Hometown Hockey

Swedish Star Jan Erik Vidgren

2008-07-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

We travel to the northern reaches of Sweden to locate our next Hometown Hockey Hero. Jan Erik Vidgren hails from Pitea, Sweden. The Swedish city has more recently produced NHL stars Tomas Holmstrom and former New York Islanders defenseman Stefan Persson. Between the two they account for eight Stanley Cups.
Vidgren, better known as 'Jante" in Swedish hockey circles, was a highly skilled forward who spent his entire career (1963-1980) playing around the Arctic Circle.
Born in 1948, Vidgren has reached the upper levels of Swedish hockey by 1963. His career started with Ojeby IF where he tallied 257 goals before trades sent him to Pitea HC and Skelleftea HC. He would score another 220 goals after the trade from Ojeby.
Today Vidgren remains in Pitea and works for the city as a firefighter. Vidgren remains a huge fan of the game an follows fellow Swedes who currently play in the NHL.

All-American Lane MacDonald

2007-04-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagine a more successful amateur career in the United States. Lane MacDonald did it all in the 1980's. MacDonald was born in Tulsa but grew up in Wisconsin. The Ivy League called and MacDonald was off to Harvard University. He was twice named All-American and led the Crimson to a 1989 NCAA title. The 1989 season also was special as MacDonald captured the Hobey Baker as the NCAA's top collegiate player.

As if his accomplishments weren't enough at Harvard, MacDonald also was a key member of the 1988 US Olympic team that competed in Calgary.

MacDonald was drafted by the Calgary Flames, but a series of head injuries ended his career by the time the 1990's arrived. The left winger spent a single season in Switzerland with Lugano before having to retire. In 2005, he was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame.

Today, MacDonald is a General Partner in an equity firm and lives is the Boston area with his wife and three children. His father, Lowell, was a gifted NHL player scoring 180 goals in just over 500 games.

Clarkson Player and Coach Ron Frazer

2007-03-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ron Frazer had settled in Hannawa Falls, New York, but his hockey roots travel back to Ottawa, Ontario. As a high school star in Ottawa, Frazer faced off against his top rival- Johnny Quilty for the city championship. Quilty's St. Patrick's College topped Frazer's Nepean High School. Quilty was off to the Montreal Canadiens and the rookie of the year and Frazer was off to Clarkson, after a season with the junior Senators, and a college scholarship.
In 1942, frazer and Clarkson played a limited schedule due to the war. Frazer scored 5 goals and 3 assists in a single game. The following yearFfrazer's hockey career came to an end when a giant cell tumor on his left foot had to be surgically removed.
Now retired, Frazer continued to coach at many different levels. In 1975 he began the Clarkson Women's hockey team and coached the team for 8 seasons.

Lt Col James C. Magnus USMCR Ret.

2007-03-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

James Magnus hockey career is impressive. His military is even more impressive. When the Marine Corp called, Magnus headed for for Korea. Prior to Korea, Magnus was a pilot in World War II. The Minnesota native also spent 23 years in the National Guard and Reserves. Now a resident of Arizona, Magnus is a member of the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame and now enjoys playing golf in Arizona.
On the ice, the right winger was a high school star in St. Paul beforing playing from 1938-1941 with the University of Minnesota. Magnus also played for the St. Paul Koppy's in the senior amateur circuit in his home state.

Edmonton's Finest- Rocky Maze

2007-03-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

When did junior hockey star Rocky Maze first appear on a trading card? It may very well be his Edmonton Police Service 2000 issue. The card inicates he has spent 22 years with EPS. The card also states his favorite sport is hockey.
In the early 1970's, Maze played for the Edmonton Oil Kings and was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1976. Maze was also drafted by the WHA Cleveland Crusaders. The Edmonton native went to camp with the Buffalo Sabres in the mid -1970's and spent some time playing for the Charlotte Checkers in the Southern League. He became disillusioned with the game and knew the odds of making the NHL were slim. Maze returned to Edmonton and gave up the NHL dream after a single season. He applied to the EPS in September 1977 and the rest is history.
Maze has become involved in coaching and is a member of the 'Faded Blues' police hockey team.

