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Last surviving player from 1944’s Trail Smoke Eater champions turns 100

Trail's Ivo Toffolo is turning 100 on September 20
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Top left: Ivo Toffolo played for the Trail AAA Junior Smoke Eaters, winner of the 1944 Western Canadian championship.

The community of Trail will celebrate a momentous occasion on September 20, the 100th birthday of Ivo Toffolo.

Toffolo's three sons Larry, Ron, and Eugene will travel from Vancouver and Victoria to honour their father’s incredible milestone. Besides his three sons and daughters-in-law, the majority of his grandchildren and great grandchildren will also be in town to honour the special day.

Toffolo is a cherished figure in Trail’s rich history. He was born and raised in Trail, and worked at Teck for 42 years.

As a member of the Trail Junior Smoke Eaters, he played a pivotal role in the team’s victory in the Western Canada Championship in 1944.

The team went on to compete in the Canadian championship, known as the Memorial Cup, against the Eastern champions from Oshawa, ON.

The championship series, held at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, saw the Oshawa Generals emerge victorious in a best-of-seven series.

Today, Toffolo is the last surviving member of the 1944 Trail AAA junior hockey team.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Toffolo is the oldest living member of the Colombo Lodge in Trail, a testament to his enduring connection to the community.

His life and contributions have been a source of civic pride, reflecting the spirit of Trail.

Toffolo was married to the late Hilda Muzzin, and together they raised their three sons.

His legacy continues through his family and the countless lives he has touched in Trail.