A new banner with the number 23 on it now hangs in the North Grenville Municipal Centre arena.
The Kemptville 73s held a ceremony Wednesday night honouring Ryan “Diesel” Forbes, a former player who passed away after a battle with cancer in December.
Forbes played for the 73s’ 1996-97 season, where the team went undefeated, and was inducted into the Kemptville and District Sports Hall of Fame alongside his teammates in 2012.
In the years since, the team has presented a trophy named after him to the player with the “most heart” annually.
“Diesel was proud to be from Kemptville, and was the essence of our small town,” the 73s’ Announcer said during the ceremony. “His heart, infectious smile, and compassion made him a friend and family to all that crossed his path.”
The ceremony was held ahead of a home game against the Brockville Braves, with members of Forbes’ family in attendance.
The 73s went on to win the game in overtime, 4 to 3.