Wayne Baril is Quinte’s biggest Montreal Canadiens fan.
Baril is well known in the Bay of Quinte for his support of local hockey teams, namely the Trenton Golden Hawks.
His support is unending and enthusiastic as is his support for the Stanley Cup final-bound Canadiens.
Baril turned 58 years old in December and was, like so many others over the past 18 months, unable to celebrate properly due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With vaccinations surging and cases nearly non-existent in the Quinte region, a small group of people decided Saturday was a good time to wish Baril a belated happy birthday in style.
MP Neil Ellis sent a letter recognizing Baril’s contribution to the local hockey community. (Photo Duncan Armstrong/Facebook)
The group, headed by Trenton’s Duncan Armstrong and Jeremy Gray, all dressed up in Montreal Canadiens garb and headed over to Baril’s Trenton residence to surprise him and present him with some gifts.
The idea for the the celebration originally came from former Trentonian, Jeremy Gray, who now resides in Toronto and is a police detective for Metro Police Services.
As seen on Armstrong’s Facebook page via Facebook live, a jubilant Baril stepped onto his front porch to see the small group bearing his favourite hockey team’s colours.
Baril was presented with a letter of recognition from the office of Bay of Quinte Minister of Parliament Neil Ellis thanking him for his fandom and contributions to the local hockey scene.
Further, former Montreal Canadiens winger Shayne Corson sent along a package with some of his hockey cards, personally signed banners and even a signed stick.
On top of that, the group who organized the surprise reached out to the Montreal Canadiens organization and they sent one of the Canadiens’ new Reverse Retro Jerseys as well as a letter from Owner Geoff Molson.
A smiling (behind his Habs mask) Baril then led the group in the famous “Olé” chant often heard at Montreal Canadiens games.
