CARLYLE - This fall marks the 40th anniversary of the Carlyle Hooters recreation hockey team. The Observer caught up with one of the originals, Brian Isleifson, who provided some background.
Back in 1981, the only recreational hockey team in Carlyle was the Cowboys. Bernie “Boomer” Wooldridge and Denis Michaud came up with the idea of forming another team consisting of other younger players.
Like now, hockey 40 years ago was a popular sport and it still is. Today, 61-year-old Isleifson still faithfully laces them up every Monday and Thursday.
“Talking about the Hooters brings back fond memories. I must have played with well over 300 different players over the years. Some of the originals include Neil Thompson, Dave Seibel, Neil Brown, Wayne Valentine, Mike and Cam Coffey, Lyle Brown, Loren Sproat, Jim Bennett, Rob Wilcott, Brian Rutten, Garnet Kaspick, Lyle Brown, Michael Ries, Brad Holt, Garry MacDonald, Rob Chapman and Larry Brown. I might have missed a few.”
The Hooters play an informal 30-game season each winter. Isleifson recalls that some 30 years ago, they played a whopping 64 games, losing only eight. The team has had up to 25 players but in a normal year 15 or so dress each night.
The team is one of the few in the area that has their own dressing room, which is very impressive. It has wood panel benches, full shower facilities, and the players enjoy having individual USB ports for charging their phones. They have renovated their room many times over the years and it is now located in the most southerly location downstairs at the Carlyle Sports Arena.
Adds Brian, “We have had a lot of laughs over the years and frankly a lot of talented players have donned the Hooter uniform. In 2021, we are dressing in our fourth set of jerseys.”
Isleifson is really proud of the fact that he was able to don the Hooter jersey together with his son Ben as a teammate. He also provided us with one of his many memories.
“About 15 years ago, the team travelled to Broadview. Before the opening whistle, one of their players popped into our dressing room and invited us to come down to their room after the game for sausages and refreshments, which happened quite often in the various towns.
“As the game went on it turned into a closely fought game. The play got very intense and tempers flared towards the end with a few players from both teams being asked to leave. As I skated to the faceoff circle with a minute to go, their centreman looked at me and said, ’Sooo, you guys probably aren’t coming for sausages after the game?’ All I could do was laugh and it instantly broke the tension.”
It must be noted that handshakes are in order after every game and that everything else is left on the ice.
The Hooters play against teams located all over southeast Saskatchewan. They have had longstanding rivalries with many towns, including Arcola, Redvers, Alameda, Kipling, Maryfield, Kennedy, Oxbow, Frobisher and Lampman. Isleifson has played against 15-year-olds and 75-year-olds.
All of their games have referees and some of those names from the past include Jim Findlay, Blaine Hewitt and Brent Stillwell. Young Grady Benjamin is donning the stripes this year. The 2021-22 Hooter team consists of around 20 dedicated hockey players that just play for the love of the game. Some of the longtime members still playing include Isleifson, Clint Dunn and Steve Schultz.
Concluded Isleifson: “I still thoroughly enjoy playing the game. Until I think I am a detriment to the team, I’m not hanging them up.”
