March 31, 1948: Toronto, ON:
Even deep within the bowels of the Dominion Gardens, the players and staff of both teams could hear the fans. To say the fans were fired up would have been the world's biggest understatement. The defending Cup Champion Boston Bees were in town, it was game three of the Challenge Cup semifinals and their Toronto Dukes were one win away from a trip to the Finals.
Jack Barrell walked into the locker room, a game program curled in his fist, an affectation he'd picked up long ago from Max Dewar, one of his first professional coaches. He stopped and turned to address his team.
"Gather 'round boys!" he shouted, quieting the room. He saw Quinton Pollack, his young star, come out of the trainer's room, where he'd been getting a balky shoulder rubbed down by trainer Bert McGowan. Jack nodded at the young man who was to become his son-in-law in the upcoming summer, then slapped his program against the palm of his hand and began speaking:
"Tonight, we stand on the threshold of history. We find ourselves in a moment that has been a long time coming—a moment of destiny, of dreams realized, and of greatness achieved. As we gather in this hallowed arena, our beloved home, the Dominion Gardens, let us remember that there is no better place to hoist the Challenge Cup than right here in our city of Toronto.
I stand before you, a man who has walked these very corridors as both a player and a coach, basking in the glory of triumph not once, but twice. In 1921, I was fortunate to be part of a team that captured this coveted Cup. Then, as a coach, I had the honor of leading the Dukes to victory in 1935. Now, here we are, on the cusp of yet another glorious chapter in the annals of Toronto Dukes history.
Think back to where we were just last season—finished at the bottom, written off by critics, and cast aside by those who believed our glory days were long behind us. But look at us now! Against all odds, we have fought our way through adversity, silenced the naysayers, and carved our path to the cusp of our goal: a chance to play for the Challenge Cup. We stand here not by chance, but through determination, heart, and unity.
While we need just one win to seal the sweep, we cannot let the prospect of victory cloud our focus. We must not rest on our laurels, thinking we can take care of business "the next time" if we falter tonight. No, men, we must play each shift, each pass, each shot as if our backs are against the wall. We must fight with a hunger that surpasses all else. That team across the hall? They're the defending champions. Do not for one second think that if we leave them an inch of opening, they will not shove the door wide and seize the initiative. We must not let that happen.
Tonight, we ride on the shoulders of Terry Russell, the man who has stood tall between the pipes, guiding us with his skill and resilience thus far this series. But let it be clear that our faith in Terry does not diminish our regard for Gordie Broadway, whose steady presence has been the foundation upon which our journey was built. Without Gordie, we wouldn't have even earned our ticket to these playoffs.
Our forwards led by Bobbie Sauer, Quinton Pollack, and Les Carlson, have proven themselves time and again with their passion, drive, and unyielding determination. They carry the weight of our aspirations on their shoulders, knowing that they are the embodiment of our collective will.
And let us not forget our defenders— men such as Chad Roy, Philippe Dubois, and J.C. Martel —warriors who stand tall on the blue line, ready to repel any challenge that comes our way. Their strength and resolve have fortified our defense, making our fortress impenetrable.
We are a team that plays hard on both ends and when we do that, and do it well, we can beat any team at any rink in this league. This is our time and this is our rink.
My friends, our journey to this point has not been without its struggles, its sacrifices, and its challenges. But we are here, united in purpose, bound by the shared dream of etching our names into the annals of hockey history and onto that big silver cup. As we step onto the ice tonight, let us remember the countless hours of preparation, the sweat and determination poured into every practice, and the belief that has brought us this far.
Look around you, at the sea of faces adorned in maroon and white, and out on the ice, look up at the thousands who believe in us, who have faith in our abilities, and who rally behind our cause. Let this electrifying energy be the wind at our backs, propelling us forward to victory.
So, my fellow Dukes, let us seize this moment. Let us play with all our hearts, leaving nothing behind but the echoes of our triumph. Let us rise above the challenges, reach for the stars, and remind the world that the spirit of Toronto Dukes hockey is alive and thriving.
Together, we are invincible. Together, we are unstoppable. And together, we will give ourselves a chance to play for that cup.
Onward to victory, boys! Let's make our city, our fans, and ourselves proud. For the Challenge Cup, for Toronto, and for the legacy we create tonight!"
Jack hadn't spoken loudly, and his words didn't echo through the room. A silence reigned within the locker room for several heartbeats; every man in the room could clearly hear the cacophony of the fans out in the seating bowl. But the silence in that room lasted only a moment, then Wilbur Chandler led a whooping cheer that the entire team took up. Soon every man in the room was banging his stick on the floor.
As the players hustled out of the room, Jack turned to assistant coach Carl Beirne with a tight smile and said, "I almost feel sorry for the Bees. We are going to kick their ass."
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Jack Barrell in the Dukes locker room, 1948
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