1935 - THE DEATH OF GEORGE SPROULE
The lacrosse world lost one of its greatest ambassadors on July 15th.
After a serious throat operation George Sproule failed to regain
consciousness and passed away. The 44 year old, born in Napanee, had
grown up in Brampton and played with Excelsiors from 1909-31. He also
coached the junior squad to their first provincial championship in 1922
and coached the seniors in '32. The Conservator gave the story front
page coverage, including a picture of Sproule with the James Murphy
Trophy. Write ups on his passing appeared across the province. The
list of columnists who paid tribute to George read like a sport's
writers' dream team. Jim Fitzgerald, Lou Marsh, Ted Reeve and Mike
Rodden all had nothing but praise for the Bramptonite. Eddie Allen
wrote of the 1930 Mann Cup and described one of Sproule's goals as the
greatest he had seen since the days of Harry Hoobin. Jimmy Burrell, of
the Conservator, commented on how personable the star was. "Hello Jim.
Thanks for the write up, old boy," was his usual greeting. Burrell
further reminisced about an incident when he was a young boy. Trying to
get to a game at Scarborough Beach, but without the necessary cash, the
youngster had tried to sneak onto a streetcar. When he was caught none
other than George Sproule came to his rescue. The athlete solved the
difficulty by going deep into his own pocket. He also initiated Jimmy
as assistant to the water carrier so he could get into the game for
free. Such kind acts were commonplace for the faithful baptist and
insurance agent. Thus it came as no surprise when condolences arrived
from everywhere. The old Weston Lacrosse Club, St.Catharines,
St.Simon's and the O.L.A. all sent their best wishes. The legendary
George Sproule was gone but not forgotten.
The senior League was made up of two groups of four, however the bottom
team in each division quit in mid season. Hamilton won three times
while Toronto Maple Leafs were victorious only once. That meant the
remaining six clubs all made the playoffs. Burlington topped Group One
with an 18-7 record. St.Catharines was next(13-9-1) followed by
Fergus(13-10) Group Two was won by Orillia(21-5). Brampton(14-9) took
second place, then Mimico(7-12).
Burlington Beavers rise from Intermediate was a major surprise. They
were led by the Isaac brothers. Bill won his first scoring championship
with 66 goals, making him the second 50 goal scorer in league history.
Lance counted 35 markers, followed by Dick Walsh(33) and Herb Hess(31).
Athletics young star Roy 'Pung' Morton finished second in the league
with 46 goals. This was the first of three times Morton would finish
runnerup. He would never win a scoring title. Fergus was led by
premier playmaker Rusty White. Wattie Henderson also had a fine year.
The most notable top ten scorer was Bill Anthony. He had been
reinstated as an amateur and returned to the Excelsior roster.
Division semi-final winners were Brampton and St.Catharines. Excelsiors
tied 10-10 then defeated Mimico 14-8 to advance. Athletics lost in
Fergus 14-10 but made up the four goal difference with a convincing 15-3
win at home. Brampton threw their best at Orillia to start the best of
three group final. They lost the opener 9-7 in overtime. Terriers took
the second contest 11-3. Burlington/St.Catharines went the distance.
Beavers broke loose in the deciding match with an 18-7 romp. The league
final also went the three game limit. Orillia won 14-8, then Burlington
replied with a 16-9 victory. Finally Terriers prevailed by taking the
concluding game 11-8.
Next was another battle with Cornwall Island. The Indians had such
stars as Angus George and Louis Sunday. George would score seven points
in the two matches against the Mann Cup holders. Hardly enough.
Orillia won twice, 16-9 and 16-7. Verdun was taken care of in a 19-6
game. The B.C. champs, Richmond Farmers, also went quickly in three
straight. The games were competitive as Terriers only outscored the
westerners 29-21, however they finished on top each time. Len Wilkes
was top scorer with six goals. Shipwreck Kelly, Bill Wilson and Al
McLean each contributed four. Bill Morphett led Richmond with six
goals. John Cavallin and Vinnie Hartney each added four. It was the
final series for Ed Downey, Bill Wilkes and Bill Wilson as each would
head to New Westminster the next summer.
