Snapshot of hockey 100 years ago

By Joan Janzen

Back in 1972, this photo of the Smiley and Kindersley hockey teams was published in the April 26, 1972 issue of The Clarion, with a request for citizens to identify any players they recognized. As a result, one of the Smiley players in the photo responded and was able to identify most of the players on both teams. It was estimated the photo was taken over a hundred years ago, around 1922 when the two teams were competing. Some of the names are familiar, as there are still relatives of these individuals residing in the area.

Earl Jenner (standing second from the right) provided details about the photo; at the time the Smiley team didn’t have a regular uniform. The team’s roster included Dr. Blakey who was both a medical doctor and a dentist, who had played for Toronto Varsity at one time, as well as two teachers.

Smiley had an open air rink which the farmers in the area helped build. It was built with the help of eight-horse tandem teams, Fresnos, slip scrapers and breaking ploughs. A fence served as the boards for the rink, and water was hauled in tanks from a distance of two miles for flooding.

The man pictured wearing a fur coat, was Sir Henry Thornton, president of the CNR who was present for the game which ended in a 3-3 tie after two ten-minute overtime periods.

Standing (l-r): Dave Mills, unidentifiable, Neil McMillan, Alan Mills (goalie), Bill Woodin, W.A. Stevenson (jeweller), and Mr. Thornton (who worked at the CNR at that time).

At the extreme right (r-l) standing is Roland Jenner (time keeper), who owned a store at Smiley for two years, but it burned down in 1921 or 1922. On his left is his son Earl Jenner. Next to him is Dr. Blakey (captain), Bill Snedden, and James Norman Anderson.

Kneeling (l-r): Oliver Ditson, Alex Scallen, Curly Mollette, Swiftie Mollette, Hilary Missere. At the extreme right and kneeling is Lorne Staples (referee), Bob Gould, Carl Jenner, and Mike Garver. The remaining player’s name is unknown, but he worked in the bank a Smiley.

Photo: June 21, 1972 issue of The Clarion