The following is the game report from the final game played by the Trenton Sting as we knew them. It's only appropriate that it was played against their longtime rivals from Wellington.
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The Wellington Dukes completed their sweep of the Trenton Sting on Friday night with another convincing win as they cruised to a 9-2 victory and wrapped up the best of seven Quarter-Final series four games to none.
The recipe for success was the same for the fourth straight game as the Dukes power-play was potent going 6 for 9 and they even threw in a short-handed goal to boot. Trenton was 1 for 10 on the night with the man-advantage. Sting fans couldn't be upset with the officiating in this game as referee Duane Parliament called the best officiated game of the series.
Mike Robillard returned to the Trenton net for his final game in a Sting uniform following a two game suspension and he lasted two periods before Johnross Woodland took over for the third. Anthony Peters went the distance in the Wellington net to wrap up the the win and the series. The Dukes out-shot the Sting 47-34.
Kyle Hawkins-Schulz and Jeff Broekema each had a goal and an assist for the Sting while Adam McAllister and Ian Thistlethwaite each earned an assist. The Dukes number one line was explosive on this night. Joe Hall had 3 goals and 2 assists, Scott Fleming had a pair of goals and Josh Chamberlain added a goal and two assists. Marc Senecal, Janson Broome and Zach Morbeck scored one goal apiece.
As a symbolic gesture of thanks for their service to the team, GM Jon Gibbons was named 1st Star and long time Trainer Scott Ilton was named 2nd Star. Mr. Gibbons dedication to the Sting organization never wavered from day one. Despite the way he was treated in the end he stayed committed to the team until the final buzzer of this game. His departure from the organization will be a great loss. Mr. Ilton's departure will be another big blow to the organization. While most teams had three or four training staff, Ilton would do the job of three men for seven or more months of the year. His experience and hockey knowledge will not be replaced cheaply. Coach George Ferguson was named 3rd Star for his effort and commitment to the team since joining the club and he is to be commended for his perseverance.
The end of the season also brings to an end the franchise as we've known it. With the new owners set to take over there is a rumour that the team will no longer be known as the Trenton Sting and a new name will be revealed in the future.
The outgoing staff wish to thank all of the former coaches, trainers, players, management, off ice officials, staff and volunteers throughout the teams history for their hard work and dedication. Without them the Trenton Sting wouldn't have the great history for the best fans in the league to remember.
Thank You one and all!
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24 comments:
It may not have been pretty and I'm sad to see the season end, but at least Parliament called a fair game. He was the only referee in the series who did.
It was sad to see the guys shaking hands but only a miracle or divine intervention was going to help the boys in this series. I also felt sorry for Scot Ilton and Bundy when they were shaking hands as they've given a lot to the team. Scot and Jon Gibbons (who I didn't see on the ice at the end) are owed a debt of gratitude from the fans and from all the players who ever had the privilege to play in a Sting uniform.
As far as the rumoured new team name for next season, if it's what I heard tonight it's an awful choice. It's only hearsay but the name I heard is the "Quinte West Pride". I sure hope that isn't going to be the new name. Of course I probably won't attend many games if any so I don't really care but that name sucks. I guess if they win a championship everyone can go watch the Pride Parade.
Any way, thanks for an interesting season and have a great spring and summer everyone. Perhaps the Frankford Huskies will see more of me from now on.
Congratulations to the Dukes and best of luck.
Congratulation boys on your season. I know it was hard for some of you as it was your las game with the Sting. Good luck with your future endeavours.
I agree that the name change is going to be tough especially since no one really knows where "Quinte West" is. We are still known on most maps and through the post office as Trenton. Why change the name just because of ownership???? Everyone knows the "Sting" and I do understand somewhat about the theory about changing names as a new beginning, maybe just change the "Sting" part!
That being said, good luck boys in the future and all the best to the boys coming on board next year. Hope to see the eligible players back next year!
You will get them all next year!
A loyal STING fan.
I wish I was lying but that's what I heard. Of course, it was only a rumour floating around but something like that doesn't start for no reason. Me thinks there is some truth behind it. I guess we'll know soon enough.
It seems like a slap in the face to the previous owners, players and to the history of the team to change names if that is what they intend to do.
