They swarmed around the ice like a scene out of the famous hockey flick Slap Shot.
That’s how Jim Chaplin remembers the 1983 Allan Cup champion Cambridge Hornets.
For proof, look no further than Game 4 of the championship series against the St. Boniface Mohawks of Manitoba. In the 4-1 win, which clinched the title, the capacity crowd at Galt Arena Gardens watched the two teams engage in a bench-clearing brawl that resulted in 193 penalty minutes.
“There were multiple games that would end with three, four or five minutes left on the clock because it was too rough,” Chaplin recalled
“It was old school.”
Now Chaplin, who was just a young boy watching the likes of Hespeler’s Bob and Dave Peace pick apart opposing defences, is organizing a 40th anniversary celebration of the championship victory.
“Jason Neal and I, about a year and a half ago, started thinking it would be great to see all these guys and get them back together to celebrate what an incredible time that was in Cambridge,” Chaplin said.
“We agreed we were going to make that happen. We’ve reach out and have some incredible volunteers. We reached out to sponsors that were super thrilled to be apart of it.”
The celebration will take place on April 23 at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club and will feature the Allan Cup, Stanley Cup, a live band and game worn jerseys and souvenirs for sale.
The club was chosen as it has a special place in Hornets history.
“We chose the Newfoundland Club because that was the hang out for the team back in the day for fundraising and celebrations,” Chaplin said.
“It was a good throwback to the Hornets. A lot of the guys still stay in touch. It sounds like almost everyone will be coming back and it’s a huge deal for them.”
Chaplin hopes fans take the time to come out and honour the team that was a staple in the community for years.
“I was 13 when they won and every Saturday night from the time I was three or four my dad would take me to the games,” Chaplin said.
“We had season tickets and had an amazing time. On Saturday we wouldn't be watching the Leafs or the Habs, we’d be down at Galt Arena Gardens.”
Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased at M&M Bar and Grill, Water Street Auto, Sawdac and the Fiddle and Firkin.
All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to KidsAbility and Community Living Cambridge.
“I can’t explain how big that team was to me, my friends and the community,” Chaplin said.
“They had a huge impact on this town. They gave me so much as a kid that organizing this and bringing it all back together is so much fun and a way to give back for those years of enjoyment.”
Doors open at 6 p.m., with the festivities getting underway at 7 p.m.