BY SCOTT HADDOW
When hockey fan Marcel Rainville was born, legend has it he came into the world wearing a Chicago Blackhawks’ jersey.
Needless to say, Rainville, who is now over 40, was one of the first people to show up at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre (NORMHC) to meet seven-time NHL All-Star and former Blackhawks and Boston Bruins and Capreol native player Doug Mohns.
As the clock neared Mohns’ arrival time, he lightly stamped his feet and tightened his clutch on several hockey pictures and other memorabilia, items he wanted Mohns to autograph.
Shortly after 11 am Wednesday, Mohns pulled into the parking lot, sending a light buzz through the crowd.
Fittingly, as Mohns, who was known as “Diesel” in his playing days, embarked from his vehicle, a lumbering freight train roared passed the museum, blowing its horn and ringing its bell.
The setting was perfect for Mohns’ fans and friends to descend on him like hungry puppies to their mother. He was embraced by old friends, shook the hands of nervous fans and immediately started signing autographs.
“I didn’t think I would get a reception like that,” Mohns would later state when the commotion died down.
“It’s wonderful to be back...it’s been eight or 10 years since I was last here,” Mohns said. “I’ve been itching to get back. I have a lot of old friends here...it was tremendous to see them again. Capreol is a place I will never forget.”
Mohns played 22 years in the NHL as a forward and a defenceman. He was the second defenceman in NHL history to score 20 goals. In 1,390 games, Mohns, now 72, racked up 248 goals and 710 points.
“I had a good career,” a modest Mohns said. “I played 22 years without ever playing in the minors and that’s quite an accomplishment.”
Mohns earned his nickname of Diesel by virtue of his playing style.
“When I was in Barrie playing for the Flyers...another player named me Diesel because of the way I went up and down the ice,” Mohns said.
“If I couldn’t get around a player, I went over top of them like a diesel train. It was a fitting name...I came from a railroad town and my father was an engineer and so were my two brothers.”
Although Capreol has known better days as an important CN town, Mohns can’t think of a better place to live.
“There’s lot of special, good people in this town,” Mohns said. “It’s a good community. They work hard together and support one another. It’s one of those places where people enjoy life.”
Currently, Mohns is retired from hospital administration. He worked almost 20 years with the New England Rehabilitation Hospital as a senior manager.
The people of Capreol were thrilled to have Mohns back, even if it was just for a few days.
“It’s great having him back,” NORMHC president Bob Michelutti said. “He’s one of the best players ever from the area. It’s a real honour to have him here. Doug is an honorary board member with the NORMHC and he’s a real ambassador for the board. He promotes the museum.”
At the end of the day Rainville’s head was spinning with delight. “I have been a Blackhawks fan since I was breathing...and this was the first time I got to meet Doug,” Rainville elated.
“I got my things signed that I have had and held for years and years. Now they’re signed and I am so appreciative.
He was a source of pride for me growing up and it was a very special day for me.”
