Joseph Sydney Hockey Essay

879 Words4 Pages

We continue with Part Two of Sydney hockey “lifer” Blair Joseph who, for the majority of his 70-plus years, has held a deep passion for the game. Our focus last time was Joseph’s early days growing up on Sydney’s Townsend St. near the former Forum. We also looked back at his playing career that included successful stints with various teams including Kay’s Komets, the Cape Breton Post Bombers, the Modern Aluminum Flyers and the Sydney Millionaire Old timers. Today we’ll reminisce with Joseph about his long stretch behind the bench of numerous Cape Breton hockey teams. As well, we’ll touch on the short but sweet boxing career of the man also known as “Bearcat.” Joseph got his start in coaching while still a member of the Cape Breton Post …show more content…

One of his first teams was the Sydney Merchants of the Cape Breton Senior Hockey League. He didn’t disappoint as he guided the club to two league championships including a provincial crown in 1986-87. “That league produced some great hockey,” Joseph recalled. “The Port Hood Bees were in it, along with the New Waterford Cavaliers, the UCCB Capers and the Glace Bay Miners. “Port Hood gave us some great competition,” he said. “They always showed up with full teams ready to go. You couldn’t get into that rink in Port …show more content…

Indeed, the Pirates began operations in 1964-65 and hold the distinction of being the longest continuously running Junior “B” franchise in Canada. “When we played the Cape Breton Alpines, things got very competitive,” remembers Joseph of the Pirate’s number one rival. “Both teams elevated their play to a higher level when we met. The Alpines were coached by Bruce Campbell and Ken Tracey. Their manager, Charlie Neville, was quite the character.” Joseph’s son Ryan was a member of the Strait Pirates at the time. “Traveling back and forth between Sydney and Port Hawkesbury three times a week was difficult, so I was fortunate to have Ryan with me.” The next and final stop for Joseph in the coaching profession lasted a very long time -- eleven years, to be exact. In 2001-02, he was named assistant coach of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. “I loved it,” said Joseph of his lengthy stint with the QMJHL club. “I had a great relationship with the players, and I think that’s what I brought to the table. My job was to motivate the guys, keep the morale up and support the head coach as best as I