LEWISTON – Parents aren’t supposed to pick favorites, but in this case, most people would probably grant an exception.
Twelve years ago, the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia received word that they would be an expansion city for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Among the owners of that franchise were Mark Just and Wendell Young.
The first head coach? Clement Jodoin.
The first business director? Matt McKnight.
If all of those names sound familiar, they should. All four are now part of the Lewiston Maineiacs’ organization. Just and Young are the team’s two owners, McKnight is the team’s vice president and governor, and Jodoin is the general manager and head coach.
“It’s a special event,” admitted Jodoin. “We’re not really saying anything out loud, but in the back of our minds, it’s still our baby that’s growing, and now we’re starting a new baby that’s also growing.”
When asked whether the younger brother should now beat the older brother, Jodoin chuckled.
“Usually this is the way it should happen,” Jodoin said with a laugh.
Even Just, who has been on vacation in Florida, will be in town for the first two games of the playoffs this weekend
Once it became apparent that the two teams were probably going to meet in the first round, I’ll be honest I started thinking about that,” said Just. “The truth of the matter is, though, all of my loyalties are in Lewiston.”
McKnight, who is from Ottawa but has many ties left in Halifax, also dismissed any feelings of mixed loyalty.
“There’s absolutely no loyalty in that regard,” said McKnight. “The game of hockey is all about who you’re with at the present time and everything has to be devoted to your present team.”
He didn’t hide feelings of excitement, though, for the players and for those fans who do venture to Halifax.
“I can’t say that I’m not excited about facing Halifax,” said McKnight. “I think it’s good for our players to play in Halifax, whether at the Forum or at the Metro Centre, it’s quite a great environment for junior hockey.”
Even Just held some reverence for his former team, and its current group of personnel.
“I do respect their coaching staff a lot,” said Just. “Al MacAdam and Cam Russell have done a great job with those kids. The players play hard. I still have enough confidence in our coaching staff, in our players, though, to think we have a chance to win this thing.”
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