Windsor Spitfires' success means more than a championship
By Tanya Quaglia
Lance Writer
July 13, 2010
 The Windsor Spitfires are back-to-back Memorial Cup Champions. What may seem like nothing more than an athletic accomplishment uplifted an entire city right when they needed it the most. Through times of struggle, the Spitfires remained a beacon of hope and better times.
“No words can describe what the Spitfires mean to the city of Windsor. They are the pillar of the community,” explains Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis.
In the past, Windsor was the automotive capital of Canada and the perfect representation of a blue-collar town. However, with the decline of the automotive sector, Windsor became a city struggling to survive. Many people lost jobs, homes, and faith in better times.
When they weren’t on the ice preparing for their next game, many of the Spitfires players and coaches could be seen training at Lifestyle Family Fitness or volunteering around the community.
“On ice and off the Spitfires became a source of pride for the community and helped Windsor get through tough times. Because of the Spitfires, Windsor residents can hold their heads up high,” says Francis.
Four years ago the Spitfires couldn’t make the OHL playoffs. Then in 2008, as the Spitfires' record began to put them in post-season contention, Captain Mickey Renaud suddenly passed away from an unknown heart condition. Despite this heartbreaking loss, the Spitfires rebounded and became only the eighth team to repeat as Memorial Cup Champions.
As many Windsorites have learned over the past few years, nothing in life comes easy. Even the Spitfires had to overcome their share of ups and downs in order to repeat as champions.
In the OHL Western Conference Finals, the Spitfires found themselves down three games to none. One more loss and their season was over. Instead of giving up, the team fought back and won the series. They then went on to win every single game they played on the way to winning the Memorial Cup.
“The Spitfires are absolutely the heart and soul of Windsor. They are more than a representative of our city, they are Windsor,” says Francis.
Perhaps most importantly, the Spitfires created a feeling of pride within the city and made people proud to say they were from Windsor.
Proof of what the Spitfires mean to Windsor is shown through the spirit of the fans. Before the Spits even won the Memorial Cup, Francis declared a parade in their honour simply to congratulate them for everything they have done for the city.
Thousands of fans lined up along the parade route hours before the parade was scheduled to start. Hardships were set aside as fans gathered to relish the victory with one another and welcomed the hometown heroes home.
“It was a great turnout for the parade. People came together to celebrate. There were so many positive feelings and energy at the parade,” says Mayor Francis.
The Spitfires celebrations became the city's celebrations and their struggles became the city's struggles.
“The Spitfires shouldered the community during the city's darkest economic times,” explains Francis.
Milan Pavlica is an employee at the WFCU Centre where the Spitfires play their home games.
“You see every walk of life around the rink, from young to old from the well off to the not so well off. Hockey is the soul of the city and the people love to support the Spits because they love hockey and they love this team. You can hear it in the stands, in the hallways, in the washrooms, everywhere; when that game is on that is all that matters.”
As with blue-collar workers who work hard day after day, the Spitfires never took a day off or lost sight of the ultimate goal, repeating as champions.
As mayor of said blue collar city, Francis explains, “The Spitfires work ethic and how they approach everything both on ice and off are a reflection of the residents of the city. People are proud of this team because they can relate to them.”
Working at the arena on every game night, Pavlica agrees and states, “the Spits show the determination to succeed which acts like a beacon of hope for blue-collar workers. It goes so well together, a blue-collar city with a blue-collar team. I think hard work starts from the coaching squad’s philosophy towards the game, and no one believes in hard work more than [now departed head coach] Bob Boughner and company.”
Many key players will not be on the team next year and winning another championship will be tougher than ever.
Captain Harry Young and Adam Henrique have finished their OHL careers and will now work on making the NHL with the New Jersey Devils. Taylor Hall, drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers at this year's draft has recently signed a three-year deal with the Oilers and is highly unlikely to return. Just last week, Boughner confirmed rumors that he is taking over head coaching duties for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite this, Windsor fans will continue to believe in the Spitfires and that no matter how tough times may seem, there is always hope for something better.
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