All former Western International Hockey League (WIIHL) players are invited to the Trail Senior Smoke Eaters annual social on Dec. 8 at the Trail Memorial Centre.
The WIHL was formed in 1946 and ran until 1988 with Trail Senior Smoke Eaters winning the George Montgomery-Dinah Shore Cup seven times.
Organizer Wayne Florko extended the invitation to players who played on any of the B.C. teams including the Nelson Leafs, Rossland Warriors, Kimberley Dynamiters, Elk Valley Blazers, and Cranbrook Royals as well as squads from Calgary, Drumheller, Portland, Spokane and Los Angeles that competed at various times throughout the league’s history.
“I am opening it up to the league this year so we will hopefully get more players out,” said Florko. “It applies to executives, coaches, trainers and people that were with the hockey clubs.”
Arguably the Smoke Eaters greatest success in the WIHL was when they won the 1960 WIHL title followed by the ‘61 World Championship, and then the ‘62 WIHL title and the Allan Cup championship by beating the Montreal Olympiques in the final at the Cominco Arena.
The social goes from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include food and beverages and a program, followed by the BCHL Smoke Eaters match against the Vernon Vipers at 7 p.m.
To reserve your seat please call Wayne at 250-368-5645.
