The Drumheller Miners were founded in 1933 and played in the Alberta Senior Hockey League as well as the Southern Alberta Hockey League. The five Bentley brothers—Doug, Max, Reg, Roy, and Wyatt—played for the squad, which is the most famous tale from that first iteration. Reg ended up in the NHL and Doug and Max were so good in the big league that they were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Playing in both the Central Alberta Hockey League and the Alberta Senior Hockey League, the team's next iteration began play in 1961. The Miners were a part of an intriguing tale even though they collapsed in 1978. The Miners were selected to represent Canada in the 1967 Ahearne Cup in Sweden, following their victory in the 1966 Allan Cup. In Aherne, Drumheller was the tournament's last place team. The team's travel companion was Art Potter, who was the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association president at the time. He believed that the tournament administrators were purposefully trying to keep the Miners from winning, and that the officiating was appalling. In the final moments of their game, he gave the players permission to leave, but they declined. An on-ice brawl almost broke out in the decisive game against the Swedes, which ended in a 3-1 loss. After being called "crazy" by the Swedish media for their rough play, the Miners players unanimously swore they would never step foot on Swedish ice again. Funny enough, the Soviet media echoed Potter's evaluation, saying that while the referee was generally regarded as fair, in international matches he appeared to favor the host team more than the opposition.
The Miners name was revived briefly by a Junior A team in the early 80s from 1981-83. That team played in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and unfortunately only won 10 of 86 games over two seasons.
This would make a unique gift for the hockey fan in your life or a neat find for yourself of a vintage hockey team.
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About the t-shirt from the manufacturer:
- Brand & Product: Bella Canvas 3001 or 3001CVC
- Lightweight: 4.2 oz., 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- Note: Athletic Heather is 90% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
- Crew neck
- Lightweight, thin feel
- Athletic/slim fit
