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History, Jerseys, Team Pictures, Player Informatio & Awards, & other memorabilia
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This is the Start of the first decade (1971-1979) of Sioux City Jr. Musketeers/Metros High School Hockey
This was the first un-official season of high school hockey, at the time it was call Midget/Juvenile. Practices and games were
played outdoors at Hubbard Park (28th & Jones) and Gilman Terrace (Bomgaars/PetSmart on Hamilton Blvd.). Nearly a total
of a hundred players including close to twenty-five high school aged players would join the new youth hockey program.
It costs players under 13 years old $4.00 dollars and players 14-18 $8.00 for the entire season. There is also a $1.50 additional
Insurance Fee, however, it is covered by SYHA “IF” they sell $10.00 worth of Christmas greens.
Securing a location, boards, lights and ice maintenance equipment makes for a slow start to the season. However, the association does
get underway and boast nearly a hundred players, a formation of a high school team and boasts several game played at all age levels.
An annual Pancake Breakfast and/or a Rummage Sale are floated as potential fundraisers.
A set of association bi-laws are established and the original nine board members are designated to one, two or three years terms.
Eli Robinow, Ken Jones & Curtis Chausse-1 Year Term * Tim McGann, Tom Geelan & Dave Carlson-2 Year Term
Roger Iverson, Ted Neby & Jack Rotramel-3 Year Tear
There are still some outdoor rink practices. However, the introduction of the new USHL team located in Sioux City increases the
indoor ice availability of the Sioux City Auditorium to nearly fifty additional days.
Second year SYHA costs sky-rocket!!! Players under 10 pay $8.00, players under 14 pay $10.00 and high school players
pay $15.00 for the entire season.
This is the inaugural season for the traditional SYHA Pancake Breakfast.
It is held on April 7th, 1973 in the Woolco Store (ShopKo/Hamilton Blvd.) parking lot.
Jr. Musketeers Coaching Staff
Tim McCann Joe Pinard Carl Petronis
Coach Coach Team Manager
Tim McCann is the high school teams first head coach and Joe Pinard is the second half of the Jr. Musketeer original coaching
staff. Prior to this season Joe played for the Sioux City Eagles for three seasons. After coaching a pair of high school seasons,
Joe would return to the youth levels where he was an instrumental part of coaching in the newly formed Sioux City youth
hockey organization. Joe was also a long-time SYHA referee and worked all levels of play.
High Scorers
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name
Insert Player scoring information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these
stats please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name
Insert Player penalty information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
Between the Pipes
The high school program was starting to come together. The Kiwanis Club sponsored the high school team.
Jr. Musketeers Coaching Staff
Coach Coach Team Manager
Coach name Insert high school coaching information here. Coach name Insert high school coaching
information here. Coach name Insert high school coaching information here. Coach name Insert high
school coaching information here. Coach name Insert high school coaching information here.ion here.
High Scorers
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name
Insert Player scoring information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name
Insert Player penalty information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
73-74 Between the Pipes
Both in their senior year, Ira Lebowitz and Tom Geelan will see their final season of high school play. Junior
Bobby Sutherland all return for another season of high school hockey. The Jr. Musketeers do play a limited schedule both
home and away. Teams in Des Moines and Waterloo are also on the cusp of forming organized high school leagues.
A gaining popularity of youth hockey in Sioux City required that the eligible age was again lowered to include Mite aged
players (5-7). Eight 5-year olds tip-toed on the ice that season and two of them, Duane Erickson (Metros Class of ’87) and
Brian Reynolds (Metros Class of ’87) became the first SYHA Players to go completely through the SYHA program.
The Metros participate for the first time in the annual Des Moines Invitational Tournament on January 18th & 19. Waterloo
would join the tournament as the third Iowa team as well as Albert lea & South St. Paul from Minnesota. They would make
it to the final game but lose to the hosts in a 7-6 barn-burner.
Jr. Musketeers Coaching Staff
Pete Inkster Need Name Marcus Rotramel Need Name
Head Coach Assistant Coach Trainer/Equipment Team Rep
Past Musketeer players and now Jr. Musketeers Head Coach Pete Inkster becomes a high school coaching staff
staple. Prior to coaching, he would play a pair of seasons for the newly formed Sioux City Musketeers. During his
rookie season he would be selected as the team’s Most Popular Player and his veteran season selected as one
of the Musketeer Team Captains. Prior to his time with the Musketeers, Pete played in the East Coast League.