Staff Sergeant Edgar Montigny

2007-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Edgar Montigny took a tour of the east coast in the the late 1940's and early 1950's. Playing in the old Eastern Hockey League, Montigny played for the Atlantic City Seagulls, Boston Olympics, New York Rovers and the Johnstown Jets. There were other stops as well. Towns like Windsor, St. Paul , Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids. Montigny never stayed in one town too long.
After his playing days had come to an end, Montigny headed back to Canada and landed a job working in the mines in Timmins, Ontario. Working underground did not appeal to him so Montigny joined the Police Department. He worked for the department for 30 years and retired as a Staff Sergeant. Most of his days on the force included investigations, photography and fingerprinting. After retiring in 1987, Montigny moved out west to Salmon Arm and has been there ever since.

Publisher Stanley S. Hubbard

2007-02-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Stanley S. Hubbard is very well know in broadcasting circles. A litle less known in the hockey community. Hubbard's father started the Hubbard Broadcasting Company in 1924. Hubbard has continued his family's traditions of excellence and innovation in broadcasting, and taken them to new heights. The son of Stanley E. Hubbard, he joined Hubbard Broadcasting in 1951, became its president in 1967, and its chairman, president, and chief executive officer in 1983.
Hubbard also was a member of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 1950's with players like Jim Mattson, Dick Meredith, Wendy Johnson, Ken Yackel and the great John Mayasich.
Hubbard didn't start skating until the 6th grade. He went on to play high school hockey at the Breck School. Hubbard served as Captain in his senior season. His teammate Paul Johnson went on to win a gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics.

President Dale Henwood

2007-02-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

Dale Henwood is currently the President of the Canadian Sport Centre based in Calgary, Alberta. The Centre's mission is " To support high performance athletes to achieve podium performances in international competition through a holistic process." The Centre provides support to athletes participating in sports like bobsled, luge, cross country skiing , women's hockey and many other sports.
In the early 1970's Henwood was playing goal in the old Eastern league with the Long Island Ducks. Later he played goal while attending the University of Alberta. By the late 1970's, Henwood was serving as Assistant Coach for St. Lawrence University.

Kinasewich and the Family Business

2007-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

"Kemo" was originally signed with the Detroit Red Wings, but he never got to Motown. There were stops in Edmonton, Seattle, Cleveland, Hershey - but never the big time. From 1959-1962 Kinasewich played right wing for the Hershey Bears. In 208 games he tallied 132 points for the chocolate and white.
After hockey Kinasewich went into the family business running a commercial linen company. The business provides linen service to the healthcare industry in Canada, USA and England.
In his spare time, "Kemo' enjoys playing a round or two of golf.
At last report, the 73 year-old Alberta native was living in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

Three Sport Star Jim Walsh

2007-01-26T01:55:00.000-08:00

Jim Walsh was a tremendous collegiate athlete, managing to play baseball, football and hockey during his time at Northeastern University. Walsh came was selected to travel to the National Sports Festival in order to try out for the 1980 US Olympic team. After his three-year stint with Northeastern, he signed a free agent contract with the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres.
The defenseman played several seasons with the Rochester Americans (1979-82) and became the only American born Captain in the American Hockey League. Other AHL stops included Binghamton and New Haven.
With his playing days behind him, Jim Walsh began a second career in construction with his own Boston-based engineering and contracting firm. In 1991 Jim Walsh was elected to the Northeastern University Hall of Fame.

Niagara Falls' James Atack

2007-01-19T02:18:00.000-08:00

James Atack realized the chances of making the six team NHL were slim. Professional hockey opportunities were scarce as well. So when Atack wrapped up a successful career as a member of the Michigan State Spartans he know his competitive hockey career ended.
Atack spent 1958 to 1961 as a member of the Amo Bessone led Spartans. In 1958/59 the Spartans won 17 games and were a NCAA Tournament Finalist losing to North Dakota in overtime. The final two collegiate years brought only a combined 9 victories.
After MSU Atack returned to Canada and began a teaching and coaching career which lasted 34 years. Atack retired as the Athletic Director of a high school in Niagara Falls.
On a side note, Atack's son-in-law is Canadian Olympic rowing medalist Mike Hughes.

Don Dexradeur & Senior Hockey in New England

2007-01-09T01:07:00.000-08:00

If you have never heard of Don Dextradeur, that is OK. However, there is one group that surely remembers him - New England senior hockey goalies. Dextradeur started his hockey career at Hamden High School in Connecticut. The left winger went on to a successful senior career with the New Haven Bears and Springfield Flyers.
Dextradeur also played college hockey at the Springfield based American International.
Dextradeur was drafted and joined the Air Force. After a couple years of service he was sent to Alaska where he played and coached hockey at the LAD Air Force Base. After his Air Force commitment , Dextradeur returned to New England and played another season with the Springfield Flyers. The Hamden, CT native also was active in coaching his son's hockey and baseball teams.
Dextradeur is now 77 years old and enjoying retirement in New England.

