Kirkland Lake Legion 87's - About Us.

The Kirkland Lake Legion (Branch 87) has a long and rich history in hockey dating back to 1947. The Legion proudly sponsored the Kirkland Lake Juvenile team that played in packed arenas throughout the North. The sponsorship by the Legion of the Juvenile and other minor teams culminated in Kirkland Lake winning two All Ontario Juvenile Championships in the early 1960’s. Many of the players who played for the “Legion” advanced to the Junior and Professional levels. Other players advanced their educations while playing at the College or University level.

In the 1970’s the promotion of the Wrigley’s National Midget Championships created excitement and interest in Midget AAA hockey. Unfortunately, no midget league existed in the area. However, a midget team known as the Kirkland Lake Legion 87’s was formed to participate in exhibition games and tournaments. In 1976 in front of a packed home arena the Legion 87’s won the Northern Ontario Wrigley Championships and advanced to the Ontario Championships. The success and caliber of this team and the strength of the 87’s organization was evident when seven players from the team were either drafted or played in the Ontario Hockey League.

Midget AAA hockey continued to be played only at an exhibition or tournament level until a pending age change in minor hockey threatened the future of Juvenile Hockey. In 1986, the Kirkland Lake Legion 87’s became a charter member of the newly formed Great North Midget AAA League. The team has participated in the league every year since its inception with the exception of a one year leave of absence when the franchise was reorganized.

The most successful year for the Legion 87’s Midget AAA team was the 2001–2002 season. The team was second during the regular season and finished as league finalists to the eventual All Ontario Champion team from Timmins. The 2001-2002 Legion 87’s team was the Northern Ontario Hockey Association representative and participated in the Air Canada Central Region Midget AAA Championship.

The team has become one of the most successful franchises in the Great North Midget League and plays in front of close to 1000 fans a game at their regular home games held on Saturday nights at the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex.

The Kirkland Lake Legion 87’s organization and the sponsorship by Branch 87 of the Royal Canadian Legion continue to provide the opportunity to play competitive hockey. The local sponsorships, community involvement and time spent by many volunteers over the years has served the young people of Kirkland Lake and helped develop the character and spirit of the community.