Ode to the 1938-39 Yorkton Terriers
This ode to the 1938-39 Yorkton Terriers senior hockey team was written by Marguerite Smith, and preserved since then by Joyce Anaka, who provided it to the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame. A subsequent search of the Internet provided us with the photo.
Little is know about Marguerite Smith; if you know of her, we would appreciate knowing who she was.
The Terriers played in the Saskatchewan Senior Hockey League, consisting of Saskatoon Quakers, Moose Jaw Millers, Flin Flon Bombers, Regina Aces, Weyburn Beavers and the Terriers. Before the 1938–39 season there were Northern and Southern leagues in Saskatchewan. They merged in 1938 to form the one provincial league. The championship team went on in the Allan Cup as Saskatchewan's representative. In 1941 the Regina Rangers won the SSHL's only Allan Cup title. The league carried on through most of World War II but disbanded in 1944-45 because of a shortage of players and the difficulty of travelling. From the 1945–46 season through the 1949-50 season, senior teams in Regina and Saskatoon joined up with Calgary and Edmonton to form the Western Canada Senior Hockey League (WCSHL). The SSHL lay dormant until 1950 when the WCSHL moved up to the major level and competed for the Alexander Cup.
The SSHL was revived for 1950–51, again sending its champions to the Allan Cup playoffs, but only lasted until 1954–55. The Western Hockey League (WHL) operated in the province and the SSHL could not compete. It started up again in 1958-59 after the WHL left the province and operated until 1964–65. In 1965 the teams again merged with teams from Alberta to form a revived Western Canada Senior Hockey League. This new league lasted for two seasons when the teams again split on provincial lines.
The SSHL started up again in 1967-68 and lasted until 1971 when another merger formed the Prairie Senior Hockey League. The Yorkton Legion team won the league championships in 1950-51, and the Yorkton Terriers in 1967-68, 1969-70 and 1970-71.
To the Terriers
By Marguerite Smith
The first verse is about goalie Vic Jackett; the second about Bud Craig and the fourth about Francis “Sully” Sullivan.
First we have the little red cap,
Courage that guy does not lack.
People think he is insane
Because of his language, it’s profane.
Then we have the six-foot blond.
We thought at first he’d get the gong.
Bud, I’m afraid, is a little shy
But to the fans, oh my! Oh my!
Marty Allin is next on the list,
A man we simply can’t resist.
Marty was with us in ‘38
He’s one year older but still 5’8.
Sully had a little tough luck,
But that does not stop him from chasing the puck.
He always obliges with a little laugh
When girls clamor for his autograph.
Shorty Coombs takes many a risk
And he’s right up there on the scoring list.
Shorty’s been with us the last three years
And so to him we’ll give three cheers.
We’ll now introduce you to the Irishman,
This guy liked by all the fans.
Maurice Duffy is a product of Rostherne
And when you want he’s in the Boston.
Next we have Harvey Palmeteer.
We really think he is a dear.
Although seventh on the list
He’s always first when it comes to fists.
Bill Westbury our number one playmaker
Is indeed a very fine skater.
Whenever you see Bill with the puck you can bet
He’ll get that rubber right in the net.
I know you’ll all like to meet Jim Main.
The Yorkton fans are glad he came.
Jim will always be in the limelight
Cause he’s always there with all his might.
Jack Dundas wears number 10,
He’s like a lion out of the den.
As Kenny says, but maybe I’m wrong,
Jack will aways escape the gong.
Galloping Gartley, our star left winger
Is as you know a very good singer.
His laugh will tell you when he’s around,
That Gartley, he comes in leaps and bounds.
Bill Cousins is really hot
When he comes with his dangerous blueline shot.
Keep up the good work, old boy,
Cause we think you’re the real McCoy.
Don Robbins we must remember
Has been with us since last November.
Don, I must say, is a little quiet
But he’s always there when it comes to a riot.
Tommy Reid’s always spick and span
When he comes on the ice to greet his fans.
We love your dimples and your curls
And you’re simply adorned by all the girls.
Mike Germann, our rugged defenseman
Always receives the fans’ attention.
When he gets mad just watch your step
Or you are likely to lose your neck.
The 1939-40 Yorkton Terriers. Some of the players on the previous year's team
had returned to play the next season.