I'll add that to my growing list of reasons why I won't be supporting the team or giving money to the new ownership group in the future.
This is no slap in the face to the outgoing mangagement nor a pat on the back to the new but.......now the season is over could someone tell or explain why when the team was two points out of second did they start clearing out players, and more puzzling not replace them. It is impossible to play with a bench that short, did the staff know the team was up for sale and try to run it down to purchase it back themselves at a low price? was it to get even? I am lost for reasons. As for the new I heard two names for the team do not know if any are true but hey! call them the "water boilers" if they want just make sure we have enough players to ice a team that can at least compete. Yes i feel for the old but will support the new, or see what they can do and them make my statment. Why stop the Blog?
To answer a couple of your inquiries:
I won't pretend to speak for Mr. Gibbons but I'm curious to know what players you're referring to that were "cleared out". All the players that left, to my knowledge, left for their own reasons (mostly due to either wanting more ice time or wanting to play closer to home) and were not asked to leave. It was their choice. Even Latchford was not asked to leave. That was his decision and I respect that. I enjoyed all my time with Mitch and his family and I wish them all the best in the future and will fondly remember our chats.
I also know for a fact that deals were in place with other teams to bring more players in however you can't force a player to move if they don't want to and in all of those instances the players vetoed the deals. The effort was there but there's only so much you can do. It's not as easy to make deals as some people seem to think. Until you've been in that position, you have no idea.
The Staff did NOT know the team was for sale and in fact didn't know anything about it until the deal had been completed. It was all done secretly and without public knowledge. The team was never up for sale to the general public or anyone in Trenton to my knowledge. It was, for lack of a better term, "given" to the new owners.
As for the Blog ending...I started this blog following the passing of Peter Huff. Peter's wife had been looking after the official Sting website and understandably lost the desire to keep it going. With my being involved with the team and the need still there to have an updated presence on the internet, I took it upon myself to create the Sting Blog as a way to keep fans informed. I was happy to do it and glad it was so well received.
However, my loyalties have always been to Jon, Peter and the team. With Peter's passing and now Jon's departure from the scene, I have also decided to sever all ties with the club and that includes the eventual deletion of the Sting Blog. This Blog has always been "My Baby" and was run with the permission of the Trenton Sting. In the end, it is my Blog and therefore I have the right to end it when I see fit and that time will be soon. I plan to leave it up for at least a month for players to access and to print off any information they'd like to keep or to access the photos to save for a keepsake.
It has been fun and a nice hobby but that time has come to an end. Thanks to all fans for your support.
i wish i was lying but it is called the "quinte west pride"
Your efforts have always been appreciated Bundy. Not only on this Blog but in your promotion of the Sting when you did your show on the radio (Sting Talk) and when you used to broadcast the games.
You put a lot of effort into this blog site and if people are upset because you're going to stop doing it, it's only because they appreciated what you did even if they never said it. Judging by the counter on page a lot of people have made this their stop for accurate Sting information. Thanks for all you've done and thanks to Jon, Sandy and Scott as well. Enjoy your time away from the rink.
As for the new team name...that's a joke. So much for the new owners showing respect for those who have gone before them and pissing on the history of this team. Shame on them. I'll be another fan not attending games next season. My season pass will not be purchased. Also shame on the board for the way they handled the sale. Very sneaky and I can't help but wonder if they do the same with their own business dealings.
Long live the Trenton Sting!
Bundy,
I agree with you when you say players were in place to make deals and they chose not to come.But now that this Team is no longer around lets tell the people the real thruth why the players walked.The players did not respect Armstrong and chose to walk thinking another team would love to have them.Prime example Tyson.He thought that since his father has lots of pull he could squeeze himself onto another team.But in the hockey world it dosent work that way.Good teams obide by the rules.Also some players one which frequently wrote blogs on your board thinks he can play anywhere he wants becasue of what his brother has done but after walking out on his team did not report to other teams which inturn gave the Sting a BLACK EYE.I also know for a FACT Jon had atleast one deal and it was with our organization but the money wasnt there to complete the transaction.And that doesnt mean paying the player im talking about the rights to a player.Truthfully it stank around the rink for awhile and with all honestly the higher ups knew what the futre was after the passing of Peter.I have enjoyed the blog i know its tuff only allowing whats allowable and i hope to see you all around the rink next year.
