The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has inspired tributes and sparked memories from across the hockey world this week. Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign came to an end in her 96th year on Thursday.
A familiar figure with portraits displayed in arenas across Canada, generations of players have developed their game under the watchful eye of the monarch.
The Wolves mourn the passing of #QueenElizabethII. She held a special place in the hearts of our community over her 70-year-reign, a legacy framed at the Sudbury Arena. Seen & honoured by many at every game throughout our 50 years as Wolves & prior hockey history.🕊👑 pic.twitter.com/VxJkgbKLY5
— Sudbury Wolves (@Sudbury_Wolves) September 8, 2022
The Peterborough Petes and Sudbury Wolves, both clubs featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II in their respective arenas, paid tribute on social media Thursday.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne at the age of 26 in 1952, the same year the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup for national junior hockey supremacy. The 1952 Mad Hatters featured eventual NHL greats Andy Bathgate, Dean Prentice and Harry Howell, all of whom have passed away in recent years.
The Petes, whose Queen Elizabeth II portrait was painted by David Bierk, the father of former Petes netminder and 1996 OHL champion Zac Bierk, led all OHL clubs in championships during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, hoisting the J. Ross Robertson Cup nine times since 1952. The portrait has hung at the Memorial Centre since 2003.
For 19 years, David Bierk’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II has watched over every Petes home game. The Peterborough Petes offer our condolences to the Royal family and friends of Queen Elizabeth II.
A statement from the PMC regarding the passing of Queen Elizabeth II: pic.twitter.com/MQActt6QoJ
— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) September 8, 2022
