1954 – George Gennings

Four of us left from Niagara Falls, Ont., Canada en route to Clinton to join the Comets. We were advised to get off the Thruway in Westmoreland, turn left on Rte. 233, and would be in Clinton in 20 minutes. No one told us to turn left on College Hill Rd.! We ended up in Deansboro, stopped at the Hotel to ask directions. We were told to turn around; that we missed Clinton! We went back and ended up at Prop’s Inn, again asking directions. They said we had just driven through Clinton! After we found Clinton, one of us said, “I’m not playing in this little town”!

We went to the Arena and found Ed Stanley. He welcomed us and set us up with housing. I played for the Comets in 1954-55. I suffered a hockey injury, was hospitalized, met the Hospital Dietitian, finished the season, married the Dietitian, and retired from Professional Hockey. I played Old Timers Hockey. One game was against the Flying Fathers, and Father John Madden was on our team.

I coached/refereed minor hockey for 10 yrs. and refereed HS & college hockey for 3-4 yrs.

Spent many days watching our 2 sons play youth and HS hockey in Clinton, as well as college and Junior B hockey.

I made many friends and have great memories.

– George Gennings