1959-1961 Coronet/Riverside Royals – Team

For 10 years from the mid‑1950s to the mid‑’60s the Coronet/Riverside Royals were one of the premiere Senior “B” men’s fastball teams in Saskatchewan.

The nucleus of the club remained intact for that entire span and the cohesiveness and talent of that team was rewarded with five straight trips to the provincial championship from 1958 to ’62.

In 1958, the Royals represented Prince Albert in the provincial final only to lose to the Saskatoon Merchants. One year later, the club was back in the provincial final, but this time they won it all as they beat Regina All State in the decisive match.  The decade then changed to reflect the 1960s, but the Royals continued their winning ways as they once again won the city championship in 1960. Despite a strong performance, however, they failed to defend their provincial title as they were beaten by the Saskatoon Carmen in the quarter finals of the provincial play downs.

In 1961, the Royals once again were the best team in the province as they beat the Grenfell Gems in the championship game. Like anything else, all good things have to come to an end and in 1962 the Royals’ streak of appearances in the provincial tournament was over after they lost to Estevan in the championship game.  Members of those talented Royals’ clubs included:  Robin Bibby, Stan Bremner,

Len Button, Tim Corrigal, Ivan Moxness, Joe Nishnik, Garth Olsen, Jim Reid, Doug Carson, Dwayne Hackl, Knute Hemstad, Pete Hollick, Boris LaBuik, Vern McKay, Cliff Samson, Ray Samson, Art Strueby, Gordon Wilson, Pete Wawro.  During the golden age of senior fastball, when a provincial title was the highest reward, the Royals were a dominating team and it is with great pride that the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame welcomes them into the team category of the shrine.

Inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.