Stu Cruikshank & The World of Hockey

2007-01-03T01:54:00.000-08:00

Stu Cruikshank started his hockey career in Calgary, Alberta and wound up in La- Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. In between there was tons of hockey and tons of towns.
In Canada, Cruikshank played a year for the Kimberley Dynamiters and then a year in the International Hockey League with Milwaukee.
In 1951, Cruikshanks started his hockey travels with Falkirk in Scotland and stayed 2 years. Next it was on to Bern , Switzerland and then back to Falkirik. France was next, signing with Lyon fro two years and from 1957 to 1962 with a Paris based team.
Cruikshank also spent a considerable amount of time at hockey clincs and coaching teams throughout Europe.

Gary Davidge: Hockey's Top Accountant

2006-12-27T01:06:00.000-08:00

A bio from the 1962 Moose Jaw Canucks junior programs begins to outline the career of Gary Davidge. "One of the best all-around hockey players in the league is Gary Davidge. Besides scoring goals he spends a great deal of time as a penalty killer. Last year the tall left winger scored 24 goals and 18 assists. He's starting his fourth and final year with the Canucks. Besides hockey, he works with R. L. Bamford and Company as an accountant. (Coach) Prystai is looking forward to a big year for Gary."
From the junior ranks, Davidge played senior hockey for the Moose Jaw Pla-Mors, Calgary Spurs and Edmonton Nuggets through 1968.
The Calgary resident coached several community in Edmonton and played oldtimers hockey until he was 48 years old. His other hockey involvement consisted of organizing an investment whereby he purchased 117 season tickets when the Vancouver Canucks entered the NHL. The tickets were used to operate charter plane trips from Calgary and Edmonton to attend NHL hockey in Vancouver.
From 1969 to 1993 Davidge was a Chartered Accountant in a variety of partnerships in Edmonton.

Hal Spellisay: Regina's College Pipeline

2006-12-22T02:35:00.000-08:00

Hal Spellisay was on the front end of the Regina, Saskatchewan to U.S. College pipeline. Over 50 years ago, Spellisay took the rare leap from Western Canada to U.S. College. Spellisay landed in Colorado Springs as a member of the Colorado College Tigers.
Prior to the States, Spellesay played for the Regina Commandos and then junior hockey with the famous Notre Dame College Greyhounds of Wilcox, Sask.
By the late 1950's the Regina pipeline feed quality hockey players mainly to the University of Michigan and the University of Denver. Players like Red Berenson, Jerry Kolb, Gordon Wilkie, Gary Butler, Joe Lunghamer attended Michigan. Grant Munro, Marty Howe and Jerry Walker all played for the Pioneers after playing junior for the Regina Patricias.
Spellisay played very little hockey after leaving Colorado College. He played a few games in a commercial league in Saskatoon. After hockey, time was just spent skating for pleasure.
At last report, Spellisay was retired and living in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Maritime Star "Rocky" Sullivan

2006-12-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

Hockey in the Maritimes in the 1940's and 1950's was wildly popular. Crowds in cities like Hailfax, Saint John, Moncton and Fredricton rivalled the crowds seen today at American Hockey League games.
Leading the way for Halifax was centerman Allan "Rocky" Sullivan. Starting off with the Dartmouth Junior Rough Riders in 1937, Sullivan was off to a career doing one thing better than most- scoring goals.
Sullivan spent 2 1/2 seasons overseas during World War II and returned to Nova Scotia to play for the Haifax Crescents. By the 1946/7 season Sullivan had firmly established himself as one of the top scorers in the Maritimes "Big 4 League." During 1947/48's 48 game schedule, Sullivan led the Crescents with 36 goals and 74 points to finish fourth in the league in scoring.
Sullivan eventually moved on to the St. Mary's senior team. Next Sullivan became a player coach for the Maritime Intermediate Champions Lunenburg Falcons.
Sullivan turned down opportunities to play in France but remained in Canada to take care of his growing family.
Today, the 86 Year old Sullivan remains in Halifax and is in very good health.

