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Peter Soberlak (left), Sheldon Kennedy, and Bob Wilkie were together again on February 18, 2012, when the city of Swift Current held Sheldon Kennedy Day.
Courtesy of Bob Wilkie.
PETER SOBERLAK was born in Trail, British Columbia, and lived in Grand Forks, B.C., until 1979, when his family moved to Kamloops. Soberlak, then sixteen, spent one season with the Kamloops Blazers before being traded to Swift Current early in 1986–87. Soberlak was a first-round selection by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL’s 1987 draft and spent two-plus seasons with the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Cape Breton Oilers, before retiring. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in sport and exercise psychology from Queen’s University in Kingston. He is the chairperson of the physical education department at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, and also did a stint as president of the Kamloops Sports Council, an organization that oversees minor sports in the city. He also works with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets in the area of sports psychology. Soberlak and his wife, Amy, have one son, Jacob.
LONNIE SPINK joined the Kamloops Blazers in 1985. In late November 1986, Spink was dealt to Swift Current. After leaving the Broncos in 1988, Spink pursued a career as a respiratory therapist in Edmonton. He works in the adult ICU of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton where he is “living and loving life.” Spink and his wife, Trish, live on five acres just west of Edmonton near Spruce Grove. They have three daughters: Katelyn, Breanne, and Isabella. He still skates with friends from the WHL and school; he also trains and competes in half-Ironman triathlons.
Lonnie Spink with wife, Trish, and daughters Isabella, Breanne, and Katelyn.
Courtesy of Lonnie Spink.
TIM TISDALE was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, but grew up in Swift Current. He began his WHL career with the Broncos in 1986 and ended it in 1989, when he scored the Memorial Cup–winning goal. He played nine seasons of professional hockey before moving into coaching. He returned to Swift Current in 2000 and now manages and has part-ownership in Wiens Agritec, his in-laws’ business. Tisdale and his wife, Jenise, have two sons, Logan and Kyle. He has provided analysis on Broncos’ radio broadcasts and is always involved in minor hockey. In 2009, he was saluted as the Saskatchewan Hockey Association’s coach of the year.
BOB WILKIE grew up in Calgary and began his WHL career with the Hitmen before being traded to the Broncos in October 1986. He went on to a professional career that included NHL stints with the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers. He won an AHL championship with the Adirondack Red Wings and an IHL title with the Fort Wayne Komets. During a ten-year pro career, Wilkie played in the NHL, AHL, IHL, ECHL, and WCHL. Wilkie now resides near Calgary with his wife, Mikey, and children, Sadie and Cy.
The Broncos’ trainer and two players weren’t on the bus. Gord Hahn, the trainer, and defenceman Dan Lambert were in Winnipeg with an under-seventeen team that was playing against a Russian team. Defenceman Ryan McGill was ill, so he didn’t make the trip to Regina.
GORD HAHN was a veteran trainer, a familiar face known as Hahnda in many rinks across the west. He joined the Broncos after working for the Victoria Cougars. He was working for the city of Swift Current and volunteering with the Broncos when they won the 1989 Memorial Cup. Hahn spent twenty-one years working for the City before retiring. He and his wife, Dianne, have one son, Tyler. They live in Swift Current where Gord is semi-retired, doing some work at a local golf course and helping out around the Credit Union iPlex when asked.
Danny Lambert, with wife, Melanie, and daughters Brook, Julia, and Melissa.
Courtesy of Danny Lambert.
DANNY LAMBERT, from St. Malo, Manitoba, played defence for the Broncos from 1986 through 1990–91, when he joined the IHL’s Fort Wayne Komets. Lambert was selected by the Quebec Nordiques in the NHL’s 1989 draft and played twenty-nine games with them. He went on to play in various minor leagues before beginning a ten-year career in Germany in 1999. He now is an assistant coach with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. He and wife Melanie have three daughters: Melissa, Julia, and Brook.
