Andre's Wrap Up

Well everyone, recovery is getting slower after the tournament as is the length of time to send out the wrap up email. Once again, thanks to everyone who participated, the Great Canadian Classic appears to have been a success on and off the ice in its Sixth year running.

Congratulations to Captain Bud Kelly who has now won the Cup half the time the GCC has been in existence.

Congratulations to Captain Ian Charlton for overcoming unbelievable odds to finally get to the Finals – the Cup is surely destined to be his next year.

We suffered a number of injuries this year which may or may not be a sign of our age. The ones that most stuck out were Crawford Smith and his hamstring, Matt Reid and his dislocated shoulder, and Bob Elliott and his dislocated shoulder – good luck with the healing process guys.

Time is definitely moving on and it seems that the Great Canadian Classic is due for some modification as we head into the Seventh Annual. (Yes, we are assuming that the consensus is to keep the GCC running for a bit longer – we trust you will let us know when it is time to stop.)

So, we would love to have your input about every component of the day. To that end, we
have created an online survey that we would like you to take 5 minutes to complete at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=86583714815. Most questions are straight forward and multiple choice while the last two questions allow you to give us your ideas about how to improve the tournament, keeping in mind that, with some exceptions, we’re starting to push 40.

Thanks to all the Captains for inspiring this (and all those who have chipped in with ideas the past couple of years) but particularly Captain Doug Carsley who helped put the survey together.

Thanks to all the players and their respective organizations for contributing the prizes this year.

Put a hold on April 12, 2008 for the Seventh Annual and we will try to confirm that date early in the fall.

Thanks again for making it a great day and hope to see you no later than next April!

The Convenors.

The Stats Crew

STATS CREW

Doner, Mike

One of the few people from Orillia who can’t play hockey, Doner’s enthusiasm for the game is a key asset on the Stats Crew. Whether it be tracking shots on net or ordering beer, Doner puts the “t” in team player. He can usually be spotted wearing his Hockey Night In Canada shirt and singing Stompin’ Tom Connors loudly.

Gundy, Harry

Harry doesn't bring much to the Stats Table, other than a good attitude, a fresh pack of smokes, and a fondness for the pints. Harry can usually be found wandering around the rink all day, muttering incomprehensiblenonsense to anyone who will listen. While his hockey knowledge is lacking, his sense of humour and his generosity with his butts keep getting himinvited back.

Turner, Andrew

Andrew is by far the Stats Crew leader, making sure that the whole team is in on the game when the first puck is dropped at 8:00 a.m. And then when the first pitcher is served at 11:00 a.m. A non-skater himself, Andrew delights in the pratfalls of others on the ice.

Harvey, Rich

Harvey, fighting hard to shake off that feeling that he is second fiddle to Andrew, brings a much valued technical expertise to the Stats Crew. He also offers moral support to Andrew at 11:00 a.m. and thereafter until about 7:30 p.m. at which time they part ways, figuratively if not literally. Known as a self-professed basketball guru, Harvey brings some much needed hard court know how to the Stats Crew.

Pady, Ian

Pady ties the Stats Crew together, much like the rug tied the room together in “The Big Lebowski”. Through thick and thin, and the odd pitcher, Pady keeps his focus, and the Stats Crew’s focus, on the stats and award selection tasks at hand. His dedication is unparalleled. Rumour has it he may have given up a spot in the GCC to stay full time on the Stats Crew. If only he liked better music.

Weiss, Bernhard

How many non-hockey playing guys move to Toronto from Austria just to be on the Stats Crew for the GCC? None, but Bernhard is close. Having moved from Austria a couple of years ago, Bernhard became a hard and fast student of hockey, thus earning his way onto the Crew. He also likes beer which helps. For a while. Berhnard, danke schon.