1952-1953 Tacoma Rockets Program

Cover and Back Cover

Mark Marquess
On the cover is Right-winger Mark Marquess who played 27 regular season and four playoff games for the Boston Bruins in 1946-47. He was a fine playmaker and face off man who spent most of his career in the minors.

Born in Bassano, Alberta, Marquess played junior with the Moose Jaw Canucks of the SJHL. He spent most of the 1945-46 season with the EHL's Boston Olympics then was elevated to the AHL's Hershey Bears the next season. Marquess scored five goals in 27 games and worked well on a line with Bill Shill and Jim McGill. He also suited up for four games when Boston lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the semifinals.

Mark played 2 seasons with Tacoma in the PCHL and WHL from 1951-1953

By the late 40s, Marquess was strictly a regular in Hershey where he notched consecutive 20-goal seasons in 1948 and 1949. He also spent five years in the PCHL and WHL with several different clubs and exceeded the 25-assist plateau three times. Marquess retired in 1958 after playing two years of senior hockey with the Kamloops Chiefs

Cammarano Brothers
William and Philip Cammarano founded the Cammarano Brothers bottling company in 1934. They bottled and distributed a wide selection of soft drinks including Twang Root Beer, Double Cola, Mission Orange, Squirt, and Paradise Club Soda. They sposonsored many Tacoma sports teams from hockey, baseball to basketball. They grew until 1999 when they were acquired by another family owned distributor the Alaska Distributer's Co. which is the Northwest's 21st largest company bringing in $340 million in sales in 2007. A Cammarano family member has overseen the company actions through 2002.

Replica home jersey from Rockets 1949-50 season on display (on far left) at the Tacoma Sports Museum

Inside Cover and Page 1
KMO 1360
This station used the KMO callsign from 1922 to 1983. The station was assigned the KKMO call letters by the Federal Communications Commission on July 20, 1998. On April 30, 2008, Salem Communications announced that it had reached an agreement to sell KKMO to Tron Do-run Intelli LLC for $3,690,000. The deal was approved by the FCC on June 25, 2008, but in November 2008 Salem announced that the sale had been cancelled.In November 2008, the station dropped its "Radio Sol" branding in favor of "El Rey". KKMO airs a Regional Mexican Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo on mornings and local hosts the rest of the broadcast day. The station is the flagship Spanish broadcaster for the Seattle Mariners. Music format branded as "El Rey". Notable on-air personalities include nationally syndicated host.

President/Vice President
The Ice Arena at 38th and Union was owned by Tacoma Rockets President, Sam Bergesen and Vice President, Fred Urban and was home to both the Tacoma Rockets and the Tacoma Figure Skating Club. Members of the skating club offered classes for beginning enthusiasts.

St. Regis Hotel - Vancouver BC
During Vancouver’s “Golden Years of Growth” from 1907 to 1913, P. Roberts of Roberts, Malby and Company, a local Real Estate and Loan company, decided to build the St. Regis Vancouver Hotel for his wife Mary. He employed W.T. Whiteway, one of the leading architects in the British Empire, to design his hotel. Construction started in 1911 and was completed in time for an opening day of March 15, 1913. Top athletes who visited Vancouver during the ’40s and ’50s had to stay at the St Regis. From top NHL stars such as Stanley Cup Winner and long time New York Ranger coach Muzz Patrick, to JL “Pop” Grant to Maurice “Rocket” Richard. Coley Hall, the owner of the St. Regis at the time, decided that if he was the “Sportman’s” hotel, he needed a hockey team. So for the 1943 to 1944 PCHL season, the St. Regis Hotel hockey team hit the ice. The golden years are being brought back to life in Jaunuary 2009 after an extensive $11 million renovation by top designer Elaine Thorsell. Offering New York style boutique accommodations with state of the art technology in the heart of Vancouver's financial and business districts, St. Regis is once again one of Vancouver’s top business traveller’s hotel. Check them out at http://www.stregishotel.com,

Page 2-3
Hockey in Brief
The entire rules of the game in 5 paragraphs. Nice and simple.

Midway Bowl
Midway had 12 lanes to bowl on. Ted Tadich was honored as an inductee into the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame for his career in Bowling in 1962.

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Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were a minor league professional ice hockey team in the Pacific Coast Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. Inaugurated in 1945 with the PCHL, they became a WHL team with the merger of the PCHL with the Western Canada Senior Hockey League in 1952. The Canucks played their final season in the WHL after 25 years in 1969-70 before joining the National Hockey League along with fellow expansion team, the Buffalo Sabres.

The Vancouver Canucks won 6 President's/Lester Patrick Cups (the trophy was renamed in 1960 after the death of Lester Patrick) – 2 PCHL titles (1946 and 1948) and 4 WHL titles (1958, 1960, 1969 and 1970). They were also regular season champions 4 times. They played home games in the PNE Forum arena at the Pacific National Exhibition in east Vancouver, before moving for their last two seasons into the Pacific Coliseum just to the north.

