Robert Warner | Hawkesbury, ON - DireBear
44. FRE | C Yvan Auger | Montreal, QC - Kingsfan11
45. CHA | W Len Flowers | Toronto, ON - FC Macbeth
46. TRV | C David McMillan | Ottawa, ON - Kingsfan11
47. MTM | D Luc Marcotte | Bathurst, NB - Kingsfan11
48. HFX | W Brett Kingston | Kingston, ON - FC Macbeth

Undrafted
D George Landry | Moncton, NB - Kingsfan11
W Alan Murphy | Marathon, ON - FC Macbeth
W Christian Jones | Charlottetown, PEI - Kingsfan11
D Daniel Blake | Kingston, ON - Kingsfan11
W Francis Russo | Halifax, NS - Kingsfan11
G Gilbert Muller | Montreal, QC - Kingsfan11
G Duncan Hamilton | Hamilton, ON - FC Macbeth
W William Davidson | St. John's, NL - Kingsfan11

How are we feeling about this year's draft? As usual, comments, criticisms, and questions about the ECHOverse are very much appreciated.

Last edited by Kingsfan11 (4/20/2024 6:30 pm)

Let's go Highlanders! Champ status.

I like the Bathurst brand. I think the logo really needs to be on the jersey, not the B, which feels more like a secondary logo. The number font feels a little thin. I like the color scheme for Sherbrooke and the integrated S into the logo, but I think the logo itself needs some cleaning up. The beak in particularly feels pretty chunky for a bird and needs to be more streamlined. The number set def feels too modern imo. It works for the brand but it feels at least a decade too early. Overall two good teams to add to the league but have room for improvement!