Bill Colpitts and the Fighting Sioux

2006-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

Offensive skills were never in short supply for Minnesota resident Bill Colpits. That offensive skill started in Winnipeg, Manitoba and continued through a successful junior and college career. Colpittsplayed youth hockey in Winnipeg where he was teammates with University of Denver All-American Bill Masterton. During the 1967=68 season masterton was killed as a result of an on ice injury.
Colpitts played junior with the Winnipeg Monarchs and the St. Boniface Canadiens. The high point of his junior career was playing in the Western Canada Championships against the Red Berneson led Regina Pats.
Due to limitations in size and skating ability Colpitts figured the pro games wasn't an option. Colpitts made the decision to attend the University of North Dakota and turned in a very successful career for the Fighting Sioux.
The years after hockey were spent as a teacher and a high school hockey coach.

Hershey Bears Great Roger DeJordy

2006-12-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

A great, great scorer while wearing the Chocolate and Black of the Bears. DeJordy played in Central Pennsylvania from 1962 to 1970. Although he never lead the Bears in single season scoring, the Quebec native ranks 5th all-time in goals with 222 and 7th overall with 448 points while with the Bears.
At last contact, Dejordy was living in Edmonton and working part-time at Edmonton Northlands Race Track. Prior to the track, DeJordy took an early retirement from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where he managed the ice arena for 27 years.
One of DeJordy's greatest memories in hockey was the Calder Cup Championship won with the Bears in 1969.

Mayasich: The Greatest American

2006-11-27T01:02:00.000-08:00

John Mayasich is perhaps the top hockey player in the history of the sport in the USA. From high school to the Olympics, Mayasich was always the premier player on the ice. Over 50 years after his high school days in Eveleth, MN many of his records still stand. Mayasich went on to be a three time All-American with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He was the leading scored in the WCHA in 1954 and 1955.
However, it was on the international stage in which Mayasich made his mark. The talented forward led the USA to a Silver at the 1956 Olympics only to follow up with a Gold at the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. Mayasich contined to play for the US National Team well into the 1960's.
The Eveleth native is a member of the hometown United Stated Hockey Hall of Fame.
After hockey, Mayasich went onto a long and successfull career in the broadcasting business in Minneapolis.

Scheifele & Brian Leetch's Volvo

2006-11-21T05:28:00.000-08:00

A hockey player from Greenbelt, Maryland? Sure. The following is the wacky hockey travels of Steve Scheifele. Left Maryland to play junior in Stratford, Ontario for the Cullitons. Drafted by the OHL Toronto Marlboros, decided to head to Boston College. The first non- New Englander recruit by the B.C. Eagles. Took time out his freshman year to wreck Brian Leetch's Volvo. Headed to Moscow as a member of the USA World Junior National Team. While in Russia played with John LeClair, Jeremy Roenick and other future NHL stars. Left Boston College early to sign with Bobby Clarke and the Philadelphia Flyers. Two years in the minors split between the Hershey Bears and the ECHL Richmond Renegades. Held the ECHL record for the fastest goal from the start of a game. Then it was over.
Today, Scheifele resides in Florida and is knee deep in the insurance game. Extra time is now spent out on his boat fishing the weekends away.

The Erdmans - The Smartest Family in Hockey

2006-11-15T00:29:00.000-08:00

Five Hockey playing brothers. Five Ivy League educations. Four graduated from Princeton, one graduated from Yale. All five planned to follow their father's footsteps and attend Princeton. Charles Erdman Jr. was a college track star and graduated from Princeton in 1919.
Charles and Harold were the class of 1946 at Princeton. Peter was the class of 1950, David the class of 1953. Micheal the class of 1957. However,Harold never finished at Princeton, due to World War II and a military commitment, Harold transfered and graduated from Yale.
Harold went on to play for the Sands Point Tigers of the Metropolitian Hockey League in the 1940's. Harold also played for the famous St. Nick's Hockey team in the 1940's.
At last report, Harold was retired and living in Princeton area. Peter remained in Princeton as well and David took off north to live in Maine. Charles wound up on the left coast and finally Michael resides in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Byron Shutt - A Hall of Famer's Brother

2006-11-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

Steve Shutt scored exactly 424 NHL goals, mostly with the Montreal Canadiens. Byron Shutt never made it to the NHL. Byron Shutt scored 10 WHA goals, Steve never played a game in the WHA. While Steve took the Junior route to professional hockey, Byron obtained his degree from Bowling Green University and to this day remains in Ohio.
Byron was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins ot the NHL and the hometown Toronto Toros of the WHA. Byron played in the AHL, CHL and the WHA in the late 1970's and early 1980's. His best season was his last when he played for the Saginaw Gears of the IHL. In his final season as a pro, Shutt scored 72 points. One other thing, the most penalty minutes Steve racked up in a professional season was 51 while with Montreal. Byron can boast about 235 minutes in a single season while skating for the Flint Generals.
Today, Shutt operates Maple Leaf Landscaping and is the hockey coach for Bay Village High School.

