Staff
For the first time in franchise history the Knights of Meaford have qualified for the Greater Metro Hockey League’s annual Showcase event.
The Showcase event is being held on December 12 in Port Colborne. The event features the top four teams after 20 games from the GMHL’s North and South Divisions, North and South all-star teams made up of players from teams outside the top four and the host Niagara Whalers.
The teams each play two games during the day in front of scouts from the NCAA, major junior and professional scouts from the FHL, ECHL, SPHL, Europe and other leagues and other recruiters. Meaford’s strong start to the season put the team in the top four in the North Division. In previous years, the Knights sent individual players to the Showcase. This is the first time the entire team has qualified.
General Manager and Coach Nathan Parrish said the team qualifying for the Showcase was a special moment for all the Knights.
“This is a big moment for our entire franchise. Our owners, coaches, support staff and players all made it a goal to get our team to the Showcase this year,” said Parrish. “The players are looking forward to the opportunity to play in the league’s premier event. It is a real testament to the growth and development of our entire organization. We’re going to compete hard and make Meaford proud.”
Meaford Mayor Barb Clumpus said the entire community is proud of the team.
“This is an achievement indeed and I want to congratulate the team owners – Didier and Sabine Chollet, the management team and, of course, all the players who have worked so hard to qualify for the GMHL Showcase,” said Clumpus. “We wish them all the best of luck in this Showcase event and thank them all for providing such exciting hockey here in Meaford. We are proud of you.”
Photo: Knights of Meaford players celebrate a goal in a recent game against the Fergus Force.
