Cranbrook Royals
The Cranbrook Royals were a senior men's AAA level ice hockey team that played in the Western International Hockey League from 1965 to 1987.
Before the start of the 1965–66 WIHL season it was announced that the Cranbrook Royals would be added to the league, with the result being that the WIHL would comprise six teams.[1] The other five teams that made up the 1965-66 version of the WIHL were the Kimberley Dynamiters, Nelson Maple Leafs, Rossland Warriors, Spokane Jets and Trail Smoke Eaters.
The Cranbrook Royals won the Allan Cup as senior ice hockey champions of Canada in 1982. In an era when there were fewer NHL and minor professional teams and leagues, winning the Allan Cup was a difficult task and the national championship trophy was a coveted prize. The WIHL, along with other highly competitive senior leagues across Canada (with member teams located in the USA as well), was considered among the best amateur hockey in North America. Even until the 1980s, the caliber of play was excellent and many former accomplished CHL, junior A, university and pro level players went on to compete for top senior teams like the Cranbrook Royals.
The Cranbrook Royals were a top senior AAA hockey organization and attending a game at the old Memorial Arena was a popular activity for the residents of this vibrant East Kootenay city and surrounding area for 25 years.
1965-1966 50 GAME INAUGURAL SEASON 25 Home Games/25 Away Games First Game: Friday, Oct. 8 at Kimberley First Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 9 v. Kimberley Dynamiters Last Away Game: Tuesday, Mar. 1 in Trail Last Home Game: Saturday, Mar. 5 v. Trail Smoke Eaters
From a souvenir program of the inaugural 1965-1966 season. Friday, January 18, 1966 Cranbrook Royals vs. Spokane Jets
Royals player roster from souvenir program of Tuesday, January 18, 1966 CRANBROOK ROYALS 1-B. MacKAY 14-V. WILDEMAN 2-G. NUYENS 12-L. BEDARD 3-R. HAMILTON 17-E. MAHER 7-b. HRYCIUK 19-R. HUSTON 5-M. PACULA 6-G. GIBSON Coach-B. Hryciuk 8-L. BEATON Man.-E. Mountain 9-L. GARRINGER Trainers-L. Hunter 11-G. KILBACK and D. Barrett
1965-66 Royals Executive President - Lloyd Hoole Vice-Pres. - Al Flick Secretary - Leo Nimsick, Jr. Treasurer - Stuart Pedersen
Directors - Ed Mountain, Dick Anderson, Gordon Lyons, Joe Gnucci, Cornel Sawchuk, Art Hinchliffe, Harvey Meidenger, Cliff Barley
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A few months ago, when it was suggested that it might be possible to secure a franchise in the Western International Hockey League for this city, I held little hope that enough poeple could be interest to make such a venture successful.
Yet here we are! Members of the League and operators of what we hope will become a well-know and respected club.\
Let me say that the past months have been a most satisfying experience. People such as Al Flick, Leo Nimsick, Eddie Mountain, indeed, all of the present Directors, have made the work a pleasure. Their contributions have not siply been in tie but, and this is perhaps uch more important, in specific knowledge that has made the difficult task easy. As a matter of fact, it's been fun!
And I suppose this is how it should be. The players play for their own enjoyment. They like the game! The Coash, the Manager, the Trainer and even the stickboy are here because they like hockey and enjoy being a part of it. You and I are part of it too. Good hockey is a welcome additional to our winter-time activities and personally, I'm happy we have it.
That's why I would like to say to you, to the team and to the Board of Directors "thanks" for helping to make W.I.H.L. hock in Cranbrook possible.
Lloyd Hoole, President
In 1982, Lloyd Hoole, the President of the Royals in the inaugural season, attended the October 1 season opening game to raise the Allan Cup banner to the rafters of the Cranbrook Memorial Arena.
From the KNOW YOUR PLAYERS section BILL HRYCIUK .. Age 38 Hometown Marysville, B.C. ... Previously played for Kamloops Chiefs, player - coach ... Bill coaches the Royals, is married and has three children.
Each Royals program had a lucky number printed within. This program has Lucky Number No 291. The prize - unknown.
Each program also included Referee Signals, illustrating the call and explaining the infractions. In 1965-66, the infractions were: Boarding, Charging, Cross Checking, Delayed Calling of Penalty, Slow Whistle, Elbowing, High Sticking, Holding, Hooking, Icing, Interference, Misconduct, Slashing, Wash Out, and Tripping.
The program contains a listing of all previous Allan Cup Champions, from 1911 (Winnipeg Victorias) through 1965 (Sherbrook Beavers)