Golden Hawks humbled by homecoming
More than 100 people gather at the Duncan McDonald Arena Monday afternoon to welcome back the Trenton Golden Hawks (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
The 2024-25 Canadian Junior Hockey League began with 117 teams vying for the Centennial Cup.
Although the Trenton Golden Hawks did not raise the trophy, their third place finish will go down as one to remember.
On Monday afternoon at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens, more than 100 supporters gathered to welcome the team back from Alberta.
Trenton lost in the semi-finals on Saturday evening and flew back home early Monday morning.
Belleville native and Trenton Captain Corbin Roach says the turn out was incredible.
“No matter the outcome, coming back to a lineup of fans cheering you on, you can’t even explain it, it’s just excitement, it’s great to be back home and seeing everyone.”
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Captain Corbin Roach speaks to the crowd at the arena in Trenton Monday afternoon (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison says they are a big part of the community.
“They’re in the schools, they’re out there raising funds. Great ambassadors for this region. I’m really proud of the fact that I know all our boys are treated with respect and dignity.”
A standing ovation for the Trenton Golden Hawks (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Tara and Mike Amodeo have been billets for six years and say the relationships with players last forever.
“Tara: We continue to have good relationships with them and get to follow their journeys. “
“Mike: Even for guys who are not living in our household, their lifelong friendships day in and day out.”
Head Coach/General Manager Derek Smith says they have come a long way as a team.
“Capturing the Brant Snow Trophy and then obviously the Buckland Cup, and the success we had out west. It stings, it’s going to sting for a while. Looking back as a staff, as an organization, we’re so proud of what these kids accomplished.”
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Coach Derek Smith speaks at the rally at The Hangar Monday afternoon (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Sixty-three-year-old Wayne Buril has been a fan of Trenton junior hockey going back to 1979. He says he is full of pride for the team.
“Number one, really number one. This team is the best hockey ever!”
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This four-year-old fan and her mom look on as the G-Hawks return to The Hangar (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Team Owner Shawn Hicks says it was an incredible run.
“Boys had a great time, persevered through so much this season. It’s a long season. We played two-and-a-half-months more than some teams and I’m super proud of how all the boys stuck with the plan.”
The Golden Hawks also hosted viewing parties for each game during the Centennial Cup. Organizers say they were able to raise more than 1,000 pounds of food for the Trenton Care and Share Food Bank.
The Trenton Kinsmen, who hosted the game day canteens through the season, says the team does a lot for the club.
During the 2024-25 season, the game days canteens raised $50,000.
Executive members Bob and Norm Mitts say the money will go towards charities, groups, and social organizations and their work in the Quinte West community.
Business Director Tracey Legault-Davis tells Quinte News they take their role in the community seriously and it is wonderful to see how they can help effect change in the area, while not only raising good hockey players, but fine young men.
