BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Spartans slot back Dave St. Amour knows how to make an
impression and leave a lasting one.
The 17-year NFC veteran had his Number 33 officially retired by
the franchise during half time at the 2006 NFC All-Star Game at
Queen's Athletic Field.
The emotional moment spilled across the field as foes and
friends gathered at centre field to shake the hand of St. Amour
and congratulate him.
St. Amour will best be known for his fiery and feisty
competitive nature and elite skill.
Spartans defensive lineman Kevin White watched St. Amour
prove his worth year after year.
"Dave's the best player I have ever played with bar
none...He has a big heart and he's deserving of having his
number retired," stated White.
Spartans wide receiver Brandon Dougan is the player he is
today because of St. Amour.
"He's one of the best all-around players...When I was young,
first starting to play with the Spartans, Dave took me under
his wing and taught me just about everything I know about
football and receiving. It was nice to be part of his
ceremony," said Dougan.
Spartans quarterback and long-time friend Paul Gauthier got
to lead the ceremony and handed St. Amour his retired jersey.
"It was nice the Spartans asked me to do the
ceremony...Dave's a really good friend and one of the best
players of all time," said Gauthier. "He had a great career. He
had tremendous skills for a small man. He always found ways to
get open and we worked great together, so it's special for me
to do this."
Even opponents couldn't resist the urge to give St. Amour a
pat on the back.
"It was tremendous to see this...I have seen him break so
many records and I learned so much from him in my time," said
former Spartan and  North Bay Bulldog player Chris
Bowes.  "When I was 16, Dave took time out to talk to me
about technique. It was always hard to play against Dave the
last few years."
St. Amour was relentless.
"He has the biggest heart...and he plays like he's a tank," said Kim "Junior" Labrosse. " Nothing could stop him. He would get balls from where no one wanted to go. He ran hard every play. He's a good friend and he hated to lose and was intense. I was glad to see his number get retired."
