Tavistock Royals mark 30th anniversary with successful pork barbecue and home-ice win

Tavistock Royals players, volunteers and supporters work together to serve the annual pork barbecue. From left are Zach Shomphe, Devin Kropf (A), Tristan Hohl (C), Tyson Zehr (coach), Trevor Sauder (A), Lucas Bast, Duane Kropf, Kyle Wynette (club president), Michael Capicotto, Pauline Bender, Ron Saunders, Kristopher Meadows, Drew Gerth (A), Tyler Sutter, Matt Zilke, Derek Wagler, Heidi Danen (treasurer) and Grant Meadows. Missing is Verlus (John) Bender. Gary West photo

By Gary West

The Tavistock Royals senior hockey team scored big on and off the ice Saturday night, serving hundreds at their 30th annual pork barbecue before skating to a 6-3 win over the Milverton Four-Wheel Drives.

The long-running fundraiser once again proved to be the Royals’ biggest event of the winter, drawing steady support from fans who lined up for the popular drive-through meal. Players were happy to greet supporters and expressed appreciation for the continued backing that has helped sustain the team for three decades. The Royals also credited their wives, partners and volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes work is key to making the event run smoothly each year.

The menu featured a locally raised hog barbecued at the nearby Jack and Jane Danen farm, along with scalloped potatoes, Tavistock Men’s Club sauerkraut, baked beans, dinner rolls and apple pie served with Saputo cheese for dessert. For many, it has become a can’t-miss tradition on the local hockey calendar.

Once the final meals were served, Royals players crossed the parking lot, laced up their skates and brought that same energy to the ice. The result was a strong team effort and a 6-3 victory over Milverton. Milverton players were later overheard joking that next year, they plan to get in on the barbecue as well, hoping it might provide the same boost enjoyed by the Royals.