When you are in a place enriched in sporting history like western Newfoundland, 365 days are expected to provide plenty of shining moments. 2011 was no exception.
From recreational leagues to sporting events of national and international significance, Corner Brook and surrounding areas has found itself on the sporting map time-and-time again over the years.
There were many proud moments in 2011, accomplishments and entertainment, but here is a look at my top 10. It's not meant to be everybody's favourite, and I'm sure there were some great feats that have been lost upon my memory, but at least this will give you all a chance to reflect back on the year in sports past:
#10. Baseball player of the year
Corner Brook's Travis Taylor was named Newfoundland and Labrador's Minor Baseball Player of the Year. Anytime a provincial association so embedded in the east coast, regardless of whether you feel that is correct or not, recognizes somebody outside the overpass with such an award is a true testament to the year that player had.
#9. Four-peat
The Corner Brook Regional High Titans female volleyball team captured their fourth straight AAAA provincial banner. When you take a step back and recognizes all the hard work and dedication from the coaches and the multitude of players that goes into such a feat, and combine that with all that has to bounce your way each year, it is just remarkable.
#8. Henderson scores for Canada
Paul Henderson's shot and Foster Hewitt's euphoric call in 1972 on the goal heard around the world is a moment frozen in time. Even for those of us not even born when Team Canada squeaked by Russians it is a proud piece of history. For Corner Brook to share in the Henderson Jersey Tour helped us remember just what the nation's pastime has meant over the years.
#7. King of the IceCaps
Jason King has an impressive hockey resume, even if he did fall short of some of his major professional goals. He lit up the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Halifax Mooseheads and the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose, and even showed a brief glimpse of greatness in the NHL, before carving out a career overseas. To make the jump back back to the North American game, and shine with St. John's, is excellent.
#6. House built of stones
After years of negotiations — embroiled in patience, uncertainty, and desire — the Corner Brook Curling Association finally got its new home. A top-of-the-line curling facility, flush with all the perks, not only brings the sport back to the community, but contains hope for growth.
#5. Provincial hockey league
The east coast senior hockey league has certainly been brewing in mediocrity for some years, while the cream-of-the-crop continued to come out of the west coast setup. However, there was certainly a feel of been-there and done-that on both coasts in recent seasons. The new provincial league has brought a rejuvenation to senior hockey in the province, and the second half of the year is expected to only add to the excitement.
#4. Allan Cup champs
Representing the west coast senior hockey league, the Clarenville Caribous went on national television and captured the holy grail of senior hockey in this country. Were it truly a west coast team, this would have been the greatest accomplishment of 2011, but it was still nice indeed.
#3. Special medallist
Jackie Barrett continued his dominance in powerlifting for Special Olympics at the World Summer Games. The Gillams resident captured three gold and a silver at the Athens Games, bringing his Olympics total to 11 — 10 Gold and a silver. A truly inspiring athlete.
#2. You wanna rassle?
When Hulk Hogan graced a wrestling ring in Corner Brook, the world noticed. Regardless of whether bills got paid or whether this is an actual sport, when these icons of wrestling came to our part of the globe, it turned heads. For whatever reason, these fake fights have developed a captive audience that has spanned generations, and we got to partake in a part of that history.
#1. Difference makers
Rick Hansen had a dream, and 7,000 Canadians are getting the opportunity to share in that dream. Corner Brook's leg of recreating the journey of one of our nation's heroes was in September, and difference makers in Nipigon, Ont. has seen the relay through Day 121 and into a holiday break. The inspirational relay will continue in Thunder Bay Jan. 8, and the hope is those who played a part in Corner Brook are continuing to be difference makers today.
Cory Hurley is a reporter/photographer with The Western Star. He can be reached via email at hurleysports@hotmail.com.