THE SCOUT!
Hey Bundy, just like Jon, Peter, Scott, and of late, George Ferguson, your passion and loyalty to the organization will be missed greatly. Unfortunately, everyone wants to point fingers at why the team finished the way it did, the problem was, the hockey people running the operation had their hands tied, and had to operate in a vacuum. It takes money to run a Junior club, and with Peter's passing, they had to operate at bear minimums. And anyone, that has been in business, will tell you when everything gets cut back it will reflect on the product you are selling.
Also, it is my belief the board, (of which rumour has it, one member kept on wanting to call the shots operationally), sold the team to a private group, without tendering it publically. Thus they did not execute their fiduciary responsibility to the trust, and perform it's due diligence by trying to get the best price for the franchise. The question now becomes why did they not just resign from the board, have a new board come in and accept responsibility for present and future debt.
In the sale of the Cobourg franchise, which was a non profit community run franchise, they sold it to Scary Mary, whose agenda was to move the team to Whitby. That was fine, because everyone in Cobourg knew it. The monies from the sale though remained with the foundation and over the last two years, was donated to sports organizations in Cobourg. Question any sponsor or volunteer who donated time and money is, where are the proceeds going?
In conclusion, thank you to Jon, the late Peter Huff, Scott, his crew, the players who stuck it out, George Ferguson who I am sure probably has a few more grey hairs, Corey, Bundy, Steve, all the volunteers.
Hockey develops loyalty, business on the other hand develops none.
As for the change of the name.. thats just ridiculous! The Quinte West Pride? Thats aweful! I can see changing the name from Trenton to Quinte West becasue that is what this city is known as and has been for quite some time now. I only see that as fitting as everything has finally bought into the name change as the Trenton Golden Hawks are now called the Quinte West Golden Hawks but leave the Sting legacy attached. Everyone knows the team as the Sting so why not have them called the Quinte West Sting as I see it that would be the proper thing to do.
I think this is all a bunch or "poop". Everyone saying this Quinte West Pride, people probably said that as a joke, and some how got around. They would never call it the "Pride". As for the Blog Owner, I think its a shame just because Jon is leaving the team and his puppy Scott doesn't mean you should too, But suit yourself. Hockey as we know it is falling apart, starting with the NHL all the way down to OMHA. Im pretty sure this wont be posted but i think my post needs to be sent out.
Thanks for the kind words from those of you who were nice enough to post them. It is appreciated.
To the anonymous poster above me, while I appreciate that you'd like me to continue what I'm doing, it's just not going to happen. I take pride in being loyal to my friends and I'm proud to call both Jon and Scott my friends.
It's also very easy for posters to voice their opinion, accuse people or name call when you don't have to reveal your true identity as some people seem to enjoy doing. If you believe in your opinions with real conviction then you should have no trouble adding your name to your post. Otherwise, what you say carries no real weight.
Bundy
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words about myself and your support. I have enjoyed my 11 years of service with the Trenton Sting and will look upon them fondly. Having said that the events that have unfolded in the last month with the sale of the team and to see how the board of directors has treated Jon, Sandy,George,all the volunteers, the memory of Peter Huff and myself I cannot support that and will not be returning for a 12th year.
I had always done my best to provide many benefits to the players who have played for the Sting and I know some of them are appreciative and I thank them for that.
It is time to move on and do something else, we will see what the fall brings.
Thanks for the memories
Scott Ilton
Trenton Sting
1996-1997 to 2006-2007
by the way if you are going to criticize me, then at least have the stones to put your name on it, don't hide like a little bitch!
I have worked for the team and done reporting on the team for many years. Sometimes change is good but the new hockey team will never be like the Trenton Sting as most of us know it. Jon, Sandy, Scotty, Bundy and many others that will be leaving are the people that keep the games on the ice. Without all the behind the scenes work that has to be done and is never noticed by the people in the stands, the team would not be able to function at all. Thanks to all those people behind the scenes for their hard work and dedication for many years.
