Born and raised in Petrolia Ed didn’t start hockey until the late age of 12, always playing right wing. At age 14 he played Jr.”D” in Petrolia with the Jets and then at 16 played a few games with the former Sarnia Jr “A” Legionaires.
In 70-71 he was a member of a Petrolia Midget team that won the AA division title in Silverstick and also were OMHA Champions. Ed and his other two line mates were always on the top of the scoring list both in Midget and in Jr. Apparently Ed’s hard slap shot stunned many unsuspecting goaltenders over the years.
In 71-72 he signed with the Jets, then in 72 was drafted by the Hamilton Red Wings. He returned to the Jets that year and played Jr. A with the Chatham Maroons in 73. He suffered a severe concussion halfway through the year and he ended his Jr. Hockey playing days with the Jets that year.
From 75-77 Ed played with the Petrolia Squires and won the Intermediate League Title. In 83 he moved to Alvinston and from 83-87 joined Alvinston Minor Hockey. He coached every level from Novice to Midget as a Hockey dad/coach with his son Jason. He also followed Jason to Jr. D for two years.
Ed has been with the Flyer organization since it’s beginning in 1988 as the team manager. He was Head Coach and Manager from 89-92. Since 92 he still holds the position of President and manager and has held every position from signing cheques to washing sweaters.
Ed has been married to Julie for 34 years and has two grown children Jason and Angela. Julie is also a strong supporter of the Flyers and can be found in the lobby every Friday night and at the away games. He also enjoys being a Grandpa to ten-year old Derek and 4-year-old Matthew.
He has worked at Abram Sheet Metal for 30 years as a Commercial Gas Fitter. A Memorable Moment for Ed was winning OMHA in Petrolia with fellow teammates Barry Edgar, Dennis Kelly and Doug Simpson. The Manager Ace Braet at the time told the boys that if they won that last important game he would take them to Niagara Falls. That morning at 2:30 am they were sitting watching the water at the Falls. He enjoys watching the young men that have played for the Flyers develop into adults and move into new careers.
Ed would like to mention the people who helped get the organization going 19 years ago. Norm Triest, Dave Tait, Archie McEachern, Paul McCart, Pete Armstrong and John McEachern, all who still can be seen around the arena now and some still volunteering after all these years. The Flyer organization has been very lucky over the last 19 years to have such a dedicated volunteer at the realm of their association.