On Sunday, August 11th, there was a gathering of “mature” teammates from the Bredenbury Senior Hockey Club (circa. 1976-77). The get together was held at the Ewen and Shirley Morrison residence in Saltcoats.
The players, wives and invited guests came together to renew acquaintances and remember that Cinderella 1976-77 Season when they captured the Sask. Yellowhead Hockey League (S.Y.H.L.) Championship.
Back in the day the S.Y.H.L. was very competitive and entertaining with teams from Saltcoats, Bredenbury, Kamsack, Churchbridge, Rhein, and Langenburg (before the Warriors became dominant). The 76-77 Cougars were a diverse, talented group made up of district fellas including farmers, miners, mounties, blue collar workers and high school kids. The Cougars ended the Regular Season with a 16 and 4 record, good for a second place tie. The team went on to win the League Championship only losing one game through the playoff and final rounds.
A total of thirteen of the sixteen living players attended. Two Coaches, the Manager and three players had passed away. Most of the attendees still reside on either side of the Yellowhead Highway with a couple travelling from Winnipeg and a couple from Saskatoon. Many “war stories” were exchanged with very few embellishments. Following a BBQ complete with tasty salads and desserts, the old teammates lined up with the original S.Y.H.L. Cup to the thunder of cell phones clicking. More stories were told around the fire pit and It wasn’t too long after the sun went down that the “old Cougars” and their Brides began to filter home …but not before agreeing to another Reunion sooner than later
