In conjunction with the Welland Jr. B Hockey Club’s alumnus building initiative, the City of Welland has declared December 12 as Mark Forster Day.

ON December 12, 2021, the Club will retire Forster’s number 12 in a pregame ceremony. As both a player and a coach, Forster was instrumental in the franchise’s success on the ice and behind the bench. Moreover, Forster has been a community mainstay and played a role in many hockey lives.

“I am proud of my friend and former teammate,” said Councillor Jim Larouche, who will be representing the City at the jersey retirement. “I’m honoured to have known Mark for many, many years, and to watch him grow and support our community through sport and sportsmanship has been a pleasure to watch. This is a very deserved honour.”

Now 61 years old, Forster was known as the ultimate team-first player. He joins Pierre Coulombe as the only other member to have their number retired by the franchise.

A fundraising meet and greet is planned for December 11. Forster has asked that any proceeds from the fundraiser go back into the community, helping those less fortunate as the holiday season approaches.

To learn more about the Welland Jr. B Canadians, visit https://www.wellandjrcanadians.com