
The 1960-1961 Amherst Senior Ramblers hockey team overcame many challenges before the Allan Cup Eastern Canadian Finals. 1960 was the Ramblers’ first season back after the town’s rink had burned down in 1958. The Ramblers had a successful regular season with 32 wins, 7 losses, and one tie. In the post-season, they only had one loss on their way to the Allan Cup Eastern Canadian Finals and won the Nova Scotia Senior Hockey League Championship and the Maritime Senior Hockey League Championship.
A major obstacle that the team had to overcome before reaching their ultimate goal were serious financial challenges. With the support of the locals, the Ramblers were able to raise $2000 in 24 hours; money that would be used to help the team travel to the Allan Cup Eastern Canadian Finals in Ontario. The team was loved by their small town that showed its greatest support when it came to helping the team travel to the Eastern Canadian Finals. Unfortunately, the team was defeated in four games by the Ontario Champions the Galt Terriers, but the Ramblers still placed second at the Allan Cup. Upon their return to Amherst, the team was honoured at the annual Amherst Board of Trade Banquet.
Team members included: Gerry Boss, Frank Dorrington, Frank Gouthreau, Sam Gregory, David Kiley, Lou Kiley (manager), Maurice (Moe) Lamirande, E. (Cookie) LeBlanc (trainer), Mickey LeBlanc (assistant trainer), Roger Legere (captain), Denny (Dan) Malone, Russ Malone, “Big” Jim MacLean, Jacques Monette (coach), Norman (Red) Mullins, Bill Payne, Gilles Picard, Ralph Sheppard, Dick VanSnick, Shermie White.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-nlCsg7icY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8ZC-V-YTtc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8ZC-V-YTtc&list=UUvIoqGnT5eKU722WcrXkvGg&index=167
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-nlCsg7icY&list=UUvIoqGnT5eKU722WcrXkvGg&index=168
http://www.novamuse.ca/index.php/Detail/objects/119658
• Played 1st season back after fire in local rink
• Season stats: 32 wins, 7 losses and 1 tie
• Nova Scotia Senior Hockey League Champions
• Raised $2000 in 24 hours to attend the Allan Cup
• Placed second at the Allan Cup