Russ Priestley: Hockey and Cartoons

2006-11-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

Melrose resident Russ Priestley played collegiate hockey for the powerhouse Illinois in the early 1940's. That's correct, Illinois was a hockey powerhouse. Illinois was the only team to beat Dartmouth in 1942. Priestley left Illinois to join Boston Junior Olympics and won the National Amateur Championship. The following season was spent with the Boston Olympics of the Eastern League. Priestley's brother, Bob, was also a member of the team. Bob joined the ice hockey team as soon as the football season wrapped up for the Philadelphia Eagles. Bob Priestley graduated from Brown University before playing a season of professional football with the Eagles.
Russ Priestley signed up for the Air Corps Pilot Training program and was not called to active duty until March 1943. Priestley was pushed through the program in nine months- the shortest time period ever for a pilot. He didn't touch a pair of skates for 3 1/2 years.
Priestley's career was spent as a cartoonist working out of Boston. His clients included advertisement agencies, insurance companies, manufactuerers and many others. Today, Priestley remains active as editor and writer for the Melrose Mirror, a monthly journal.

Star of Scotland - Jack Thaler

2006-10-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Jack Thaler was probably the most gifted player in Scotland in the late 1940's. Thaler played junior hockey for the famous Oshawa Generals. But the most productive hockey years were spent playing in Scotland for the Paisley Pirates. At times it seemed he could score at will. His exploits earned him a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The early 1950's were spent in the Maritimes, scoring goals in bunches for the Saint John Beavers.
Retired from General Motors, Thaler resides in his hometown of Oshawa. His grandson, Chris Thaler, played several seasons for Don Cherry's Mississauga Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
(Photos: Jack Thaler c. 1950, Chris Thaler of the OHL Ice Dogs)

Plenty of Talent for Terry TALENTino

2006-10-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Terry Talentino was born in Sault Ste. Marie and grew up in Timmins - the same hometown of Toronto Maple Leafs great Tim Horton. Talentino played Junior "A" for the Brantford Lions of the OHA. From there it was off to RCAF Service teams before catching what appeared to be his big break - a tryout with the Detroit Red Wings. Any shot of making the Wings was cut short by a broken ankle.
Next Talentino played for the San Francisco Shamrocks of the PCHL. Fifteen years of senior hockey was next on the agenda, playing on various teams throughout Northern Ontario. The North Bay Sports Hall of Fame Inductee retired in 1961 with 260 goals and 480 points, a record that still stands today.
The current North Bay resident worked as Managing Director of the North Bay ice rinks for 23 years. Talentino also spent many years as an executive for the NOHA, OHA and CAHA.

Frank Gegenheimer- From Colgate to Japan

2006-10-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

A quick run through the hockey career of Frank Gegenheimer....

1942-43 Manual Training High School in Brooklyn, New York. Champions of New York City and an All-City player. Due to the war, Manual dropped hockey the following year. Gegenheimer was slated to be Captain of the 1943-44 season.
1943 played for the Manhatten Arrows and Brooklyn Arma Torpedoes.
1944-1946 U.S. Navy
1946-1950 Colgate University and an undefeated 1946-47 season. 1948 Colgate won the National Championship.
1950-1956 played fot the New York Mets. Team travelled to Japan two times.

After hockey, Gegenheimer worked as an adjustor and then in management in the insurance field. Now retired in Florida, at last report Gegenheimer enjoys playing golf four times a week

2002 Olympic Torchbearer John McBride

2006-10-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

In 1959-1960 John McBride served as Captain for the 12-11 Princeton Tigers. While at Princeton, McBride lettered three times. The Leftwinger finished 8th in college scorers in the East. Immediately after a successful college career, McBride joined the U.S. National team for the 1960-61 season. He became the first Illnois native to make the US National team. After a season with the Nats, McBride played senior hockey with the "Old St. Nicks" from New York City. The "Old St. Nicks" even won the Charles Schultz "Snoopy" tournament in Santa Rosa, California.
McBride became very active in junior hockey in Aspen, Colorado where he started the youth program. It was because of his involvement that they selected him to be a torchbearer for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

