The Minden Monarchs were the dominant men’s hockey team in Haliburton County in the 1950’s, winning the Central Ontario Intermediate “C” League Championship three years in a row, 1956, 1957, and 1958. In the same seasons, they were Eastern Ontario Champions and Ontario Intermediate “C” Finalists.
The village of Minden supported the Monarchs with great enthusiasm, and the Minden Community Centre was jammed with fans every Saturday night to cheer for their local heroes. Leading the team to consecutive championships were Doug Powell (playing coach), Mark Vasey and Garnet Lytle (managers), Bernie Trepanier (secretary-treasurer) and Willis Walker (trainer).
On February 24, 1955, The Haliburton Echo reported that the Monarchs trounced the Lakeshore Saints, 13-2. “A crowd of over 375 hockey fans paid their way into the arena to see Minden overwhelm the Toronto team.” Goal scorers were Gary, Glen and Hugh Vasey, Richardson, Farrell, Wheeler, Rogers, and Lougheed. Other players credited with the win were Watt and Struthers.
A powerhouse of a team offensively and defensively. The Minden Monarchs ruled the rink in the 1950’s. Teams from Cannington, Little Britain, Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Haliburton and other Central Ontario hockey clubs knew they were the team to beat.
