First and Successful - these Icemen Laid the Groundwork

In 1991 the Wetaskiwin Icemen Hockey Team was formed and their Mission was:  to provide young athletes between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in the game of hockey, and to assist young persons in the advancement of their educational and occupational goals, so as to produce well rounded, community oriented leaders of sound character and integrity.  This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Icemen Hockey Association and in the twenty-five years of the team’s existence over 400 players have had a chance to play Junior B hockey in Wetaskiwin.  Also, about twenty players have been awarded over $15,000 in scholarships.  The 1991-92 Iceman Team is being inducted not only because it was the first team but because of its successes which laid the groundwork for the teams to come.

Talented Players Finally Get a Team 

In the late 1980’s, there was a large number of excellent and enthusiastic midget hockey players in Wetaskiwin, but no local team on which to play once they turned seventeen.  These players had been very successful at the Bantam Level and had won consecutive Provincial titles in 1986-86 and 1987-88.  In fact, these two teams were inducted into the Wetaskiwin & County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.  Nine of those Bantam team members were on the 1991-92 Icemen Hockey Team.  Twenty-one players on the 1991-92 Icemen Team came through the Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey Association programs.

Impressive 31-5 Win-Loss Record First Year
 Strength Throughout Team

The 1991-92 Icemen Team was very competitive considering they were a first year team in the Northeast Junior Hockey League.  They were embraced by the community and over 700 fans were on hand for their home opener.  Brian Brown had led the boys in their Bantam Provincial titles and because of his coaching credentials, his brand of leadership, and his winning history he was chosen as first coach of the Icemen.  With coach Brown at the helm the team practiced hard, traveled much, and as well  maintained great discipline and tenacity in order to keep improving.  They had strength throughout the team from goal-tending to solid defensemen and a great group of up front skaters.  

In exhibition games before the league play commenced the new Icemen were undefeated. The team ended the regular season with an impressive 31-5 win-loss record for a solid second place finish in the league. They attended numerous tournaments throughout the hockey season, were very competitive at all events, and won the Calgary Invitational Junior B Tournament.  The Icemen were well represented at the League All Star game in the middle of the season. Five players, two coaches and one manager traveled to Lloydminster to take part in the league’s All Star Game.