The Eskis family gathered together for a day of golf, laughs and remembrance. Twenty–eight teams descended on the Abitibi Golf Club in Iroquois Falls on Saturday for the 12th Annual 3–Person Scramble looking to claim the Clyde Peever Memorial Trophy, and to support the Abitibi Junior ‘A’ Eskimos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. “It’s a fundraiser and it isn’t,” said team president Scott Marshall. “Really today is a family event. We don’t want to lose money and we’ll make a little bit of money, but the focus isn’t on fundraising today. It’s like a pre–season launch. We all get together, have a few laughs and that’s what it’s all about.” Former and current players joined with supporters of the team for 18 holes of golf followed by supper in the club house. Some of the former players on hand were Dan Dubé, Matt St. Jacques, Erik Robichaud and Dave Proulx. “This is the fourth tournament that I’ve played in and I keep coming back for the organization,” said former Eskimos captain Dubé. “It’s nice to see so many people supporting the Eskis. I want to keep the team here in Iroquois Falls. I’m from here and I always play with my buddies. “I wouldn’t have wanted to play Junior ‘A’ hockey anywhere else in Ontario. They’re a class act organization, they have so many volunteers and you should see the crowds. They’re the best and I’m sure we’re up there in terms of fan base.” Former trainer Bruce Renwick was one of the cooks working on a big chunk of roast beef from early in the morning, which fed all the hungry golfers following a day of perfect weather and perfect fun. “It’s good to get together and see different people mingle that normally don’t get to during the winter because it’s all business,” said Paul Gagne, head coach and manager of the Eskimos. “It’s nice.” The tournament is in honour of Clyde Peever who passed away 10 years ago on hole No. 6 during the Eskimos tournament. “No. 6 is where Clyde checked out, so we all stop there during the tournament, have a toast to Clyde and leave our empties at the tree,” said Marshall. “Clyde has always given us perfect weather.” Craig, Kevin and Robert Berlinghoff were the winners of the tournament shooting a 63 (–7), while Vic Houde, Denis Bujold and Denis Crotteau came in second place with a 64. “I think this is a really good tournament,” said Crotteau, who has played in the tournament for five years. “You’ve got all kinds of people here from all over the place. Everything all together went really well. It was quite a lot of fun. “We like to support the Eskis, they have a very good team and a very good coach.”
Great day of golf
