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 third in the series.
What years did you coach in Yorkton?
I coached in Yorkton on two occasions, the first time between 1972 - 74 and the second time between 1980 - 84.
What do you remember most about the community?
For me the most memorable thing about Yorkton was the breadth of the fan base. People came from in and out of town, from all around the area. This diverse fan base made the job interesting and exciting.
Who was the best Terrier you coached? Why?
This question clearly puts me on the spot. Do you mean offensively, defensively, all round, physically, team man? I would have to say that Darryl Speley and Bryan Kuspira were the most dynamic players offensively, but the most rounded player, the one who made us tick offensively and defensively, would be Greg Thomson. He would happily play any position on the team and get the job done. But all the players were dedicated in their particular way.
Is there a particular game which stands out in your memory? Explain why that game is memorable.
We won the 82-83 Championship in Weyburn in the seventh game by a score of 4 to 3 with Dale Shibinsky scoring the winning goal. This was my first Saskatchewan championship title and for this reason that final game remains special and memorable.
Did you coach after Yorkton? Where?
After Yorkton I coached in Estevan from 1984 - 87. This team won the 84 - 85 league championship. From there I went to Moose Jaw Warriors for the 87 - 88 season. Between my stints in Yorkton I coached the Melville Millionaires.
Where do you live today? What do you do?
I live in Nanoose Bay, BC. For the past year I have been travelling around the country promoting my biography, Kid Dynamite: The Gerry James Story. I've just returned from Jasper where the author and I were featured at a Senior's Retreat. When not doing promotional events, I stop and smell the flowers.