Marcus Rotrammel is a local player who was just ahead of the newly formed Youth Hockey organization. Getting
his hockey fix by working for both the Musketeers and the high school teams, he quickly becomes both the area’s
hockey equipment and skate sharpening expert, as well as a certified athletic trainer. Marcus worked over twenty
seasons for the Musketeers and volunteered just as many to SYHA and the Jr. Musketeers/Metros.
High Scorers
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name
Insert Player scoring information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name
Insert Player penalty information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
74-75 Between the Pipes
This season brings on the first organized season and the pre-curser of the Iowa High School Hockey League. Senior Bobby
Sutherland is back for his fourth season of organized hockey and joining him is a sophomore Eric Paulsrud. They will play a
schedule with several other Iowa teams including Des Moines & Waterloo. While not an official “State Tournament” yet; an
invitational tournament is held in Ames Iowa that sees the Waterloo Columbus Sailors beat the Sioux City Jr. Musketeers in
the championship game.
Spring of ’75 the groundwork for the Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) begins with the first season commencing
that November. The First IHSHL State Tournament held February 21st & 22nd in Ames IA.
With Sioux City’s youth hockey program only four seasons old, and the State Tournament in its first year, the Metros would make
it to the championship game held at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames.
They would defeat Des Moines Urbandale 7-6 in the first round and Des Moines Hoover-Roosevelt 7-4 in the second round. Despite
42 shots on goal, the Jr. Musketeers would lose by a single goal to the (Waterloo) Columbus Sailors 5-4.
SYHA Pancake Day this season was one to dish out some hockey drama…The Jr. Musketeers played a college team from Emo, Ontario
While the Jr. Musketeers were behind most of the game, Brian & Mike Hartman and Kevin Berg scored third period goals for a 6-4 victory.
SYHA Proposes that the following season all players will be required to wear a helmets with an attached facemask
Jr. Musketeers Coaching Staff
Team Sponsor…Greater Sioux City Exchange Club
Pete Inkster Need Name Marcus Rotramel Need Name
Head Coach Assistant Coach Trainer/Equipment Team Rep
Both Pete Inkster and Marcus Rotrammel return for another season. This is the first real season for the newly
formed Iowa High School Hockey League and both coaches field a team loaded with players who have had only
four years of hockey experience. They do pretty good; competing against other established hockey programs they
work their way to the very first IHSHL championship game.
High Scorers
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name Insert Player scoring information here. Player Name
Insert Player scoring information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name
Insert Player penalty information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
75-76 Between the Pipes
The IHSHL and the Jr. Musketeers begin play this season with some experience in the net. Fresh off his showing in the championship
game last season junior Eric Paulsrud is set to take over the starting position. Sophomore Mike Hartman will be joining the
Jr. Musketeers and taking on the back-up position.
This weekend in February would become the first official Iowa State Hockey League post-season tournament. Held in Ames Iowa
and played in the Hilton Coliseum. Organized by Iowa State Hockey Coach Al Murdoch this tournament play will become the
foundation of the modern day Iowa High School Hockey League and eventually the Midwest High School Hockey League’s
traditional post-season tournament featuring teams from not only Iowa but South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri.
Sioux City can boast an appearance in the first ever IHSHL championship game. Beating Des Moines Urbandale and
Hoover/Roosevelt and advancing to the championship game. Jr. Musketeers would fall by a single goal to the heavily
favored and very experienced Waterloo Columbus. However, second place finish was followed by another trip to the finals
two seasons later; proving the newly formed organization from Sioux City could compete with the larger and established
high school hockey programs.
Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) Tournament Championship
February 21st-22nd / Hilton Coliseum Ames, IA
Quarter-Final Game
7-Metros vs. Des Moines Urbandale-6
March 21st, 1976
Semi-Final Game
7-Metros vs. Des Moines Hoover-Roosevelt-4
March 21st, 1977
Championship Game
4-Metros vs. Waterloo Warriors-5
March 22nd, 1977
The Metros launch forty-two shots on goal and despite five power-play opportunities just couldn’t foil the
Sailors solid defense and goaltending.
The Auditorium gets it first Zamboni this year, forcing the snow shovels and the Black Knight carts into storage.
Facemasks become mandatory and early morning practices begin.
