Hartland Legion delivers memorable national pool championship event
Dundas, Ontario’s Darryl Doolittle will carry fond memories of his first trip to Hartland, N.B., for the rest of his life.
Not only will he remember the community-wide welcome and the striking images of the Covered Bridge Community, but the armload of trophies he took home from Hartland signify the incredible success surrounding the reason for his trip east.
Doolittle and his Team Ontario teammates took home the singles, doubles and team titles for the Dominion 8-Ball Championships hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24 in Hartland.from May 24 to 27.
“It’s been a blast,” said Doolittle.” It’s the first time I’ve been here, and it’s been a blast.”
It was not only his first trip to Carleton County but also to the Legion’s Dominion 8-Ball tournament, which featured 10 teams representing all provinces except Quebec.
Doolittle praised the event organizers, the Hartland Legion, the New Brunswick Command and the community, echoing the views of teammates and opponents.
“We couldn’t ask for a better venue to host this event,” he said.
Doolittle captured the Singles title, beating out Team Ontario teammate Mark Johnston.
Doolittle and Johnston combined to capture the Doubles title over runners-up Carl Ringer and David Locke of Team Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Team Ontario foursome of Doolittle, Johnston, Brandon Raddatz and Colton Keuhl earned the Team title over Team Nova Scotia’s Bob Massia, Christopher Marsh, Bruce Lilly and Harry O’Donnell.
Carla Orser, who co-chaired the tournament organizing committee with Bobby Allison, said they received positive feedback from participants and other guests. She praised the many volunteers who spent months helping the branch prepare for the national event.
The tournament began Friday evening, May 24, with opening ceremonies, which included the Branch 24 Colour Guard and the laying of wreaths in memory of veterans. It closed Sunday evening, May 26, with another meal, ceremonies and the presentation of awards by Branch President Gary Bovard and Dominion Sports Chairman and Vice President Brian Weaver.
Head Table guests included Harland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant and Lena Levesque of Upper Valley District Command.
DeMerchant thanked Legion members, organizers and visiting team members for making the tournament a fantastic event. She said Hartland residents were proud to showcase their small town to visitors from across the country.
Several visiting players praised the event and their treatment, with special mentions of the great food. In addition to meals provided by Legion staff and volunteers on Friday and Sunday evenings, the branch hosted a steak barbecue on Saturday evening.
Orser said they tried to give the players a chance to visit the town, but the competition occupied most of their time.
She said they did manage to arrange a group photo of all the players in front of Hartland’s famous landmark bridge.
Doolittle noted one disappointment.
“I still haven’t seen a moose,” he joked.
