Banners in the Rafters, Goosebumps on the Arms: St. Paul Jr. Canadiens Hall of Fame adds six legends

St. Paul, you beauties — the rafters at Clancy Richard got a little heavier on Saturday night (Oct. 18, 2025). And no, it wasn’t just the humidity from the packed barn and the fries. We raised six new banners, clapped till our hands hurt, and maybe… possibly… pretended we had “arena dust” in our eyes.

This year’s St. Paul Jr. Canadiens Hall of Fame class? Absolute wagon:

• Corey deMoissac

• Dennis Zukiwsky

• Mark Letestu

• Doug Orlecki

• Marcel Dallaire

• Patrick Lamoureux

Marcel Dallaire

Mark Letestu (Parents Garth & Deanna accepting)

Patrick Lamoureux

Corey deMoissac

Dennis Zukiwsky

Each inductee got a keepsake plaque and their own banner sent up to the ceiling — forever chirping down at visiting teams who think they’re just here for a casual skate.

The surprise that floored the room

We pulled a real beauty on Alumni President Patrick Lamoureux. Guy thought he was emceeing the night… then boom — he’s on the list.

“Overwhelmed,” he told me, eyes glossy like fresh ice. “Honoured and flattered to be shoulder to shoulder with these incredible people. 71 years of history — and the family names are going to be there for a long time after.”

Patrick tried to give the credit away (classic Pat), but the board wasn’t having it.

“He’s the spearhead of the Alumni Foundation,” said board member Mark Hassan. “People don’t see the behind-the-scenes: scholarship money, structure, the stuff that makes this sustainable.”

Board mate Dwayne Wallen added the line of the night: “Pat’s the straw that stirs the drink.” (And yes, he said it while wearing a jacket I tried to trade him for — no dice.)

Legacy on legacy

Former coach Corey deMoissac soaked it in, too: “It’s a special honour. I’ve been lucky to work with great people and watch young men grow into great people in the community.” He smiled about one detail only hockey families really get: “They hung my banner beside Dad’s. That’s pretty special.”

Dennis Zukiwsky (you know the name) called St. Paul “home” and tipped his cap to the volunteers and community builders who keep the Jr. Canadiens the province’s crown jewel of Junior B. Hard to argue when you’re standing in a rink that feels like a time capsule and a rocket booster at the same time.

Small-town magic, big-time partners

Twisted Fork stepped up as marquee event partner — gave us a space to gather, filled the trays, and reminded everyone why St. Paul hospitality is undefeated. Tip of the helmet.

And the volunteers… look, we’d be standing in a dark rink with a locked canteen if it wasn’t for you. From ticket tables to towel bins — nothing moves in the Lakeland without volunteers. Period.

The takeaway

Banners, plaques, and a pile of hugs later, here’s the truth: the Jr. Canadiens aren’t just a hockey club. They’re a long-running group project where every last person — billet mom, Zamboni driver, rookie opening beers — gets a line on the scoresheet.

Six more names in the rafters. Six more reasons the next kid pulls on a Canadiens sweater and skates a little taller.

(And yes, alumni — I’m still calling it: guaranteed win night. Don’t ruin a good bit.)