The Iowa High School League (IHSHL) opens play with 11 teams divided into two divisions. The team is officially called the
Sioux City Metro Jr. Musketeers. But commonly called the Jr. Musketeers. State Tournament March 4th-6th in Ames, IA
Division A: From Des Moines were Dowling, Hoover-Roosevelt, Valley, Urbandale and Waterloo Public & Columbus & Sioux City
Division B: Ames, Ankeny, Mason City and Des Moines Lincoln
The Jr. Musketeers would finish the season 4-7-1
On March 24th, the SYHA Year-End Banquet was held at the Marina Inn. IHSHL Leading Scorer Brian Hartman is presented
the award by IHSHL President and Iowa State Head Coach Al Murdock
Jr. Musketeers Coaching Staff
Team Sponsor…Siouxland Kiwanis Club
Pete Inkster Tony Newman Marcus Rotramel Dave Adam
Head Coach Assistant Coach Trainer/Equipment Team Rep
Pete Inkster starts his third season behind the Jr. Musketeers bench. Assistant Coach Tony Newman
will sharing some of the coaching duties this season. Marcus Rotrammel provides support for the team
and Dave Adam is the Jr. Musketeers first Team Rep.
Dave is a long time youth hockey supporter and a member of the SYHA Founding Fathers. He would be instrumental in
many of the new undertakings the new organization experiences as it works to become an established hockey organization.
High Scorers
Brian Hartman Brent Hartman Dave Wiffen Scott Barta Damon Lohry
Junior Brian Hartman would again lead the Metros in scoring with twenty-two goals and eight assists. His thirty points
was also tops in the league for scoring earning him a selection to the All-State Team. 8th grade brother Brent Hartman
was second with six goals and six assists for a dozen points. Dave Wiffen was third with six goals and a single assist.
Scott Barta and Damon Lohry would round out the top scorers with six and four points. Note: Keep in mind the
Jr. Musketeers only played 12 games this season.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name Insert Player penalty information here. Player Name
Insert Player penalty information here. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats
please let us know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at minimum, season long estimations.
76-77 Between the Pipes
Returning for this third season, Eric Paulsrud will team up with junior Mark Hartman and freshman Mike Bennett.
They combine for a 4-7-1 record and finish fifth in the newly formed Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL).
IHSHL Awards and Honors
Brian Hartman
Iowa High School Hockey League All-State Team
Brian Hartman
Iowa High School Hockey League All-State First Team
Brian Hartman
Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) Tournament Championship
March 4th-6th / Hilton Coliseum Ames, IA
Quarter-Final Game
March 4th, 1977
1-Jr. Musketeers vs. Urbandale Jays-6
Sioux City gets off to a bad start in this lopsided defeat to the Ankeny Hawks. Brett Nelson scores the lone Jr. Musketeer goal
Semi-Final Game
March 5th, 1977
?-Jr. Musketeers vs. Ankeny Hawks-?
Need game information other than the Jr. Musketeers do defeat the Ankeny Hawks to advance to the fifth place game.
Consolation Game
March 6th, 1977
2-Jr. Musketeers vs. Des Moines Hoover-Roosevelt Black Knights-7
The Jr. Musketeers fall to the league’s last place regular season team. Their sixth place finish is disappointing, especially
after a pair of prior trips the the state championship game.
New Dasher Boards Glass arrives in Sioux City – gone is the chain-link fence that personified old-time hockey
The season starts with ten teams playing a 12 game schedule. Des Moines Lincoln leaves the league. Ankeny moves to Division II.
State Tournament is March 8th-11th in Des Moines, IA
Division I: Sioux City, Waterloo Public & Columbus and Des Moines Dowling, Valley, Roosevelt & Urbandale.
Division II: Ames, Mason City and Ankeny
The Jr. Musketeers would finish the regular season with a 6-4-2 record and a third place regular season finish.
Advancing through the tournament with a pair of victories, they find themselves again matched-up with the two-time
Tournament champions from Waterloo Columbus. A chance at redemption for a loss two seasons ago, also in the
championship game.
This Jr. Musketeers team was loaded with future USHL’ers; Dave & Clayton Wiffen, Brian & Brent Hartman,
Mike Bennett, Paul Kambach, Pat Pinney & Dan Reynolds. They were the only team in the league that might
be able to beat the powerful Sailors, unfortunately they fell short in their second bid at a championship. Waterloo
Columbus would go on to win five of the first seven IHSHL tournament championships.
