Cup bucket list wish come true

The Memorial Cup is rich in history and tradition and is one many hockey fans, young and old, aspire to see in person.

For Innisfail resident Bob Wilkins that chance finally arrived at the end of May, after waiting more than 60 years for the once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I've kept this (framed collection of autographed photos) safe for 64 years," said Wilkins. "I've always wanted to have my photograph taken with that picture and the Memorial Cup. It finally transpired at the Innisfail Golf Club during the Memorial Cup Golf Tournament on May 26."

Wilkins moved to Alberta in 1967 after growing up in Guelph, Ont. He brought some hockey history with him that was given to him by his father when he was a young boy.

"When I was nine years old I was living in Guelph and I was quite sick in the hospital with appendicitis," he said. "My dad was a hockey fan and he gave me these individually autographed photographs of the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters that won the Memorial Cup that year (1952)," explained Wilkins, noting there are photos of 17 players and one coach.

"It's a really neat experience. I finally got to stroke something off my bucket list," he added with a smile.

Eight members of that team went on to play in the NHL, including Andy Bathgate, Henry Howell, Dean Prentice, Ron Murphy and Lou Fontinato. Coach Alf Pike led the New York Rangers for two years following his team's Memorial Cup win.

He was thankful to the Innisfail Golf Club and manager Darren Black for the opportunity to have a dream come true.

"On the Memorial Cup, the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters plaque is on the very top row right in the middle of the Memorial Cup," said Wilkins, noting how interesting it was to finally see the Guelph team inscribed on the cup. "All their names are on it too."

Wilkins has been a huge hockey fan all his life and has played the sport for many years as well.

"I've played hockey for the Medicine Hat Tiger Oldtimer team and the Stettler Silver Rockers and right now I'm an alumni of the Red Deer Silver Selects," he said.

While he's never met any of the Mad Hatters players in person, he is thrilled to have a special piece of hockey history and a now a prized photo with the Memorial Cup.

"There could very well be another individually autographed picture of the full team and the coach (from 1952)," said Wilkins, quickly adding that he could very well have the only one.

[email protected]