Recently ‘The Eagle River Jersey Wall’ was revealed!!
The following write-up was submitted by Eagle River resident and volunteer Connie Calvert. Photos by Greig Carter.
Bob Hampe had a vision and rallied the support of our resident artist, Linda Carter to help him turn ‘The Jersey Wall’ representing retired Eagle River/Minnitaki hockey teams into reality.
To commemorate the wall, we held an event involving hockey players from past teams and speakers sharing their insights and love of the game.
EAGLE RIVER OLDTIMERS
In 1984, four local guys, Paul Roussin, Kenny Kelly, Wayne Danielson and Yvon MarIon held a hockey meeting, picked the ‘Raiders’ name and ordered the jerseys. In the meantime, they held another meeting to put their team together and a dance to pay for the jerseys. Paul Roussin was Captain and GM. He spent so much time playing the game, his kids thought it was NHL hockey. The first year they played 64 games on the outdoor rink in Eagle River!
They held many dances in memory of Berry Mol, one of their team members, who passed away at a young age.
The team retired in 1995.
THE MUSKIES
EAGLE/MACHIN PEE WEES
Rick Lindmeier spearheaded the plan to bring organized hockey to the kids in Eagle River and give them the opportunity and experience playing against Dryden and area teams (including girls)! Willy Danielson taught Rick how to skate and collaborated with him to fundraise, buy equipment and uniforms for the team and as a result, a profound, everlasting experience for our little hamlet.
SUSANNE BASTABLE & THE SUNSET COUNTRY UKULELE GROUP
Susanne Bastable, Donna Hampe, Trudy Sukava, Connie Calvert, Linda Anderson, Stacy Montgomery, Mary Lindmeier, Lisa Dorocher, Carm Hampe, Barb Harrison
The Sunset Ukulele Group entertained the crowd with a few tunes including Stompin’ Tom’s ‘The Hockey Game’.
It was our privilege to introduce and honour a member of our community, Warren Harrison. He is a Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame recipient. Warren shared his journey through the ranks at that level of hockey including team work and resilience. The game requires an impressive amount of skill and resulting accomplishments!
Rick Lindmeier shared memories of his many years involved in building Eagle River’s organized hockey haven. From Pee Wee to the Oldtimers level, he made things happen. This man is a real asset to our community.
Bob Hampe was part of hockey from the time he learned to skate. He couldn’t wait to turn 35 so he could play with the ERO. He shared stories and antics of the Oldtimers trips on a reno’d old school bus and the notorious trip to Reno. Entire families joined them on that trip. Karen Kudlacek took her cabbage patch doll on the bus. What an experience!
Mayor Gord Griffiths played for the Oldtimers and shared his hockey experience with the team. A family oriented, cohesive bunch and everyone had fun playing. What a great memory!
Mark Pollard and Craig Calvert were unable to attend but shared their experiences via text. Mark played goalie for the Raiders and Oldtimers. Craig played on all three teams through the years. They both really enjoyed their time on the teams.
Eagle River is an all inclusive, proud community. Our local rink and games played on that ice surface has etched many happy memories in our minds.
The event attracted a crowd of 60 players and friends. .The players reminisced and all enjoyed each other’s company. Past rosters are full of familiar names. Unfortunately too many to list.
It takes a village and once again, our volunteers stepped up to the plate. Rick Lindmeier, Grieg Carter, Bob Hampe, Linda Carter, Spencer Myers, Carm Hampe, Graham & Donna Harrison, Connie Korzinski, Ursula Rhyner, Connie Calvert and Barb Harrison helped with set up, paraphernalia, baked goodies, sound, marketing, advertising, personal invites, photos, speakers and clean up.
A huge thank you to all involved!
