Veteran journalist, coach, and lifelong hockey volunteer Fred Groves has turned his decades of passion for Canada’s game into a new book, A League to Remember. The book captures the stories, rivalries, and community spirit behind the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League, which thrilled small-town fans across southwestern Ontario from 1974 to 2016.
We sat down with Fred to talk about his inspiration, the people who made the league special, and what small-town hockey still means today.
Lakeshore News Reporter: What inspired you to write a book about the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League?
Fred Groves: I’ve been writing about hockey for nearly 45 years, and I’ve always been humbled by those who are passionate about Canada’s great sport. As a coach, manager, trainer, and board member, I’ve immersed myself in the game not only as a writer and photographer, but also as an active volunteer.
In the summer of 2022, the Essex 73’s celebrated their 50th anniversary. That milestone inspired me to take a closer look at what, from 1974 to 2016, was known as the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League.
LNR: What did you discover along the way?
FG: As someone who loves both history and hockey, I found that teams like the Kingsville Comets and the Clearwater Steeplejacks—both long gone—played an important role in the league’s story.
I also discovered how many people worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep these teams alive. Their efforts often went unnoticed, but without them, the league would not have lasted as long as it did.
LNR: What is it about small-town hockey that captures the imagination? Does it have to do with the rivalries?
FG: Small towns in Ontario—like Lakeshore and Belle River—have incredibly loyal fans. I remember former Belle River (now Lakeshore) Canadiens coach Greg Prymack telling me how fans would show up early at the old arena, laying blankets across the seats to claim their spots for the night.
And you’re right about the rivalries—few are bigger than Essex and Lakeshore. Their arenas are less than 20 minutes apart, and together they’ve won the most provincial titles. When those two teams face off, the stands are packed and the atmosphere is electric.
LNR: Did anything surprise you?
FG: Not really—but I will admit, the chapter about the Tilbury Hawks and their hazing scandal, which made national headlines, was a bit disheartening. It was a reminder that not all hockey stories are positive ones, but they’re still part of the league’s history.
LNR: What did you learn from the experience of researching and writing this book?
FG: A League to Remember is filled with stories of players, coaches, and the many people behind the scenes. It was a real delight speaking with longtime Belle River (Lakeshore) Canadiens volunteers like Joyce Smith and Bea Durocher.
I learned that people want to talk about hometown hockey. Players such as Tie Domi and Randy Kucharski—who scored the first Canadiens goal back in 1977—still have great memories of their Junior C days.
LNR: Where can people pick up your book?
FG: I’ve been fortunate to receive support from several teams, and I’m planning to visit arenas—including the Atlas Tube Centre—to sign and sell the book in person.
For anyone who can’t make it out, hockey fans can also find A League to Remember on Amazon.