Silver Medalist & Coach Len Ceglarski

2006-10-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

Most hockey fans know Len Ceglarski as one of the greatest college hockey coaches of all-time. Ceglarski won 673 games coaching at Clarkson and Boston College. The East Walpole native also is the only coach to win 250 games at two different colleges.
Ceglarski played for Boston College , moving to fourth on the all-time scoring list for the Eagles. While at Boston College, Ceglarski also earned three letters in baseball. Ceglarski also played some senior hockey with the Worcester Warriors in the 1950's.
In 1952 Ceglarski won a silver medal at the Olympics held in Oslo, Norway. The 80-year old Ceglarski is a member of the USA Hockey Hall of Fame located in Eveleth, Minnesota.

Leonard Brumm: Carlson Brothers' 1st Pro Coach

2006-10-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

Leonard "Okie" Brumm has many accomplishments in the world of hockey. Brumm played at the University of Michigan from 1947-1950 and won a NCAA Championship. From there he played for the Marquette Sentinels of the Northern Michigan- Ontario Hockey League. Then Brumm played several seasons in the USHL He skated for the Waterloo Blackhawks, Des Moines Oak Leafs and Marquette Iron Rangers in the 1960's and 1970's. Brumm was usually filled the role of player-coach for the the teams .
But it gets more interesting. From 1953-1957, the Wisconsin resident was hired to be the first Director of Athletics for the Marquette State Prison. Of course, he started the first ever prison hockey team that went 35-15-8.
It gets better. From 1982-1987, Brumm organized the Kuwait National Ice Hockey League.
During the 1973-74 season as coach of the Marquette Iron Rangers, Brumm gave the Carlson Brothers of 'Slapshot' fame their first professional hockey opportunity.

Lacrosse Hall of Famer Whitey Frick

2006-10-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

William "Whitey" Frick of St. Catharines excelled at lacrosse. He was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1999. Frick played forward, defense as well as goal in his career. Frick was the goaltender for the St. Catharines Athletics who won the Minto Cup (Junior Championship) in 1947. Frick would also win the Mann Cup as senior champion of Canada a year earlier. Frick served as a backup goalie for the senior Athletics thus winning the senior championship a year prior to winning the junior title.
Frick also played junior hockey in the mid 1940's with the highly touted St. Catherines Falcons of the Ontario Hockey Association. After his junior stint, Frick ventured to Scotland to play for the Ayr Raiders. According to an Ayr 1948 game program "Whitey introduced hustle and gave us a sample of the form which brought him to the attention of the National Hockey League in Canada."
Frick later spent many years as a referee in the OHA . Today, Frick remains active with the "Old Boys Lacrosse Association"

Roland Vandell- Brimsek's first defenseman

2006-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well maybe Roland Vandell wasn't the first player to play defense in front of Frank Brimsek, but she sure was close. Vandell was there long before Boston Bruins like Eddie Shore or Jack Crawford. Vandell was a defensman for Saint Cloud State (St. Cloud Teacher's College) in 1933. Even prior to their careers in college, Vandell and Brimsek shared membership on various school hockey teams in and around Eveleth, Minnesota.
Vandell turned to officiating to stay involved with the game. He had the honor and pleasure of officiating in 15 of the first 16 Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournaments. Furthermore, Vandell spent an additional 20 years officiating college hockey.
(Photo Frank Brimsek and Roland Vandell c. 1933)

Back to the Farm for Jim Lorette

2006-09-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Jim Lorette is from Fertile, Saskatewan. After a long professional hockey career in the Eastern Hockey League he is back in Fertile. Lorette began his EHL career in 1964 with the Johnstown Jets. The 210 pound defenseman never had a problem picking up a few penalty minutes. He also registered 53 and 43 point seasons. Eastern League stops included Jacksonville Rockets, Salem Rebels, New Jersey Devils and the Roanoke Valley Rebels.
When the hockey career ended in 1971-72, Lorette returned to Fertile to occasionally play and coach. Today, Lorette has a 1200 acre grain farm and run a herd of 35-40 beef cows.