These Jr. Musketeer jerseys worn this season were handed down form the Musketeers by owner Gary Lipshutz. The
round Musketeer logo was removed and the jerseys worn were blank on the front.
Junior Musketeers Coaching Staff
Alex Shibicky Mitch Brandt Marcus Rotramel Mike Swanson
Head Coach Assistant Coach Trainer/Equipment Team Rep/Manager
There’s a new sheriff in town this season-and his name’s Alex Shibicky. Taking on the Head Coaching duties,
Alex brings several seasons of both Junior and Collegiate experience with him. Three seasons prior, he was a
stand-out player for both the Musketeers and the USHL. Scoring forty-three goals and forty-one assists during
the fifty game season. Alex is the Musketeer’s Most Valuable Player and USHL Rookie of the Year; he is
also selected to the USHL All-Star Team and a member of the USHL First Team. Before arriving in Sioux
City he played three seasons for the University of Denver Pioneers and a season before that with the
Victoria Cougars.
Another Musketeer Mitch Brandt will take over the Assistant Coaching duties this season. Also a University of
Denver alum, Mitch played four seasons for the Pioneers before moving to Sioux City and playing for the Musketeers.
He was a member of the Musketeers Southern Division Champions and a USHL Championship runner-up teams.
Marcus Rotrammel remains a staple with the high school team. Another long-time supporter of both SYHA and
the Musketeers Mike Swanson takes on some assistant coaching duties as well as the Team Rep & Manager duties.
High Scorers
Brian Hartman Scott Barta Paul Kambach Brent Hartman Brent Nelson
Brian Hartman was back again to Lead the Jr. Musketeers in scoring with twenty goals and fourteen assists. Like the
prior seasons, he was again a league leading top two scorer and an All-State Team player. Scott Barta and Brent Hartman
would return also as top scorers; Scott with fourteen points and Brent with eleven points. Sandwiched in between those
two veterans is sophomore Paul Kambach scoring eight goals and five assists. Senior Brett Nelson would grab the
final top spot with five goals and five assists. Note: The JR’s are still playing only a twelve game schedule.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Players Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
We are still researching the Heavy Hitter stats from this season. There is so little information from most of these early seasons that
complete information is hard to find. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats please let us
know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at least, season long estimations.
Between the Pipes
There will be a pair of Mikes in net this season for the Jr. Musketeers; Mike Hartman returning as a senior and
Mike Bennett a junior. Both players have lots of experience and they use it to their advantage. The combine for a 6-4-2
record and secure a third place regular season finish. The Mikes will lead the Jr. Musketeers to their back to the championship
game this season; but they would fall short to the regular season champs and now three-time tournament champions, the
Waterloo Columbus Sailors 4-2.
78 IHSHL State Championship Runners-up
Des Moines, IA
Left: The Jr. Musketeers team photo at the completion of the Championship game vs. the Waterloo Columbus Sailors.
Right: Team Captain Brian Hartman received the 2nd Place Trophy
IHSHL Championship Game
2-Metros vs. Waterloo Columbus-4
Des Moines, IA / March 11th, 1978
For the third time in four seasons, the Jr. Musketeers are in the State Tournament Championship game. Here that prepare to
take on one of the League’s premier teams, the Waterloo Columbus Sailors.
Brett Nelson Brian Hartman Scott Barta
Jr. Musketeers 1975-78 Jr. Musketeers 1974-78 Jr. Musketeers 1975-78
Left: Brett Nelson shakes hands at the introduction of players during the start of the championship game.
Right: Brian Hartman (Center) & Scott Barta (Wing) take the Ceremonial face-off of the ’78 IHSHL Championship game.
Left: Larry Hodgins (Center) & Alternate Captain Brett Nelson (Wing)
Right: Brian Hartman (Center), Scott Barta (#18) & Wade Ridenour (Wing)
Paul Kambach Mike Bennett Head Coach Alex Shibicky Brian Hartman
Jr. Musketeers 1977-80 Jr. Musketeers 1976-80 Jr. Musketeers 1977-80 Jr. Musketeers 1974-78
Left & Center: Paul Kambach and goaltender Mike Bennett receive their tournament awards.
Right: Head Coach Alex Shibicky Congratulates Team Captain Brian Hartman while Dan Reynolds looks on.
