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WAXERS
ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT OF 13 FORMER NHL GOALTENDERS: THE YEAR OF
THE GOALTENDER We congratulate each one and the families of Rick Tabaracci, Mike Palmateer, Mike Liut, Steve Weeks, Brian Hayward, Bob Essensa, Ray Leblanc, Dean Anderson, Martin Maglay, Mark Michard, Mike Lenarduzzi, Jim Baxter, Greg Millen and Steve Bloomer. The late Mr. Bloomer did not play in the NHL but he will always be remembered. The Year of the Goaltender sweater retiring ceremony wil be held at the Waxers home game on Friday, February 4, 2000 at 7:30pm at Markham Centennial Centre, at 8600 McCowan Road in Markham, (Stouffville Spirt vs. Markham Waxers). We invite all these great goaltenders and their families to join us on this special night of celebration. The Year of the Goaltender ceremony continues the next night at the Annual Waxers Valentine and Alumni Dance, Saturday February 5, 2000. The Waxers have great hockey memorabilia available at the Silent Auction which is being conducted that same evening. At this event the Waxers will celebrate and honour these former great players. All alumni of the Markham Waxers and their families are invited to the game and dance. Call Don Bremner for Dance Ticket Information 1-800-894-4924. The Year 2000 has three zeros in it. So it has been designated the Year of the Goaltender by the Markham Waxers. The Waxers are a former farm club of two of the greatest organizations in hockey, the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Marlies Major Junior A. Over 100 Waxer players went on to success in the NHL and/or WHA, another 200 graduated to the OHL, over 250 players have received U.S. College scholarships or elected to go on to Canadian Colleges or Universities. The Markham Waxers Junior A Hockey Club has been a permanent fixture in Markham for over 70 years and has been in the Ontario Hockey Association since the 1920s. These great goaltenders will join three other great Markham Waxer numbers that are retired. Adam Oates number 10 (currently with the Washington Capitals), Ron Wilson number 20 (played with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970s) and Steve Thomas number 16 (currently with the Toronto Maple Leafs). The Markham Waxers were OHA Champions in 1941, 1969 and 1972 and Metro Toronto Champions in 1968, 1969 and 1972. Bremner states, "The Markham Waxer Hockey Program stands for Tradiion, Heritage, Community and Education. We have a lot of deep tradition, but hockey is not just about winning hockey games, championships and trophies, it is about developing our youth and fulfilling their dreams as young Canadians. The dream of every young Canadian hockey player is to play for your hometown, in front of your family and friends, or to possibly go on and succeed in the Junior ranks, the OHL, College or University. Maybe even go on to success in the NHL or playing for our country, Canada, and winning a gold medal as Steve Thomas did. In honour of the late Mr. Steve Bloomer, a portion of the game and dance night proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
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