The crowd at the Paul J. Yakabuski Arena was hushed for the second time in as many days as Commissioner Johnny Kashub (David Shulist) requested players and fans to observe a moment of silence. This time the period of silent thought was in memory of Terry Bozack just before the Irish Shamrocks and Kashubian Griffins game at Saturday’s Opeongo Heritage Cup Tournament. Bozack was scheduled to play that game for the Griffins. Note: See below for memorial service details.
Players arriving for the opening game of the tournament on Friday learned that Bozack, a regular member of the Kashubian Griffins Heritage Cup team, and indeed many of the teams over the years, had passed away playing in a hockey game on the Quebec side last Friday. The fact that the end came while he was doing what he loved best did little to dispel the shock felt by his many friends and family members in the Valley. As a mark of respect the Griffins displayed his jersey over their bench during the weekend’s tournament. (Photo above: Sharon Gardiner)
Bozack had thrilled fans in the Valley for decades. A natural athlete, friends say he played many sports well, but he received much attention when the Washington Capitals drafted him from the Pembroke Lumber Kings for the 1974-75 season. Later in life Bozack continued to play for fun and was also involved in coaching minor sports.
Irish and Kashubian teams observe Bozack’s memory with a moment of silence. Photo: Sharon Gardiner
Many fans found this Heritage Cup weekend a tough homecoming as their thoughts turned to missing friends both on and off the ice. The stands were full of emotion as players and spectators shared stories.
Editor’s Note: The Current has been told that, respecting Terry’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of the Neville Funeral Home, 491 Isabella St., Pembroke on Friday, April 12th, 2019 at 2 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at the Royal Canadian Legion, Pembroke at 3 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated. Please click HERE for obituary.
rest in peace young man ….your and your family have been a tribute to what generations of polish ancestry have and will always be a constant attribute to the valley …..we will remember you and i personally as a someone who watched the your brothers and yourself contribute as superior athletes will forever be thankful to have been a witness if maybe from a distance at times to that experience………thank you so very much……..Stephen Dwyer