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Blair Joseph Research Paper

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We continue with Part Two of Sydney hockey “lifer” Blair Joseph who, for the majority of his 70-odd years, has been deeply devoted to the sport. Last time our focus was on Joseph’s early days growing up near the former Sydney Forum as well as his playing career. Now we’ll reminisce with him on his lengthy stretch behind the bench of numerous Cape Breton hockey teams. We’ll also touch on the short but sweet boxing career of the man affectionately known as “Bearcat.” It was while Joseph played for the marvelous Cape Breton Post Bombers hockey club in 1964 that he first took up coaching. “It was an after-school hockey program at the former St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Sydney,” he said. “I was at it for about 10 years and I really enjoyed helping the kids.” …show more content…

This time on a more serious note as the Sydney Merchants of the Cape Breton Senior Hockey League came calling. Joseph didn’t disappoint as he guided the club to two league championships. “The senior league produced great hockey,” Joseph recalled. “The Port Hood Bees were in it, along with the New Waterford Cavaliers, the UCCB Capers and Glace Bay. “Port Hood gave us some great competition,” he said. “They always showed up with full teams and ready to go. You couldn’t get into that rink in Port Hood. “The big name up there was the MacInnis family. Paul and Brian MacInnis contributed a lot to senior hockey in Port Hood. They were very involved.” In 1991-92, Joseph landed with the Cape Breton Colonels of the Nova Scotia “AAA” Midget Hockey League as an assistant coach to well-known local shinny guy from yesteryear, Ray “Boxer” George of Sydney. “That was a fantastic season,” Joseph said. “We won the Nova Scotia title and hosted the Atlantics. Unfortunately, New Brunswick coached by Danny Grant (former NHLer) took the tournament. We missed going to the Air Canada Cup by one

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