Hello, just want to put my 2 thoughts it . I want to thank you bundy for running this wonderful website. My brother plays for this team, and unfortuntly I can not make it to many of the games. I Have used this site as my source of information regarding the games this year ... it has been a great asset to this team, and I have used it all year. so thank you for putting so much time and dedication into this, it is greatly appreciated. we will miss it!!
Wow! I think this thing should be shut down immediately. Scott I know at heart that your a good guy and what you have done for this team for the past 11 years is greatly appreciated by everyone and the team wouldn't have been able to compete the way they did without you but by writing what you have just wrote not only looks bad on yourself but on the organization as well. Have a little class why don't you? I'm sure Bundy has taken his fair share of abuse from this thing too but you don't see him calling out anyone with profane language like that. As a Trenton resident I think it is things like that which you have just done that have tarnished this great organizations reputation.
Some people don't realize how much effort and hard work along with complete dedication some have to put forth to run a teir II hockey club. Jon and Sandy gave it all and almost losing it a few times but never gave up until it was at most taken away from them. Without any idea their baby sort of speak was sold out from underneath them.
Jon and Sandy never missed a game, and worked hard to give us fans some great entertainment on friday nights.
Along with Jon and Sandy there was Scotty, several coaches and assistant coachs, Bundy along with alot of others who worked behind the scenes to make this club what it was until the final game.
I myself was the announcer/game coordinator for the past 4 or 5 seasons, (I have lost track) but will no longer be in that position with the new owners. I enjoyed each and every night I was at the rink and took time off work just to be there. Also got in alot of crap for that as well though.
Some of you come on here and express yourselves which is great. But post your names, a google account is free and then post your feelings. I don't find anything wrong with what Scott wrote, hell it could have been alot worse for sure.
Let's face it, some sort of notice, or a chace for the Gibbon's to retain ownership of the club was the least the board could do. Sometimes changes are for the best and sometimes they are not, but I guess we will have to wait and see what happens.
Bundy, awesome job on the Blog, you took alot of critism for somethings but were 100% fair. Thanks for the great job I know it is well appreciated by all those who have visited it.
I never had the chance to say goodbye to Sandy as she wasn't at any games following the announcement, but I am sure we will meet sometime, somewhere.
Jon and Sandy take a nice long winter trip, you both deserve it, you certainly haven't had one in several years as your winter months you lived at the rink. Best of luck to all the players of the 06/07 team with where ever the future takes you. The same goes for all the volunteers and friends I have met throught my time with the team.
Ron Turk
Former Sting Announcer/Music Coordinator
I think I have shown a lot of class and tremondous amount of restraint in this situation. If I had not, I would have walked out the door the minute this sale was made public and left 20 hockey players totally stranded but I did not. I fulfilled a committment I made to the Peter Huff foundation at the start of the year. I really don't think calling a cowardly person a bitch has tarnished 11 years of service and hard work. If you think it has that is your opnion and I respect that but I disagree with you.
All I was doing is standing up for myself, there is nothing wrong with that!
Bundy, thanks for the hard work and dedication you have put into this Blog Site. I know that many have been on it and enjoyed what ever you had to say. Your dedication to the team as well will never be forgotten.
Scott Ilton, all the former coaches and mostly Jon and Sandy who ahve given their entire life to this club for the past 13 years. Let's face it what else could be do on a friday night for family entertainment? Maybe catch a figure skating pratice. But without Jon and Sandy and their partners through out the last 13 years we wouldn't even have a Junior A team on the ice. Thanks for all your time, take a long winter trip to a warmer climate, you deserve it as your life was at the rink for the winter months.
For those of you angry by what Scott Ilton wrote. Too bad, it is the truth. before you come on here to critize someone or bitch about something, atleast post your name, don't hide behind anonymous.
I have had the privilage since the beginning of the 2002/2003 season or was it the 2003/2004 season. Oh well regardless I was fortunate to be the announcer/music coordinator. It was alot of fun and you were made to feel apart of the team. This club was a first class club lead by first class individuals.
I am proud to say that I was a supporter of Trenton Sting Jr. A Hockey. As for the name change, I understand the Quinte West part but leave the Sting. The young kids who have met the players over the years and the youngsters of today only know this club as the Sting.
