Winterhawks super-fan Vi Cottrill, second from right, enjoyed a front row seat to a road hockey game near her residence November 7 to commemorate her upcoming 85th birthday and her commitment to so many Saugeen Shores teams throughout her life.

Hub Staff

Possibly the biggest sports fan ever known to Saugeen Shores turns 85 this December and a road hockey game in her honour was held near her residence on Saturday, November 7. Vi Cottrill has had to settle for televised sports to sustain her throughout COVID-19, but she was thrilled to have a front row seat for some live hockey action involving players from the Saugeen Shores Storm teams and even a few Winterhawks.

Cottrill was born in Bruce County and has lived in Saugeen Shores for most of her life. Although she never played team sports herself, her team spirit has impacted many athletes in her community.

“She’s been the number one fan if you look back through the archives,” said Cottrill’s sister Wilma Gostick.

On November 7 the tables were turned and Cottrill discovered a fan following of her own that came out to wish her a happy 85th birthday and express their gratitude for her ongoing support. Many friends came out to drop off cards and gifts to celebrate “Port Elgin Royalty” as her fans have dubbed her.

Players from the Saugeen Shores Storm and a few from the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks grabbed their sticks to put on some live hockey action for their biggest fan, Vi Cottrill, who has missed attending the games in person due to COVID-19.

Judy MacArthur (back) has been escorting Vi Cottrill to Winterhawks games for the past several years. Cottrill has been cheering on Saugeen Shores athletes for decades and many came out Saturday to show how much they’ve missed their biggest fan.

Vi Cottrill’s family joined her for a birthday celebration complete with a road hockey game in her honour. Cottrill’s sister, niece and family were all in attendance. Back, from left, Fannie Holley, Elizabeth Holley, Tim Holley, Vonnie Jasso. Front, from left, Vi Cottrill, Wilma Gostick.

Randi Pilger and Kerri Shrider Gallop organized the hockey game while Patti Shrider organized the celebration November 7, all in honour of Vi Cottrill's upcoming 85th birthday.