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| Warren Rychel, D.J. Smith, Bill Bowler, Ernie Godden, Scott Miller, Ryan Donally, Craig Mahon, Mark Renaud, Jane Renaud, Rick Young, Jolayne Young, Peter Dobrich. Photo by Tim Cornett / windsorspitfires.com |
As part of the luncheon, the Windsor Spitfires also unveiled their newly created Spitfire Wall of Captains, complete with six plaques from specific Spitfire eras which list the names of each captain starting from the 1946-1947 season to the current 2010-2011 campaign. 46 captains are listed in total on the six plaques with 16 pictures from this group also being included on the Wall, commemorating some of the team’s finest leaders to have ever worn the “C” with the Spitfires.
The Spitfire Wall Captains includes the only four Spitfires to have their numbers retired in club history with #9 Adam Graves, #15 Ernie Godden, #18 Mickey Renaud and #23 Scott Miller listed on the wall. Spitfire great #6 Joel Quenneville is also listed, with his number having been honoured by the team.
Windsor Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel served as the keynote speaker for the luncheon. He offered his thoughts on today’s event, “it’s an honour for the Spitfire organization to welcome back so many of the team’s leaders in past seasons. We have a rich history of developing character people on our team and our captains have led this charge. Today’s unveiling of the Spitfires Wall of Captains recognizes and celebrates the contributions that each and every single captain has made to the Windsor Spitfires. I’m so very pleased to have our newly created wall serve as a constant reminder of who our captains were and what they meant to the team.”
The Windsor Spitfires also had the privilege of speaking with Scott Miller, Ernie Godden and Craig Mahon following the luncheon and unveiling. Here’s what they had to say.
Scott Miller, captain of the Spitfires in team’s first OHL season (1975-1976) and the first Spitfire to have his number (23) retired by the team: “In becoming captain of the team, I was in the right place at the right time. I was flattered and surprised to be named as the captain of the Windsor Spitfires and my head coach Wayne Maxner was instrumental in making this happen. I was also privileged to play with Mark Renaud and Joel Quenneville in this season, which was special. I still have people come by my store in Essex and mention that they’ve seen my picture up in the rafters, it’s been an honour being both a captain and having my number retired here.
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| Bill Bowler and Ernie Godden Photo by Tim Cornett / windsorspitfires.com |
Ernie Godden, captain of the Spitfires in the 1980-1981 season during which he set the still current OHL single-season record for goals (87). He was also second Spitfire to have his number (15) retired by the team: Anytime you can play for the Spitfires and be named the captain, it’s truly an honour. My head coach, Ron Harris appointed me as captain of the team and gave me an opportunity to devlop my game offensively and I really broke out in the 1980-1981 season. I scored many goals before joining the Spits in minor hockey and Harris allowed me to use my talents at the OHL level, the experience of being captain with the Spitfires was also helpful to my development.
Craig Mahon, captain of the Spitfires from 1999-2002, he was one of only two players along with Paul Maurice in Spitfires history to serve as captain for three seasons: “Today’s event was a classy move by the organization, everything was done right and I’m proud to be a Spitfire for life. It was part of my job to help lead the team and being a three-year captain of the Windsor Spitfires was an honour and privilege. I’m proud to now be part of the Spitfire Wall of Captains.”
The Windsor Spitfires would like to thank Bob Murray, Bob Duff, Bob Boughner Sr., Valerie Boughner and Felicia Krautner for their contributions in helping make this project possible.
