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44 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 29, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Richard Bell tourney a trip to `home of ice hockey' for Finns By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF They may only be here for 12 days but the importance of hockey in Canada is not lost on the members of a Finnish hockey team playing in the Richard Bell Memorial International Minor Hockey Tournament this week. "When they speak about Canada, it is the home of ice hockey, which is why this trip is so important for them," said Outi Lindquist, a reporter in Forssa whose son Kalle Suontausta plays on the FoPS C91 Juniors. Lindquist said the players have been eagerly awaiting the trip for more than a year. FoPS teams, which hail from Forssa, a town of 18,000 people approximately 115 kilometres from Helsinki in southwestern Finland, have been making international trips since 1978. In the past they have visited Russia, Czechoslovakia and the United States but their visits to Canada have become a regular occurrence. While it is the first time to Canada for most of the players, it is coach Niko Harkala's third trip, having previously visited Burlington and North York. Though the tournament began with a 6-0 loss yesterday to their hosts, the Oakville minor midget AAA Rangers, the FoPS players were enjoying their stay, which began with a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Lindquist was in Canada two years ago with her older son's team and, like many Canadians, was disappointed there was no NHL hockey. This time there's no lockout to prevent them from taking in a game and they will travel to Buffalo to see the Sabres play the New York Islanders. Of particular interest will be Buffalo defencemen Teppo Numminen and Toni Lydman, who helped Finland win a silver medal at the Olympics. "They follow the NHL very much," Lindquist said. "They know every player, every team. The results are in every newspaper, even in Forssa. They know Teemu Selanne and how many scores he has each game." While FoPS team members' favourite players include Finnish stars such as Raimo Helminen, 15 of the 21 players SABRINA BYRNES / OAKVILLE BEAVER THE WALL: Oakville minor midget AA Rangers goaltender Zack Dawson kicks out a shot while teammates and Finland FoPS C91 Juniors opponents look on during yesterday's Richard Bell Memorial International Minor Hockey Tournament game at Oakville Arena. The Rangers defeated the Finns 6-0. named are NHLers. Homegrown stars like Selanne and Saku saw him scoop the puck up on the blade of his stick and then Koivu lead the way. However, there is one curious choice. stuff it in the top corner from behind the net. Fifteen-year-old centre Niko Harkala's list is topped by Harkala wasn't the only member of his family on the ice Oakville native Rob Hisey. for Thursday morning's game. While most parents were After a successful four-year stay in the Ontario Hockey happy to watch their kids play, Juha Harkala brought along League, Hisey signed on with Finland's Assat Pori last year. his skates and striped shirt and worked the lines for two Among the 12 goals he scored was a You Tube favourite that games. Milestones 905-845-3824 ext 461 rbalon@oakvillebeaver.com Birth IT'S A GIRL! Pocklington - Welcomed by her loving parents and big brother Jake made her eagerly anticipated arrival December 19, 2006 at 1:35pm weighing in at 8lbs 5oz and 21" long. Third grandchild to Don and Peggy Sagriss and an amazing twelfth grandchild to Peter and Eva Pocklington. Much thanks and gratitude to Dr. Andrighetti and the staff at O.T.M.H. Community Notices Classified Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm E-mail: classified@haltonsearch.com Births Place your Baby's Birth Announcement in the Oakville Beaver, and you will receive a voucher for Bridal Show Getting Married? Don't Miss Toronto's Most Prestigious Bridal Show January 26-28, 2007 National Trade Centre (Direct Energy Centre), Toronto Birthday One Free Ornament of your baby's precious hand or footprint ($25.00 value) compliments of: Mackena Reese Marcia www.WeePiggies.com 905-825-8731 Call 905-845-3824 to place your announcement Name ______________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ City _____________________Postal Code ________________ Phone ______________________________________________ Support Group ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Wedding Date ________________________________________ Fax ______________________Email______________________ CHLOE On Saturday October 7, 2006 our "miracle" baby granddaughter CHLOE celebrated her 1st birthday with all her family. Love from Grandpa and Grandma Bright. If you drink, that's your business If you want to quit, That's Ours! (416)487-5591 (905)631-8784 SEND THIS FORM FOR Send to: National Bridal Shows YOUR $5.00 OFF c/o Premier Consumer Shows ADMISSION COUPON 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON BY FRI., JAN. 5, 2007 L6K 3S4. Fax: 905-337-5570 A DIVISION OF METROLAND PRINTING, PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTING to place your communitynotice call 905.337.5610 Don't forget to pick up your copy of WEDDINGBELLS Magazine on newstands Dec. 21/06 Community Notices continue on page 47. . .