The Yorkton Terriers are celebrating their 40th anniversary in Junior Hockey. Over the course of the season Yorkton This Week will be providing vignettes looking at the proud heritage of the team through the eyes of those who have stood behind the bench in the past four decades as head coaches of the Terriers. This is the 10th in the series.
What years did you coach in Yorkton?
After being the general manager of the Terriers in their first year, I took over the coaching reins at Christmas 1978, and then coached through the next season.
Who was the best Terrier you coached? Why?
One name that comes up is Ken Daneyko who ended up playing with the New Jersey Devils (National Hockey League) for about 18 seasons (1283 games). He played for the Terriers when he was 16. Coming from Edmonton the only way his parents would let him come is if I promised he would attend school. I spent lots of time making sure he was in class. He was an excellent student as well as a very good young hockey player. Other players drawing mention included local products Darrell Spelay, Kevin Bryksa, Brian Kuspira and Arden Knoll.
Is there a particular game which stands out in your memory? Explain why that game is memorable.
We'd played about three-quarters of our games and Daneyko hadn't scored. When he got his first goal the bench emptied. They all went out high-fiving and celebrating. No other games really stuck out.
Did you coach after Yorkton? Where?
After the brief coaching stint I retired to be a fan.
Where do you live today? What do you do?
Born and raised in the city, I spent nine years working for the City of Yorkton, and am now retired in the city.
