Arnott Larock is newest member of Eatonia’s Wall of Excellence
By Joan Janzen
EATONIA - Last week (Gordon) Arnott Larock became the newest member of the Wall of Excellence in Eatonia. The announcement was made before the Eatonia Senior Huskies vs Frontier game on Sunday, January 19th.
Every year, the Eatonia Rec Board votes on past or present nominees nominated by friends or family. This year, they chose Arnott, who is now part of the Wall of Excellence in the Eatonia Memorial Arena lobby.
Arnott Larock was announced the newest member of Eatonia’s Wall of Excellence prior to the January 19th game between Eatonia Sr Huskies and Frontier. PHOTO COURTESY EATONIA REC BOARD
The following is part of Arnott’s story, which was shared with those in attendance. It’s taken from the nomination form submitted by Mitch Larock.
Arnott started skating at 7 years old in Mantario. In 1949, he moved to Kindersley with his aunt and uncle so that he could skate at an indoor rink. He was picked up to play with a few different teams.
As a teenager, Arnott played with Kindersley’s high school team. He also played with the Kindersley Senior Klippers, playing against great players like the Allan brothers from Kerrobert who later played in the NHL.
He won several provincial titles and attended many camps for junior teams. And at the age of fifteen, he was asked to move to Saskatoon and play on a team there, however, he declined.
In the summer of 1952, a scout invited Arnott to Winnipeg for the Detroit Redwings camp. Arnott was sixteen years old when he took the train from Kindersley to Winnipeg along with four players from Kerrobert. While in Winnipeg, the players each received $40 per week in spending money. While there, Tommy Ivan, the head coach for the Detroit Redwings, had a long conversation with him about possibilities for the NHL. They wanted him to stay in Brandon to play on the junior team, but young Arnott wasn’t ready to move so far away from home.
In the fall of 1953, Arnott went to the New York Rangers camp, but couldn’t finish camp due to muscle aches and pains. He later found out the cause of it to be Polio.
After his diagnosis, Arnott switched gears from playing to coaching. He coached his sons, Greg and Derwin, winning the southern final two years in a row. He also coached the Eatonia Senior Huskies. Arnott estimates he spent around 20 years coaching in Eatonia.
Arnott also played a role in the construction of the rink in Eatonia alongside other community members including Jim Martin. Arnott remembers bringing his tractor into town and using it to lift men up to work.
He has fond memories of his time playing and coaching hockey. Arnott has been a positive influence on many in the community and is a very deserving recipient.
Everyone is grateful to Arnott for all he has done for the community over the years.