RYAN McGILL was a hard-nosed defenceman who had forty-eight points and 226 penalty minutes with the Broncos in 1986–87. Had the bus made it to Regina that night, he wouldn’t have played because he was ill. Because the ensuing games were postponed, McGill was able to play all seventy-two games that season. He was traded to Medicine Hat before the 1987–88 season and won a Memorial Cup with the Tigers. After an eye injury ended his playing career, he got into coaching and was the head coach of the 2002 Memorial Cup–champion Kootenay Ice. He spent seven seasons as an AHL head coach and two as an assistant with the NHL’s Calgary Flames. His contract wasn’t renewed after the 2010–11 season. He was named head coach of the Ice again on July 4, 2012. McGill and his wife Karen have two daughters, Kate and Kyla.
STATISTICS
Swift Current Broncos
1989 Memorial Cup
(at Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon)
May 6: Swift Current (WHL) 6, Peterborough (OHL) 4
May 7: Swift Current 6, Laval (QMJHL) 5
May 10: Saskatoon (host) 5, Swift Current 4
May 12 (semifinal): Swift Current 6, Peterborough 2
May 13 (final): Swift Current 4, Saskatoon 3 (OT)
Sudden-Death Final
Swift Current 4, Saskatoon 3 (OT)
First Period
1. Swift Current, Kennedy (Lambert) 17:55
Penalties — Knopp SC (tripping) 2:43, Daniels SC (charging) 7:30, Holoien Sask (charging) 14:30, Kennedy SC (high-sticking) 15:35, Struch Sask (high-sticking) 18:22.
Second Period
2. Swift Current, Knox (Reeves, Lambert) 5:24
3. Saskatoon, Scissons (Struch, Sutton) 12:35
4. Saskatoon, Katelnikoff, 17:39 (sh)
5. Saskatoon, Kocur, 19:43
Penalties — Smart Sask (hooking) 1:18, Gerrits Sask, Kennedy SC (roughing) 9:34, Bauer Sask (hooking) 10:00, Sawtell Sask (interference) 15:52.
Third Period
6. Swift Current, Daniels (Kennedy) 5:59
Penalty — Lambert SC (hooking) 8:18.
Overtime
7. Swift Current, Tisdale (D. Kruger, Wilkie) 3:25
Penalties — None.
Shots on goal by
Saskatoon 10 13 10 1 – 34
Swift Current 6 6 7 5 – 24
Goal — Saskatoon: Mike Greenlay; Swift Current: Trevor Kruger.
Attendance — 9,078.
Swift Current Broncos
Scott Albert, Kevin Barrett, Kimbi Daniels, Don Blishen, Peter Kasowski, Sheldon Kennedy, Jeff Knight, Kevin Knopp, Blake Knox, Darren Kruger, Trevor Kruger, Chris Larkin, Dan Lambert, Evan Marble, Trent McCleary, Mark McFarlane, Kyle Reeves, Matt Ripley, Brian Sakic, Geoff Sanderson, Trevor Sim, Wade Smith, Peter Soberlak, Tim Tisdale, Bob Wilkie.
Head coach — Graham James.
Award Winners
Most valuable player (Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy): Dan Lambert, Swift Current.
Sportsmanship (George Parsons Trophy): Jamey Hicks, Peterborough.
Top goaltender (Hap Emms Memorial Trophy): Mike Greenlay, Saskatoon.
All-Star Team
Goal: Mike Greenlay, Saskatoon.
Defence: Dan Lambert, Swift Current; Ken Sutton, Saskatoon.
Centre: Tim Tisdale, Swift Current.
Left wing: Neil Carnes, Laval.
Right wing: Sheldon Kennedy, Swift Current.
(Sources: www.hockeydb.com, WHL)
Acknowledgements
There are so many people to thank for all they have done with the book and for helping me share this story with you.
First and foremost, I would like to thank Leesa Culp, who came into my life after twenty years and shared a passion to tell this story. If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t be reading this; through the research, writing, editing, and constantly pushing forward, she has been an inspiration. The tough times she has gone through in the years that I have kn
own her, and to be able to continue with such drive, is amazing. She is stronger than she knows.
Gregg Drinnan, for believing that this story was worth investing a part of his life in, was a godsend. Leesa and I knew we didn’t have the experience necessary to complete this project. Through Leesa’s tenacity, she was able to find Gregg who had been a part of the story as well. It is Gregg’s expertise that made this book flow and become more than just a dream.
