MACKLIN — As another hockey season begins throughout Saskatchewan, one west-central team is celebrating their 75th year on the ice.
Along with some players from the neighbouring Alberta town of Provost, a few players from Mackin formed for the first time in 1965, taking on the Provost team’s name, the Combines. After playing for two seasons, there were enough players from Macklin to form their own team. With some financial assistance from the local legion, the team was named the Legionnaires. After some time, the team decided to have a contest with the local students, asking for submissions for a new team name. The name ‘Macklin Mohawks’ was the winning submission, and the winner received a big jar of jelly beans as their prize.
Many of the players for the original team were local boys; Bill, Nick and Teddy Buckner, Joe and Bill Dagenstein, Stan Woster, Wayne Conley, August and Herman Gartner, Eric Mason and Tom Stangowitz were just some of the players who donned the jerseys.
As the league's names and boundaries changed over the years, the Mohawks navigated each new change as they came. After playing in the Wild Goose Hockey League (WGHL) for years, the 1993-94 team made the difficult decision to fold halfway through the season. Alphie Wandler, who was not only a past player but also served as an executive member and president, said the fold was due to a young Macklin team trying to compete in a very competitive WGHL. After regrouping, the team transferred to the Battle River Hockey League (BRHL) for the 1994-95 season. The team had also been a part of the North Saskatchewan River Hockey League (NSRHL) and is currently playing in the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL).
The past 75 years have not always been easy for the Mohawks. As players got better, equipment also began to improve, leading the team to better opportunities. Yet, financially, the team struggled at times.
“When we went into the WGHL, we didn’t have the funds. The team worked an entire year, building a house and selling it, just to keep the team afloat,” said Wandler.
Yet, even though the tough years, the team have seen years of success. In the early 80s, the team were champions in the WGHL, the 2008-09 provincial “C” champions, the 2011-12 and 2021-22 SWHL league champions and the 2023-24 provincial “D” champions. They also beat out Provost and Cut Knife during The Battles.
However, the greatest success the team has seen is watching the minor league grow up in Macklin, to later join the senior team as an adult. As a former player, Pat Veller played for the Mohawks for 12 full seasons, serving as captain for six of those years.
“The highlight for me, and many others growing up watching Mohawk senior hockey, is to finally be able to crack the roster and suit up for your hometown team. The support from the whole community has always been something that brings back great memories. Walking down the street, meeting someone at a store or even a random phone call from community members wishing you and the team well on the big game coming up is something I’ll cherish and never forget. The memories in the locker room, on the road and obviously on the ice, are second to none,” said Veller.
Veller was happy to share other Mohawk memories. Some included when Fr. David Tumback, who served as an executive board member, did an Ash Wednesday service in the Mohawk locker room before a very important playoff game and the triple overtime game versus the Edam Three Stars during playoffs on home ice.
“During our BRHL days, we had an unbelievable game against the league’s top team, Daysland. Les Watchel’s equipment blew out of the back of the truck on our way down, leaving us with only nine skaters. Our goalie, Denis Friedrich, stopped 66 out of 70 shots that night and won the game. There are far too many memories to mention and some that can’t be mentioned at all,” said the former player.
The team has also given back to the community over the years. Aside from being a great source of entertainment for the community and area, the team has collected donations for the Macklin and District Food Bank and Secret Santa during December games.
To celebrate the 75th season, the team held its annual Sportsman Dinner and Auction, with two special guest speakers, Terry Ryan of Shoresy and Sportsnet’s Ken Reid. The sold-out event was held on Nov. 1, with a catered meal and entertainment, as well as a live and silent auction.
As for this season’s team, the Mohawks have a roster of 26 players and have been on the ice for almost a month. Team manager Nick Neufeld said this year’s team are young, hungry and ready.
“Lots of guys know the taste of the championship, and they all want it again. It’s always great to start the season and even better to add another team to one of the top leagues in the province. We’re all excited to get back out, competing at a top level of hockey. We’ve got a great group of local guys with a few additions, the team has been working hard since day one, and all in all, we are ready for the upcoming season,” added Neufeld.
The Mohawks will play their season and home-opening game on Nov. 14 at 8:30 p.m. at the Credit Union Legacy Centre in Macklin.
