James Vantour

Hockey historian and author

 

THE REUNION OF THE FABULOUS 1954-55 FLYERS

Jim Vantour, author of The Fabulous Flyers, and his wife, Denise, were guests at the reunion of the 1954-55 Edmonton Flyers held in Edmonton November 14 -16, 2008. The driving force behind the reunion was the family of Don Poile – daughter Maureen, son Bob and son-in-law Derek DeBolt.

The reunion began with a private reception for family and friends on Friday evening, November 14. Saturday was a full day, courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers. Jim and the Flyers players attended an Oilers’ practice and toured the team’s facilities in the morning. In the evening, the Oilers, including President and CEO Patrick LaForge, President of Hockey Operations Kevin Lowe, and General Manager Steve Tambellini, hosted a reception for the players and their families at Rexall Place, following which the players were introduced to Oilers fans in an on-ice ceremony prior to the Oilers-Colorado game. The weekend activities ended the following day with a family brunch.

Flyers players in attendance were Glenn Hall, captain Steve Hrymnak, Hugh Coflin, Al Arbour, Chuck Holmes, Don “Beaver” Poile, Len “Comet” Haley, Enio Sclisizzi, and Father Ray Hannigan.

Jim addressed the players and their families at the Friday evening reception, recalling his experience as a thirteen year old watching the Flyers perform at the Edmonton Gardens. He had the honour of presenting each of the players with a vintage Flyers jersey.

 

 Jim with Glenn Hall