The Harrimans, Janine and Bob and their children, were such an important part of my life during the time I spent in Swift Current. I truly believe that had it not been for all of them, I wouldn’t have been able to do the things that I have done. Bob was so insightful and wise; the conversations we had were deep and he shared an understanding that really allowed me to find the strength to move forward. (By the way, I am still really sorry about the toilet.) Janine was a big sister to me. I know that Janine helped me get in touch with my feelings, to actually feel as I was going through the loss and searching for answers. The love and support I received from the two of them was such a blessing. To the kids — Carrie, Suzie, and Patrick — it is because of you that I am the father I am today. You reminded me daily to stay in touch with my child side, to look at things from a different perspective, and to enjoy the simple things in life. I enjoy the cartoons with my kids now because of the times we spent watching Pee-wee’s Playhouse on Saturday mornings. I love you all, and “thank you” really doesn’t say how grateful I am for your allowing me to be a part of your family.
The Kruger household was a safe haven — unless we were losing, and then Fanner would give it to us. I spent a lot of time there with Darren and Trev, and it always was fun to sit and listen to the banter. We grew up in that house, either at the kitchen table or in the basement. Darren was my partner on the ice and off. His friendship meant a lot to me. I know that I was not always the best friend to him, and for that I am sorry, but the times we spent together were priceless, especially the Hawaii trip!
The great people of Swift Current supported us in difficult times, and that speaks volumes about the city’s character. Winning the Memorial Cup was the greatest gift that we could have given back to a community that took us in and gave us what we needed in all aspects of life. In particular the MacBeans — Digger, Colleen, and Karen — were the people who provided stability in our lives. They were there with words of wisdom and compassion when we needed them the most.
To all of my teammates: it was a real pleasure to be a part of something so special. Before the accident, being an expansion team; after the accident, dealing with things we never thought we would have to, and then doing the impossible — winning the Memorial Cup. So many teams try and so few actually accomplish that goal. I think it says a lot about the character we developed together to be able to be called one of the best ever. There are records that we still hold.
My parents and brother provided constant support. They provided that solid foundation that allowed me to achieve my dreams. It was because of my family and the sacrifices they made for me that the doors of opportunity opened to me. Dad, you showed me strength; I watched how you dealt with the curveballs life threw at you and that inspired me. Mom, from the spirit you showed in venturing into the unknown time and time again, I learned that you must believe in yourself in order to succeed. And my brother — he gave the most. He gave up time with Dad because Dad was with me on my journey. His was the ultimate sacrifice, and never once did he complain about it.
And lastly, my family. Mikey, my wife, who has dealt with all of my ups and downs — this book really is for her. She supported and showed patience when most would have turned and run. Mikey, you have taught me what love really is. My kids, Sadie and Cy, have taught me daily to be a kid, to enjoy life even in the ups and downs.
I am sure that I missed someone, and there were so many who helped me along the way both before the accident and after. To all of you: thank you!
Bob Wilkie
Calgary, Alberta
January 2012
Deciding to write this book felt like the right thing to do from the first conversation I had with Bob Wilkie on February 20, 2007. Along the way I’ve had the help and support of so many people, and I’d like to mention a few.
Brian Costello has been a source of inspiration from my first email contact. He has generously provided guidance and been a source of encouragement and wisdom throughout the completion of this book.
Brian and Bob, you not only helped me tell this story, but you kept the lines of communication open so I could achieve closure in a part of my past with which I had never dealt.
To Thelma Kresse, Carter Kresse, Don Mantyka, Lindy Ruff, Darren Kruger, and Trevor Kruger, thank you for being gracious enough to speak with me upon request.
Dave Archibald, Ed Brost, Bob Crockett, Tracy Egeland, Artie Feher, John Foster, Lorne Frey, Gord Green, Gord Hahn, Janine and Bob Harriman, Sheldon Kennedy, Kurt Lackten, Danny Lambert, Doug Leavins, Colleen MacBean, Pat Nogier, Todd Sceviour, Peter Soberlak, Lonnie Spink, and Tim Tisdale: thank you for sharing your memories with me and for allowing them to be used in this book. Thank you to Ian Herbers and Joe Sakic for allowing me the privilege to introduce myself.