Meet Some Canucks
Hall of Famer Emile "The Cat" Francis (born September 13, 1926 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a former player, coach, and general manager in the National Hockey League, most notably with the New York Rangers.
Francis got his start in the NHL with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1947. From 1948 to 1952, he was the back-up goaltender for the New York Rangers. He finished out his career on a number of minor league teams in the AHL and WHL including the Vancouver Canucks. In 1945, Francis was the first goaltender to use a first baseman’s glove with a cuff added to protect his hand and wrist. Previosusly, goalies wore the same padded gloves as their teammates.
Francis would become the coach of the OHA's Guelph Royals before landing the head coaching job with the Rangers from 1965 to 1975. He then joined the St. Louis Blues and had two separate head coaching stints with them. He was then General Manager of the Hartford Whalers from 1979 until 1988.

Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, Ian Mackintosh played junior with the local Rangers and St. James teams. He turned pro with the EHL's New York Rovers in 1945-46 then scored 22 goals for the club the next year. Mackintosh then played briefly in the AHL and Quebec Senior League before starting the most productive phase of his career with the St. Paul Saints of the USHL. Mackintosh notched two 30-goal seasons for the club and helped them when the USHL crown in 1949. After scoring 19 goals for the Cincinnati Mohawks of the AHL in 1951-52, Mackintosh made it into four games with the Rangers as an injury replacement the next year. He retired a few months later after scoring 28 goals for the WHL's Vancouver Canucks. Right-winger Ian Mackintosh played four years with the New York Rangers in 1952-53. He was best known as a dangerous scorer in the minors, particularly the USHL.

In 1954, while Larry Popein was skating for the Canucks, the New York Rangers acquired Popein's contract. He was promptly brought to the Big Apple along with Gump Worsley, Lou Fontinato, and Andy Bathgate to spark a revival of the club's fortunes. Popein, a man of few words and a grim facial expression, quickly established himself as a hustling, two-way centreman, flanked by Bathgate and Dean Prentice. The line became the Rangers' best although Prentice and Bathgate got the lion's share of points while Popein remained, as he often called himself, the scoreless pivot.He stayed as a Ranger regular until 1961 when he was sent back to the Vancouver Canucks of the WHL. There he contentedly played for his adopted hometown for seven seasons. But in 1967, the NHL doubled in size, opening up a need for experienced vets like Larry Popein. The Oakland Seals made him a cash offer that was hard to refuse. He joined the NHL for one final run of 47 games before heading back to the minors where he rounded out his on-ice career with Vancouver and Omaha. Since packing it in, Popein has coached in Omaha, Seattle, Providence, and New York. In 1974-75, he also served as director of player personnel for the Vancouver Canucks, this time, of the NHL. Larry Popein was a pure Saskatchewan lad until he played his first game with the Vancouver Canucks of the PCHL in 1951. From that point on, no matter where he played or coached, Vancouver was the place he liked to be.

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Tacoma Rockets

I just love this classic hockey logo that was used by Tacoma.

Wayne Brown
Nicknamed "The Weiner," Brown was born in a small town near Belleville, called Deloro, Ontario. He played three years of major Junior A hockey with the OHA's St. Catharines Teepees. In his rookie season, Brown played in 46 games, scoring nine goals and 22 points. He improved to 40 points the next year and had a very solid final year in 1950-51, providing 29 goals and 52 assists in 51 games.

Brown turned pro in 1951-52, signing with the Tacoma Rockets of the PCHL. In 70 games, he scored 28 goals and 58 points. He remained with Tacoma for another year and played one season in Seattle before being rewarded with a call-up to the Boston Bruins in 1953-54, where he appeared in four post-season games. Brown never did play a regular season NHL contest, but was in the lineup for the four playoff games. He was used primarily as insurance, in case one of the main roster players was injured, so his playing time was limited.

For three years Brown wore the sweater of the Victoria Cougars of the WHL and then played before his hometown fans for two seasons in Belleville with the McFarlands of the Eastern Ontario Hockey League in 1958 and 1959. Other stops along the way included a stint with the Clinton Comets, the Syracuse Stars and the Belleville Mohawks. Brown played one OHA senior game in 1972 at the age of 42, with the Belleville Quinte

The Post House Tavern
The bar had lowered ceiling over the bar have been decorated with padded, studded leather-like material. A cool case is seen against the far wall as well as a pay phone. Ordered by Mrs. Teresa Diseth, owner of the tavern.

