William Ernest (Ernie) Wasson

Ernie Wasson of Warsaw began his lengthy hockey career in Peterborough in 1895. He would be the goaltender on three provincial championship teams (1895, 1902 and 1906) and starred in lacrosse, soccer and cycling as well. In 1896, the “Great Bicycle Race” was the highlight of the summer cycling season. Thirty top local riders started up Water Street from the Market Square, continued on to the centre of Lakefield and returned to Nichols’ Oval. Ernie Wasson was the favourite and was leading until they reached Nassau on the return trip.  There he was pulled from his bike by an unfriendly collie dog and had his leg ripped open. He was only one of several riders who had trouble with dogs. To his credit, Ernie got up and finished the race, but W. Borland took the lead and won by about a block