Shelley Webber, Yvonne Scansen, Stuart McIver, Gordon McIver, Rae McIver, Murry Schock, and Calvin Plum: thank you for allowing me to share my adventures with you in this book.
I’d like to thank the Swift Current Broncos organization and the Southwest Booster for their support, the Saskatchewan Archives Board for giving me access to the Swift Current Sun issues that were required to complete this story, and the St. Catharines Public Library for having the facility to view them.
Bill Boyd, Richard Lapp, Kelly Putter, and Roy MacGregor: you gave me your time and writing expertise when I asked for it. Gregg Drinnan, you took our story and made it sing. A huge thank you to Arnold Gosewich, our literary agent, who found Dundurn Press, where there are people who believe this story is an important one and who wanted to publish it.
Rudy and Vicki Schindel, you have offered your kindness and generosity, and mostly a willingness to love me and my family for the misfits we can so often be. Leslie, I’d like to thank you for your help with my kids, your wonderful cooking, your ability to listen, and your warm fireplace, which has been such a source of comfort during some difficult times.
Mom and Dad, you’ve been my biggest cheerleaders since the first mention of this book. I am particularly relieved that I had a chance to share the manuscript early on with you both. Mom, losing you suddenly on December 21, 2008, has proved to be the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. I was so looking forward to seeing your face light up when you saw this book for the very first time. I guess I wanted you to be proud of me. I miss you, Mom. Dad, I’m so thankful for your strength during this difficult time. You have suffered through your own losses, but somehow find a way to bring me comfort every time I speak to you. I love you, Dad.
To the rest of my family and friends, who I’m sure have gotten tired of my one-track mind over the last couple of years. I know that there have been times when I ate, drank, and dreamt the 1986–87 Swift Current Broncos, and your patience has been appreciated.
Leesa Culp
Beamsville, Ontario.
January 2012
For Dorothy, the love of my life and the most courageous person I have ever met. For Todd, who helps me maintain my sanity.
Thanks to Ian, for all of the help and the suggestions. And thanks to the good people of Swift Current, who experienced so much in such a short period of time.
Gregg Drinnan
Kamloops, British Columbia
January 2012
Resources
Interviews
Sheldon Kennedy (Leesa interviewed via telephone April 21, 2008; Gregg interviewed via phone and personally 2009, 2011)
Trevor Kruger (Leesa interviewed via email April 10, 2008, and received answers April 26, 2008)
Dan Lambert (Leesa interviewed via email April 10, 2
008)
Peter Soberlak (Leesa interviewed via email April 8, 2008, and received answers April 15; Gregg interviewed April 18, 2008, as well as on multiple occasions in 2011)
Tim Tisdale (Leesa interviewed via email April 10, 2008, and received answers May 10, 2008)
Ed Brost (Leesa interviewed via telephone April 22, 2008)
Tracy Egeland (Leesa interviewed via telephone April 11, 2008; she sent a follow-up email the same day and received an answer April 11, 2008)
Artie Feher (Leesa interviewed via email April 10, 2008, received answers April 10, 2008, and received updated information January 2012)
Gord Green (Leesa interviewed via phone on November 5, 2007; she sent a follow-up email April 10, 2008, confirming the information)
Ian Herbers (Ian declined an interview; resources used were www.hockeydb.com and www.johnstownchiefs.com)
Darren Kruger (Leesa interviewed via email April 16, 2008)
Kurt Lackten (Leesa interviewed via telephone October 31, 2007; Gregg interviewed November 2011)
Ryan McGill (Ryan declined an interview; resources used were www.hockeydb.com and www.flames.nhl.com)
Pat Nogier (Leesa interviewed via email April 9, 2008)
Clarke Polglase (Clarke declined an interview; resources used were www.hockeydb.com and B. Costello, “Road to Recovery: 10 Years After Swift Current Tragedy,” The Hockey News, December 27, 1996)
Jason Proulx (Jason declined an interview; resources used were www.hockeydb.com and Costello, “Road to Recovery”)
Joe Sakic (Joe declined an interview)