History

Early History of the Border Bruins
Submitted by: Diane Piper - Wayne Piper (General Manager)

   Basil Jamieff, Wayne Piper, Serge Kazakoff and Ron Leopold (he was the GF Recreation Director at the time) were responsible for starting the Border Bruins. Mr. Paul Sofonoff (team captain Wally Sofonoffs father) and Wayne were responsible for the team name. Wayne thought "Border" because of the location of the town and Paul the "Bruins". Wayne thinks because of the Boston Bruins who were the shinning stars of hockey at the time is perhaps why Paul choose the "Bruins". 

   Joy Kazakoff (Serge's wife) and I worked at the arena during the games and were paid by the City (we took turns taking money for admission and working in the concession). The money we were paid was given to the team.  Ron Leopold who now manages the Saddledome here in Calgary was instrumental in helping the team obtain goalie equipment.  The expense was prohibative for the individual to pay for so the City of Grand Forks, with Ron's help made the purchase possible.

   Wayne coached the team, often in his RCMP uniform, and had to request permission from the sergeant at the time to do so.  League meetings were usually held in Castlegar, Nelson and Trail...I don't know that they ever were held in Grand Forks.  The Bruins were not highly thought of in the league.  Another member of the RCMP became involved as "team manager" Bob Coleman.  It was funny to see the two guys behind the bench.  During the first year, I don't think that the Bruins won any games.  It was funny when folks would come to see the game during the second and third periods, look at the scoreboard and be excited because the score was showing only 3 to 12.  They soon realized that the 12 was actualy 22 to 3 and it wasn't on the Bruins.

   Bob and Mary Anderson gave countless hours to the team and were there to cheer on Johnny (their son) and the boys for every game.  Not only did they give their time they donated funds and helped in coutless ways.  Later on Neil Ebbeson became involved as team manager (Bob had been transferred) and players from "away" were recruited to play in Grand Forks.

  Dr. Tomashewsky was the "team doctor" and missed very few games.  The team was grateful many times that he was in attendance.  Wally Sofonoff would be able to tell you about one incident.

   I have taken the time to write this today as I get the feeling that the team beginnings have not always been clear and it has been great reliving that time.

   GO BRUINS!!! - Diane & Wayne Piper

History of the KIJHL

The following was taken from the 1983-84 Border Bruin program.  It is entitled History of the K.I.J.H.L.
     The KIJHL began as the West Kootenay Junior Hockey League when a group of hockey buffs gathered in Castlegar at the Recreation Office on a hot July evening in 1969 to hold the inaugural meeting. 
     Prior to the meeting, there was much talk about boys in the area who wanted to play Junior Hockey having to go elsewhere.  Teams that started that first year were Trail, Rossland, Castlegar, Nelson and Grand Forks.  It was decided the league was for local boys first and consequently the schedule was drawn up for 34 games mostly on weekends.
     The initial season saw Roy Casler coach the Trail Junior Smoke Eaters all the way to the BC Championship.  During the first two years Castlegar and Grand Forks disbanded their teams.   Grand Forks, after a year's absence, came back into the league but it took seven yerars for Castlegar to come back into the fold.