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Continued from page 19 offered to fund the team, appropriately christened the Port Perry Flamingos. Local hockey enthusiasts were happy to answer the call of the fledgling franchise, Wayne recalls. “Our first President, Jack Kane, soon encouraged other good people to contribute.” One key addition, a few seasons into the team’s existence, has proven both long lasting and mutually satisfying. “Jack asked me if I'd join as trainer,” remembers Murray Parliament. “A year later, I took over as man- ager, have been ever since.” The club’s ultimate achievement often hinges on Murray’s efforts. “It’s my role to find players, recruit coaching and training staffs. But support from the Board of Directors has been just as important to our overall success. They’ve given our organization a consistent backbone. And we've been extremely fortunate to have the continuous backing of the Jackson family throughout the team’s history.” Ken Jackson is seen here at centre ice, dropping the puck Ken Jackson » captain of ihe Po for the 1980 season opener. Darrin Jobb, captain of the Port an d h i Ss f ‘am i ly Perry MoJacks, took the faceoff for the local Junior C team. have prov ided and Murray counts the team’s five among his most no- sponso rshi Pp for table memories. But he quickly adds that success doesn’t ’ only mean hoisting a trophy. the team since “You're never a loser,” he says. “You always gain P P something from your efforts as a team.” He also empha- the beg Inning. sized the club’s responsibility in shaping positive adult values. “Sports build character — ‘team’ attitude, giving 100%, Gary McHugh, the MoJacks’ current Secretary, respect for the organization. Players carry those lessons joined the executive about the same time as Murray. forward into the work place.” He fondly remembers Ken Jackson's support and In their sixth season, 1978, the Flamingos flew and the guidance. . MojJacks landed. __ “We've had the solid sponsorship from the fam- “J often get asked: ‘What's a Mojack?’” Murray laughs ily for 40 years, and it’s given us stability few teams in explaining the name change. “When Ken sold Flamin- have. Ken followed the club closely.” go Pastries and started Mother Jackson’s Open Kitchen, Inhis turn, Murray provided openings for Gai ‘ we needed a new nickname, and ran a newspaper contest. and other dedicated members to contribute, including Someone imaginatively merged ‘mother’ and ‘Jackson,’ another long-time contributor, Wayne Stainton. and the Flamingos became the MoJacks.” “T’ve filled just about every role in the organiza- The name may have changed, but not the team’s tion, including President,” Wayne smiles. “Being part fortunes within the community. Its fan base, Gary and of it gets in your blood. . . Murray agree, has been another contributor to the club’s Flanked by stable sponsorship and a reliable ex- longevity. ecutive, Murray can concentrate on achieving success “Our team survives on its gate revenue. True, we have on the ice. The elements of assembling a winning the support of the Jackson family, fundraising through team, he vim are the same in junior as profes- our Board, but loyal fans are key. And of course the play- sional hocl ers feel it, too.” “We scout ‘throughout Durham Region, especially None of that revenue — and the MoJacks require over Port Perry’s minor system. With my competitive na- —_69,090 annually to survive — flows to its staff or execu- ture, I enjoy that aspect: putting together a team and tives, all of whom volunteer their time. No one is afraid of watching it evolve. Frustrating sometimes, reward- dirty hands either; the MoJacks’ newly-refreshed dressing ing others — my. job has both those ingredients.” room, painted by Board members to conserve cash, is just Achampionship, of course, is every team’s goal, 20 FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2012 09,FOCUS. SEPTEMBER.48 pgsindd 20 12-08-20 8:32AM