Legends of Hounds Hockey
Soo Greyhounds have confirmed a new program that pays tribute to individuals who have had a major impact on the Ontario Hockey League franchise since its 1972 inception.
Whether it is individuals who played, coached, built or contributed to the fortunes of the Greyhounds, a select number of inductees will be honoured each season, according to Gerry Liscumb Jr., who is the team’s director of public relations and broadcasting.
Called the Legends of Hounds Hockey, the concept will feature special recognition installed in the rafters of the GFL Memorial Gardens above Section 108.
Selected by a committee put together by the Greyhounds, the first ever inductees are forward Wayne Groulx (1981-1985), defenseman Chris Felix (1981-85) and forward Mike Oliverio (1983-1988).
“These three individuals epitomize what it means to be true Legends of Hounds Hockey,” relayed Greyhounds’ president and governor Tim Lukenda. “They were leaders on a team that left an indelible mark on the history of the Greyhounds and each of them individually made a memorable and lasting impact on the organization. It is an overdue recognition and we are proud to recognize them in this way.”
Wayne Groulx. Groulx is the highest scoring player in the history of the Greyhounds. From ’81 to ’85, he led the team in scoring every season and finished his junior career with regular season totals of 187 goals, 290 assists, 477 points. During the ’84–85 season, Groulx put up one of the most productive terms in team history, scoring 59 goals, 85 assists, 144 points in 64 regular season games as the Greyhounds went a perfect 33–0 at home and went on to win the franchise’s first OHL championship. Groulx was voted the OHL’s most valuable player season.
Chris Felix. Patrolling the Hounds’ blue line from ’81 to ’85, Felix became the franchise’s highest scoring defenseman with 277 points in 265 regular season games. He set the single season record for points by a Hounds defenceman with 101 during the ’84–85 season. After his lengthy pro playing career, Felix — who is originally from Bramalea — settled in Sault Ste. Marie and still lives in the Soo to this day with his wife and family.
Mike Oliverio. A local lad, Oliverio played five full seasons with the Greyhounds from ’83 to 88. He produced 153 goals, 237 assists, 390 points, which are regular season totals that have him second all time in franchise history, trailing only the aforementioned Wayne Groulx. Oliverio also holds the Greyhounds’ record for most regular season games played with 314. He served as team captain in his final two seasons with the Hounds. Since retiring from the game after a pro hockey career that took him overseas to Great Britain and Sweden, Oliverio has managed to stay in hockey as a a long time OHL scout, beginning with the erstwhile Plymouth Whalers. He currently serves as the well respected head scout for the OHL’s Flint Firebirds.
Great to see this recognition. I do hope to see John Tavella next