The 500 club of Espanola
It is the epitome of dedication, commitment and hometown loyalty. In quiet and unassuming fashion, young Austin LeClair has hit the 500 game mark as the long time equipment manager for the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
And to be sure, local resident LeClair is much appreciated for the ongoing role that he has performed with the Paper Kings for so many years, as per sentiments relayed to Hockey News North.
“Reaching 500 games isn’t just a milestone … it is a testament to dedication, pride and the unseen work that keeps a team moving forward. An equipment manager’s impact may be behind the scenes but it is felt in every shift, every game, and by every player who steps on the ice. Congratulations on 500 games of commitment and excellence,” said Paper Kings general manager Marc Gagnon, in touching words of appreciation for LeClair.
Paper Kings president and head coach Jason Rapcewicz, who has been on board in Espanola during Leclair’s continued stay with the franchise, also paid tribute to his long time protege.
“Thank you Austin, for all of your hours and time over the years. Thank you, Austin, for being so committed to the organization,” relayed Rapcewicz, who earlier this season coached in his 500th NOJHL game for Espanola, which he rebranded as the Paper Kings a few years ago after the franchise was previously known as the Express and the Rivermen.
As for LeClair, who started his association with the Espanola franchise as a young nine year old water boy, he obviously loves the association with his hometown junior hockey team.
“I am extremely grateful for the staff of Espanola and the players of Espanola that I have been with in the past 11 years to get to this milestone of 500 games,” LeClair relayed in a heart felt message to Hockey News North. “Starting off as a nine year old I never thought I would ever see this day but I am very thankful that I was able to do it with my hometown team. I would like to send a huge thank you out to Jason Rapcewicz for always believing in me and pushing me to be the best person that I am. The support that Rapper has given me over the past 11 years has been amazing and I could not be happier working alongside a better person than him.
“Also I would like to thank the fans of Espanola for showing the support and love that a hockey community needs. I would also like to send a very big thank to Mike Wink who was a former equipment manager when we were the Espanola Rivermen and to (former head coach and part owner) Tom McCarthy for giving me the job as starting off as a water boy and working my way up to where I am today,” summed up LeClair, who is, to be sure, a true hometown hockey hero.
The unsung heroes of hockey teams. Congratulations Austin for a job well done.