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Calgary Stampeders
The Calgary Stampeders are a defunct ice hockey team that was based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The team existed from 1938 until 1972, playing in various senior and minor professional leagues during that time. In 1946, the Stampeders captured the Allan Cup as Canadian senior hockey champions, the first Alberta based club to do so. In 1951, the Stampeders, along with their provincial cousins, the Edmonton Flyers, officially turned professional, joining the Pacific Coast Hockey League, later the Western Hockey League — the top professional league in the Western Canada and the United States. In doing so, the Stampeders became the minor-league affiliate of the Chicago Black Hawks. The Stampeders quickly found success in the professional ranks, winning the WHL title in 1953–54, defeating the Vancouver Canucks four games to one. The Stampeders then went on to face the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Hockey League in the Edinburgh Cup for the championship of Canadian minor professional hockey. Calgary won the best-of-nine series in six games, with the clinching game held in Calgary, a 4–2 victory in front of 6,500 fans. The Stampeders also reached the WHL final in in 1955, falling to the Flyers in a four game sweep. In 1958, when they fell to the Canucks, and 1959, falling to the Victoria Cougars. During this time, The Stampeders were one of the top draws in the league. Including all playoff games, the 1953–54 Stampeders drew over 300,000 fans in a city of 150,000. In 1955–56, Calgary drew 157,803 fans in the regular season, second only to the Winnipeg Warriors.

Busch's Drive In
Busch's provided both curb-side service and interior dining at their South Tacoma Way restaurant. Extensive neon lighting would make the restaurant visible for several blocks. Purchased by Bill & Thelma Busch in 1943, the restaurant was a popular spot for both young and old alike. It was later renamed Busch's Round Table Restaurant.

And Remember "Ice Hockey at it's Best" so eat your Wheaties.

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The Tacoma Hotel
The six story, brick Savage-Scofield Building, houses the Tacoma Hotel. Armand Marion was the owner and manager of the hotel during the late 1940's.

Page 12-13
Hank Blade
Prior to playing in the NHL, Hank Blade spent the majority of his time playing hockey in the Ottawa area. In 1939-40 he joined the Ottawa Montagnards of the OCHL at the age of 19. In his second year with the club he became one of the top goal scorers, popping in 12 goals in 20 games. In 1941 he began a two-year association with the Ottawa RCAF during World War Two. Midway through the 1942-43 hockey season he was transferred to Vancouver where he picked up his game with the unit on the west coast. While in Vancouver he was seen by a member of the NNDHL's Vancouver Seahawks, who asked him to join their team. The following year he headed back east to Ottawa but wanted a chance to play in the NHL, so he spent time showcasing his talent with the Kansas City Pla-Mors of the USHL. The move paid off. In 1946-47 the Chicago Blackhawks used Blade in 18 games, where he had a goal and four points. Blade played another six games with the Blackhawks in 1947-48, and that was the last time he played in the league. He continued to play hockey for another six years and in 1951 was named the MVP of the USHL while playing with the Milwaukee Seagulls.IPrior to playing in the NHL, Hank Blade spent the majority of his time playing hockey in the Ottawa area. In 1939-40 he joined the Ottawa Montagnards of the OCHL at the age of 19. In his second year with the club he became one of the top goal scorers, popping in 12 goals in 20 games.

Great shot of the Stampeders jersey crest! Plaus the irony of a hockey program reminding you to "Don't Forget to Give a Pint of Blood" priceless.

Barton Bradley
For those who do not remember the name Barton Bradley for his NHL exploits, there is good reason. In fact, as time passes, Bradley and players like him are gaining notoriety for their contribution as "One Game Wonders" of the NHL. Bradley's pro career began at the age of 19 as a member of the Hershey Bears in 1949-50, where he played in 61 games, scoring 16 goals and 35 points. He was called up for one game with the Boston Bruins that season. As it turns out, that would be the one and only NHL appearance of his life. Bradley continued to play at the professional level for another nine years, but he never played again in the NHL. The pinnacle of his career came during his two years as a member of the Tacoma Rockets of the WHL. In his first season he scored 37 goals and 76 points in 70 games. In 1952-53, he had 26 goals and 73 points in 70 games. From there, Bradley moved on to the New Westminster Royals, the Victoria Cougars and the Seattle Americans before finishing out his career playing two years with the Belleville McFarlands, retiring after the 1958-59 campaign. For those who do not remember the name Barton Bradley for his NHL exploits, there is good reason. In fact, as time passes, Bradley and players like him are gaining notoriety for their contribution as "One Game Wonders" of the NHL.

Page 14-15
Where's the page?
A wonder story about the origian of hockey lost because half the page is gone. Sorry it was gone when I got it, but I enjoy the first couple lines.
"While there are many stories told as to teh origin of hockey...it is the belief that the sport activity - lacrosse. The very word 'hockey' can be traced to Indian origin, derived from the phrase 'ho-Ghee'. Translated from the Mohawk Indian language ho-Ghee means 'it hurts'." Can anyone confirm this?

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Page 16
You can just see the border of the ad that used to be on this page. I wish I knew what it was. Maybe they had a winning number for a prize or a killer coupon.

Record Setting Tacoma Rockets 1949-1950
Classic uniforms. Still need to find what records they broke.


Larger version of the 1949-50 Team	Actual coaches jacket on display at the Tacoma Sports Museum