It was a night of firsts for the Collingwood Colts last night: first home game, first ceremonial puck drop, first goal on home ice, first home game loss.
As it turns out, Friday the 13th was an unlucky day for Collingwood's new Junior 'A' hockey team.
The Colts fell to the Toronto Jr. Canadiens at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena last night with a final score of 7-1.
The Colts were scoreless until about seven minutes into the third period. The Colts netted one in an increasingly intense game between the two Junior 'A' teams.
The game opened with welcomes from the town crier, Ken Templeman, Mayor Brian Saunderson, and Colts owner David Steele.
The ceremonial puck drop included special guests including a former local hockey star, the team sponsor, and two minor hockey players.
The Bienn Gorm Highlanders also paraded across the ice for a pipe and drums performance during the opening ceremonies.
Steel said the night was “unreal.”
“It was a sell-out-crowd, the right environment, the right entertainment,” he said. “Everything I planned for came through. The only thing I couldn’t plan for was the score.”
Steele said the game revealed a lot about what the team needs to work on.
The Eddie Bush was packed with even the standing room sold-out. Steele estimates about 1,300 people were at the game.
“I hope they all come back and enjoy it the rest of the year,” said Steele. “Hopefully we can change the score a bit.”
Steele said he estimates the Colts had the best attendance for any home opener game for all 22 teams in the league.
“I can’t be disappointed with that,” he said.
The Colts play their next game away on Sept. 20 against the Markham Royals. They’ll return home for a re-match against the Royals on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena.