I also hope that now that the new owners have taken over that they have atleast one night every season where they honor Jon and Sandy Gibbons. Who would they have bought if not for this club being here?
Not the Duke's their board of directors wouldn't have sold them out, not without giving first chance to their own community.
Thanks Jon, sandy, Scotty, Bundy and all those who have served as a volunteer, player and coacheing staff. You did us proud.
Everyone that has given time to the "Trenton Sting" over the years and volunteered and never asked for anything in return deserves our thanks.
Perhaps Bundy could keep the blog up as a tribute to all of the great players who were proud to be members of the Sting and anyone else who was associated with the team. Maybe just do player updates from time to time.
To hell with the new team and covering them. It already sounded this morning on the radio that Jack Miller is sucking up to them and we all know Meeks will so the media will be in bed with them.
Also thanks to Mike Fraser for his coverage of the team. I know he was payed to do it but he always kept in mind that it's Junior hockey and not the Pro's when reporting on the team. He used "kid gloves" so to speak where others would have and have acted like it was the show.
It is really too bad that all of you "Sting" fans are bailing on the boys. Just because the team has sold and has new owners doesn't mean the boys will not play. I would think that if you are calling yourselves "loyal" fans you would support the boys rather than the owners.
Although I know it is tough seeing the team change owners and how the sale went, but we should be supporting the boys in their passion to play hockey and quit beating a dead horse. The team has sold so move on.
I agree that the way the team was sold was not all together on the up and up but it would have been sold regardless. Jon, Sandy, Scott, Mark, and the rest of the volunteers have done an amazing job over the last 13 years and good luck to them on whatever they choose to do. They certainly deserve our recognition and thanks for a wonderful job. Unfortunately times change and in this case management and the name of the team.
If you are a loyal supporter see you at next years games to support the boys out on the ice following their dreams.
Again, thanks Mark for organizing this blog it has been a great source of information. It would be nice to continue with the updates of the past Sting players but I also know how much work goes into it.
Good luck to all of the volunteers and we will see the new team out on the ice in September!
One and All,
I was born in Trenton and although having moved away I still have family there and visit regularily. When in town I always go to see the Sting play. I was especially pleased to see George behind the bench, as I played Midget House league hockey the years George was on that amazing Trenton Lions Midgets team of the late 60's ...
Please Please Please dont use the word Pride "not that there is anything wrong with that" I'm thinking of the young men who will wear that jersey. Spirit would be better choice however my 1st choice would be Quinte West Tigers......... (when choosing a name you have to consider what the jersey Logo will look like)
Trenton has a long and proud Hockey past, it would be a shame to lose that Identity and history. So to the powers that be, lets think wisely. We want the future players and Fan base to feel that history while also building a future.
I would like to see the new owners perhaps open this up to the good Quinte West citizens by creating a contest for the name and associated logo. Lets make it a community effort, a win win.
To all the Sting players , coaches and staff Thank You so much !!!! You continue to make us all Proud!
Well...Well
People...give your heads a shake...your eyes are stuck!!! i would love to be as self-righteous as others and spend my time here criticizing folks. I too spent 5 years close to the organization when they were a winning team, as well as when they were struggling!
I attended games for entertainment, as well as what I considered to be my duty as a citizen of this community. I had the pleasure to get to know Jon, Sandy, Scotty and a host of others over the years, and while there were times that I did not see eye to eye on the decisions that were made, they will always have my respect for what they tried to accomplish.
My kids have incredible memories of the Jon, Scotty and the players, as they all went out of their way to make the KIDS feel important! Yes thats right....the kids.... and we as ADULTS sit here and criticize! Maybe you needed the players to show up at your work to encourage you..... or maybe you needed Matt Goody show up at 6:30am to watch you practice (when he really had better things to do)or maybe you needed Scotty fix a cut above your eye during a game after a fan knocked you down.
I will state once again.... I have had differences of opinion with many people but until I spend the time doing what they do, giving the countless hours they have...then I have no RIGHT to criticize!
To the STING organization past and present..... Thankyou!!
Joe Doxtater (bussy)
Great work.
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