Six years have passed since the Carmen Provenzano Memorial Cup was first introduced as one way to remember the popular former Sault Ste. Marie politician who passed away suddenly in July of 2005.
Among other passions, the late Mr. Provenzano was known for his love of hockey, particularly the junior level.
The Provenzano Cup serves as a main highlight in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League rivalry between the Soo Thunderbirds and Blind River Beavers. The Provenzano Cup is awarded to winner of the regular-season series between the Thunderbirds and Blind River.
By winning the '10-11 regular-season series with Blind River, the Thunderbirds have won the Provenzano Cup five times. The only time the Birds were denied claim to the Provenzano Cup was the '06-07 campaign when they lost the season series to the erstwhile Michigan Soo Indians.
Interestingly, current Thunderbirds general manager Kevin Cain was the coach of the '06-07 Indians, who went on to win the NOJHL championship.
The '06-07 season was the only time in the existence of the Provenzano Cup that the Thunderbirds and Blind River didn't compete for the coveted trophy.
Founders of the Provenzano Cup, sportswriter Randy Russon and his wife Mary, have said that the Provenzano Cup will forever remain a competition between the Birds and the Beavers.
The first installment of the 2011-12 Provenzano Cup series will be played on Wed. Sept. 21st when the Birds play host to the Beavers at John Rhodes Community Centre.
