The Merchants League was then formed in the area. Several teams competed in the league and most had their own outdoor rink. Districts included in the league were Sea View, French River, Stanley Bridge, Graham’s Road, Springfield, Cavendish and Kensington. The league lasted five years but only a few teams competed for the full period. Long River was able to capture the trophy on two occasions. In the last years of the league playoffs were held in Kensington Rink. Many residents can remember the hectic trips by truck and tractor through the mud to attend the exciting games. Finally country rinks died out and the Farmers League replaced the Merchants League. Long River rink closed in 1953.

Although Long River did not join the Farmers League several of the players joined teams elsewhere in the area. Windsor Campbell, the Long River goalie, joined a team in Summerside. Lloyd Profitt lined up with Springfield in the Farmers League. Leigh Bell played with Springfield also before he joined the army. While serving in Germany he also played hockey. Eric Campbell, who won the scoring race on one occasion with Long River in the Merchants League, played in the South Shore League in Bedeque. Fred Doughart played in the Farmers League with Grahams Road, Cavendish and New Annan. While playing with Cavendish he won the league scoring title in 1957 and in 1958. For several years these individuals carried the name of Long River in

hockey circles.

In 1958 a new generation of players brough Long River to the hockey wars again. A team entered the North Shore League in Ken— sington. The team was a member of this league from 1958 until 1960 and from 1962 until 1966. During these sixe seasons the team was in the finals four times and won the league trophy once. As the number of young people declined in Long River it was necessary to secure the services of several players from other districts. The Long River boys who played in these later years included Clair MacLeod, Donald Mac- Leod, Hillard Bernard, Alvin Bernard, Wendell Thompson, Hillard Thompson, Edwin Campbell, Donald Thompson, Fred Doughart, Dale Johnstone, Barry Johnstone, Kenneth Carr and George Doughart who led the league in goals in 1964 when Long River won the League title. When the renovated Kensington Rink reopens it is hoped that Long River will continue to hold the fine record it has established in hockey

in this century.

Skating

For those who did not wish to play hockey there has always been an opportunity to enjoy skating. This was enjoyed so much in Long River in the twenties that George Paynter and Arnold Bryanton established a skating rink on the pond. The small admission fee was a minute reward for the work they had in clearing the ice and providing space for the large crowd of skaters to change their footwear.

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