Alex Shibicky: After a single season as a Musketeer (74-75) Alex would return to Sioux City and take over the high school
coaching duties. The high school team was only two years old, but some of the future great Jr. Musketeers were in their learning
stages and Alex was there to provide the education from a scorers point of view. Team play was paramount for Alex, he ran
a tight ship but never lost sight of the importance of the satisfaction of having a game well played. During his three seasons,
he would lead the Jr. Musketeers to second and third place finishes at the State Tournament.
His season as a Musketeer was terrific one; his 93 total points led the Musketeers in scoring and earned the Musketeer Most
Valuable Player award. He would also play in the USHL All-Star Game, picked to the USHL All-Star First Team as well
as the USHL Rookie of the Year.
Did You Know…Alex Shibicky scored 8 “Hat Tricks” during his only season as Musketeer, a USHL record that would stand for ten
years until another Musketeer Scott Shoffstall would raise the bar to eleven, a record that still stands today.
Jr. Musketeers vs. Waterloo Public Warriors
Left: Brett Hartman (#5) & Brett Nelson (#21) Right: Another goal for the Jr. Musketeers
Brian Hartman would become the first Jr. Musketeers/Metros player to lead the team in scoring four consecutive seasons. He would
rack-up forty-two goals and twenty-two assists in just twenty-four regular season games, playing his final two seasons as members of the
newly formed Iowa High School Hockey League. He was a League leading scorer his junior year, a top-two scorer his senior year and a
member of the first ever IHSHL All-League Team.
Brian Hartman would also become the first, and only player to be selected three times as the Jr. Musketeers/Metros Most
Valuable Player; earning the prestigious award his freshman, sophomore and senior seasons. He is recognized as the first, great
hockey player to come out of the SYHA program. He would go on to play in the USHL for the Musketeers and at
Bemidji State University (NCAA).
Brian Hartman David Woolworth
Jr. Musketeers 1974-78 Jr. Musketeers 1974-78
Left: Senior Team Captain Brian Hartman Shoot and scores!!! This picture is taken at the stage end of the Auditorium.
This raised area is now the climbing wall in the Long Lines Family Center. Right: Senior David Woolworth applies pressure
to the Waterloo Public goaltender. Also taken in the Audi is this one shows the Zamboni end. These are the two larges door
you walk through when you enter the Long Lines sport court area.
Brian Hartman: Was one of the original SYHA players starting in 1972 playing first for SYHA and then the high school
team for four seasons (74-78). There he was a four-time top five scorer and a three-time Most Valuable Player award
recipient. Brian was a multi-year League top two scorer; he lead the League as a junior and was second highest his senior
year. He would lead the team to a pair of second place finishes at the State Tournament and a selection to the first ever
All-League Team. He is recognized as the first, great hockey player to come out of the SYHA program.
Brian Hartman would become the first ever Sioux City player to play for the Musketeers. Joining the team after his senior year,
Brian would play two seasons (1978-80) for the Musketeers. During his rookie season, he would finish third in scoring with
forty-one goals and thirty-one assists; recording seventy-two points during the forty-eight game season, receiving the Musketeer
Rookie of the Year Award. The following season he is selected Team Captain & named the Musketeers Most Popular Player.
In 1994 Brian was elected to the Musketeer Hall of Fame.
Did You know…Brian Hartman only had two seasons of organized hockey before he began his four successful seasons as the
Jr. Musketeers leader and high scorer. After just six seasons of hockey experience, he would join the Musketeers for more
success playing with, and against, some of the best junior players in the nation.
Mike Bennett Brian Hartman Dave Wiffen Mike Bennett Brent Hartman Mike Hartman
Jr. Musketeers 76-80 Jr. Musketeers 74-78 Jr. Musketeers 75-78 Jr. Musketeers 76-80 Jr. Musketeers 76-81 Jr. Musketeers 73-76
Left: Goaltender Mike Bennett makes the save while Brian Hartman and Dave Wiffen provide the defense.
Right: Goaltender Mike Bennett makes another save with the defensive help of brothers Brent (#2) and Mike Hartman (#27)
Did You Know…All three of the Hartman Brothers (Mike, Brian and Brent) were all original members of the SYHA program. At
this time the SYHA program was only six years old. Brian and Brent would both go on to play for the Musketeers.