Player and Coach - Russ Welch

2006-09-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

Russ Welch scored 22 goals and 22 assists as a FRESHMAN at Michigan State during the 1976-77 season. It was the start to one of the greatest careers in Spartan history. As a Senior, Welch picked up another 60 points. In between his Freshman and Senior years were another two solid seasons that produced another 86 points.
A high school star at Hastings High School in Minnesota, Welch turned to junior hockey with the St. Paul Vulcans. Welch was the leading junior scorer and All-American his final year in St. Paul.
So it was off to pro hockey? No, not for Russ Welch. First it was a stint as Assistant Coach to Doug Woog at South St. Paul High and then Head Coach for 10 season. From South St. Paul, Welch went home to Hastings and has been Head Coach ever since. Come early March, you usually can find Welch coaching in the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament.

1955 World Champion Jim Fairburn

2006-09-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

Regina Capitals- 1947-48, San Francisco Shamrocks 1948-49, Minneapolis Millers 1948-49, back to the Shamrocks for 1949-50. Portland Eagles 1950-51, Seattle Ironmen 1951-52, Victoria Cougars 1952-53, New Westminster Royals 1953-54. Eight teams in seven years. Thirty goal seasons were the norm for Mr. Fairburn. Jim Fairburn made a living playing hockey on the west coast of the United States and Canada.
In 1954-55 Fairburn signed on with Grant Warwick and the Penticton Vees. Their job - take back the World Championship from the Soviet Union. The dreaded Soviets won their first ever World Championships over a Senior 'B' Canadian squad in 1954.
The Vees were successful in their quest, providing the hightlight of Fairburn's career. At last report, Fairburn remained in the town that made him famous- Penticton.

Muskegon's Hometown Hero Joe Kastelic

2006-09-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

"Muskegon, you've given me so much more than I gave you. You've given me a home, my wife, my son, my three grandchildren and you gave me tonight. Thank you." - Joe Kastelic from his induction to the Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

Kastelic spent 15 seasons in the International Hockey League scoring goals in bunches for the Fort Wayne Komets and Louisville Rebels and Troy Bruins. However, it was in Muskegon where Kastelic made the biggest mark. Kastelic played for both the Muskegon Zephyrs and the Muskegon Mohawks. Kastelic retired in 1968, leaving as the IHL's all-time leading goal scorer (551) and fourth in assists (583).
Originally from Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Kastelic now calls Muskegon home.
Check out the Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame

1948 Olympic Captain George Mara

2006-09-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

George Mara was one of a couple civilians on the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Flyers who brought gold home to Canada in the 1948 Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Mara was added to the team just 10 days before the team set sail for Europe. At the time Mara was an agent with George E. Mara Manufacturers of Toronto. Canada rolled to the Gold- outscoring their opponents 69-5. In eight games Mara tallied 17 goals, 9 assists for 26 points- second only to Wally Halder.
Mara returned to the Toronto area after the Olympics. There were contract offers from the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers - but he decided against then.
Mara receives numerous autograph requests every year, but most of them originate from Europe - home of his greatest achievement as a player. Olympic Gold.
Read more about Mara at: www.airforce.ca/hockethistory.pdf

Nelson Maple Leafs Oldest - 'Bus" Algar

2006-09-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Lloyd "Bus" Algar may very well be the oldest living Nelson Maple Leafs player. Or perhaps it could be Leo Attwell who at last report was living in Vancouver. Nobody is really sure. Algar is quickly approaching his 89th birthday in his hometown of Nelson, British Columbia.
In the late 1930's Algar was a key member of the talented Olds Elks Junior Hockey Club which included Mayer Flett and Eddie Shamlock. Algar moved to senior hockey with the Nelson Maple Leafs and played there until the league disbanded due to the war. The Maple Leafs faced-off against the likes of the Trail Smoke Eaters and Kimberley Dynamiters.
In early 1942, Algar joined the Canadian Army and played for both civilian and military hockey clubs. The talented forward pulled down six bucks a month (plus bonuses) to play for a Victoria-based team. Soon Algar was sent overseas to serve out his military career. Following the Armistice, Algar's focus turned to education earning a university degree.

Canada's Great Export - Les Anning

2006-09-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Born in Rimouski, Quebec, Les Anning was a star junior player and spent some time in senior hockey leagues in Montreal and Shawinigan Falls in his native province. Take a trip across the pond and the name Les Anning is legendary. Anning scored goals in bunches for Earl's Court Rangers, Wembley Monarchs and Wembley Lions while playing in England. Anning also spent some time in Scotland with the Ayr Raiders. Nicknamed the "Rimouski Rocket", Anning also travelled across Europe playing in Switzerland and Sweden.
Now living outside Barrie, Ontario, Anning was an All-Star wherever he played and more importantly taught the Canadian Game of hockey to those willing to learn in Europe.

