The Orillia Experience Nissan Kings will pay tribute to the late Steve Wilde Saturday night.
“The Wildman” was synonymous with minor sports in Orillia and he had a special place in his heart for lacrosse.
“Steve had been involved with lacrosse as a player, coach and Orillia Minor Lacrosse Association executive member for many years,” said Joel Campbell, president of the Jr. B Kings. “He was also player/coach for the Orillia Colonels back in the 1980s.”
Last May, Wilde, who was just 59, died suddenly and unexpectedly. His death sent shockwaves through the community.
“We want to pay tribute to Steve and his family and honour the legacy he left,” said Campbell.
Prior to their regular-season contest at Rotary Place, the Kings will host a ceremony to recognize Wilde’s love affair with lacrosse. His wife and family will be on hand for the tribute.
Campbell invites all those who knew Wilde or were touched by his efforts as a player, coach or volunteer to attend the ceremony.
That night, the Kings, who have a disappointing 4-9 record more than halfway through their Ontario Jr. B Lacrosse Association season, will host Oakville. It will be a tough test for the Kings as Oakville enters the game with an impressive 10-3 record.
Heading into the contest, the Kings – after back-to-back .500 seasons that saw them earn a playoff berth each year – are tied with Newmarket for third place in the four-team Mid-East Division. The Oshawa Green Gaels top the division and the eastern conference with a 11-1 record.
Game time Saturday night at Rotary Place is 7 p.m.