Guelph Madhatters Star Eno Kraft

2006-08-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

Carl "Eno" Kraft played with and against some of the greatest hockey players of his time. As a junior player with the Guelph Biltmore Madhatters, Kraft called Jean Ratelle and Rod Gilbert teammates. Kraft faced the likes of Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Dave Keon while playing Junior "A."
At the time Guelph was a farm team of the New York Rangers. While many of his teammates made it to Broadway, Kraft had to settle for New Haven. Although there were stops in Philadelphia and Toledo, Kraft's most successful season playing center for the New Haven Blades of the the Eastern Hockey League.
The Elora, Ontario native remains in the New Haven area where he plays golf with a few of his former Blades.

Gordon Hemming and The Canadian Navy

2006-08-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is the only photo onetime goaltender Gord Hemming has from his career in hockey. A hockey career that was too short. Way too short. In 1939-40 Hemming played for the River Vale Skeeters of the old Eastern League. Then it was off to the Washington Eagles and a EAHL Championship Title. So far, so good.
In the late Spring of 1941 it was off to the Canadian Navy, never to return to competitive hockey again. Hemming was discharged from the Navy September 13, 1945. Military career over, hockey career over and back to life in Mississauga, Ontario.

Art Dorrington: Hockey's Atlantic City Gamble

2006-08-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

Before there was Willie O'Ree, there was Art Dorrington.
Everybody in Atlantic City knows Art Dorrington. The Truro, NS native has called the New Jersey shore community home for years. Dorrington broke into professional hockey with the Atlantic City Seagulls of the old Eastern Hockey League in 1950-51.
With his first game with the 'Gulls, Dorrington became the first Black hockey player to play professionally in the United States.
Dorrington registered three straight 30 goal seasons in the mid-1950s. Oddly enough, the three seasons came with three different teams (Johnstown Jets, Washington Lions, Philadelphia Ramblers). A badly broken leg put an end to an outstanding career on the ice.
In 1998 Dorrington founded "The Art Dorrington Ice Hockey Foundation" in Atlantic City. The foundation brings hockey to the youth of the community. The program continues to grow from it's original twelve participants.
Dorrington was also recently elected to the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.

Bob Fowler: An American in Canada

2006-08-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

American born Bob Fowler tells an interesting story regarding his life in hockey. Born in Minnesota, Fowler headed north to Canada's Western Junior League in the late 1960s to follow his dream of becoming a professional hockey players. Fowler laced up the skates and excelled as a member of the Estevan Bruins. At the time, Estevan was part of the Boston Bruins minor league system,Fowler was the only American in the junior circuit at a time when many Americans his age were fighting in Vietnam. The Eagan, Minnesota resident routinely endured the "Draft Dodger" taunts from the pro-Canadian crowds. Fowler took a roster position from a some young Canadian hopeful.
However, his junior play never suffered and another oddity followed. Fowler was drafted in 1970 by the powerful Montreal Canadiens. He never had much of a chance to make the team.
According to Fowler, he was the first person signed for the 1972 US Olympic team, but a shoulder injury sidelined him. His replacement was a young player named Mark Howe.
Fowler put a few quality seasons in the IHL (Muskegon Mohawks, Fort Wayne Komets) and in the CHL (Fort Worth Texans, Fort Wort Wings) and in the semi-pro USHL (Sioux City Musketeers).

Hank Safarik ...or Chuck Lee

2006-08-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Take a moment to check out hockeydb.com and the players Hank Safarik and Chuck Lee. In the late 1940s and early 1950s saw Safarik playing for the Sands Point Tigers and New York Mets. As a member of the Mets, Safarik even travelled to Japan on a goodwill hockey tour. Safarik also played the occasional game with the highly-skilled New York Rovers of the Eastern Hockey League.
And then there is Chuck Lee. Mr. Lee played for Sands Point from 1943 to 1947. Although statistics are incomplete, it is apparent when Lee stops, Safarik begins. Coincidence? No, not at all. In the mid 1940s Safarik played under the name Lee in an attempt to save his eligibility at Princeton University.
A player who loved the game, Safarik (and likely others) got creative with their names to get just a little extra ice time.
(Photo: 1943 player card of "Chuck Lee" and photo from Safarik's freshman year at Princeton University)