Dan Reynolds Scott Barta Brett Nelson Tony Valladolid Mike Hartman
Jr. Musketeers 1977-81 Jr. Musketeers 1975-78 Jr. Musketeers 1974-78 Jr. Musketeers 1975-78 Jr. Musketeers 1973-76
Left: Freshman Dan Reynolds ties-up an Ankeny Hawks player. Both games pictured are played in the SC Auditorium
Right: Scott Barta (skating away), Brett Nelson (21), Tony Valladolid (11), Mike Hartman (white jersey), ????? ( facing camera)
and Dave Wiffen (20) collect another IHSHL Award.
Jr. Musketeers vs. Kansas City Life
March 18th & 19th, 1978 / Sioux City Auditorium
The Jr. Musketeers play and split a pair of post season exhibition games during the SYHA Year End Tournament. Taking
on a high school team from Kansas City. With eleven goals scored each day, it is an offensive display by both teams for Year
End Tournament attendees.
Scott Barta grabs a hat trick, Brett Nelson and Paul Kambach all record goals is this series opening loss. However, the Jr. Musketeers
return the favor scoring six goals in Sundays match-up. Brett Nelson is selected as Sunday’s Player of the Game.
5-Jr. Musketeers vs. Kansas City Life-6 6-Jr. Musketeers vs. Kansas City Life-5
Saturday March 18th Sunday March 19th
Clayton Wiffen
Jr. Musketeers 1977-81
Clayton Wiffen faces-off against an Ankeny Hawks Player. At this time, Ankeny was one of five Des Moines
area high school teams in the Iowa League.
Coach Mitch Brandt Doug Mann Coach Mitch Brandt
Jr. Musketeers 1977-80 Jr. Musketeers 19XX-XX Jr. Musketeers 1977-80
Left: Coach Mitch Brandt & goalie Mike Hartman talk about the game as they leave the ice. Right: Coach Mitch
Brandt looks on from the bench. In the background in the balcony seating in the old Audi. If you were standing at the
Long Lines Climbing Wall looking out and up this is where these seats use to be located.
Mitch Brandt would arrive in Sioux City as a Musketeers after four seasons (71-75) at the University of Denver. He
was a Musketeers for a pair of seasons (1975-77). The following season Mitch would team up with fellow Musketeer
Alex Shibicky and help the Jr. Musketeers bring home a second place finish at the State Tournament. During his final
season the Jr. Musketeers would fall short of the championship game and settle for a third place finish.
IHSHL Awards and Honors
Brian Hartman Brent Hartman Scott Barta Mike Bennett
Jr. Musketeers 1974-78 Jr. Musketeers 1976-81 Jr. Musketeers 1974-78 Jr. Musketeers 1976-80
Iowa High School Hockey League All-State Team
Brian Hartman Brent Hartman Scott Barta* Mike Bennett*
Iowa High School Hockey League All-Star Team
Brian Hartman Brent Hartman Scott Barta Mike Bennett
Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) Tournament Championship
March 9th-12th / Hickman Arena Des Moines, IA
Quarter-Final Game
4-Metros vs. Des Moines Roosevelt Roughriders-3
March 10th, 1978
The third seeded Metros draw the fifth seeded Roughrider from Des Moines Roosevelt high school. The game would eventually
be titled the Brian Hartman Show co-staring Scott Barta and Paul Kambach. Brian would start the Metros scoring on assists
from Barta and Pat Ward. Scott would grab his own red-lighter in the second period on assists from Brian and Paul. Finding
the net for a second time Brian ties the game at three goals each on assists from Scott and Paul. In the third, it’s Brian to the
rescue again, on assists from Paul and Scott, breaking the stalemate and sending the Metros to the semi-finals.
Semi-Final Game
3-Metros vs. Des Moines Dowling-1
March 11th, 1978
A pair of Metros goals by Paul Kambach and another from Scott Barta propel Sioux City into the championship game.
Goaltender Mike Bennett gave a stellar performance between the pipes, especially in the third period when he fended off
eighteen shots and three power play opportunities. Brian Hartman would record assists on all three of the Metros goals.
Championship Game
2-Metros vs. Waterloo Columbus-3
March 12th, 1978
Matched up against Waterloo Columbus, the Metros look to a early-season victory over the Sailors for inspiration, as they take
on the State Tournament’s recent winner two consecutive seasons. Scott Barta would get the Metros going in the first, but Sailors
goals in the first and second saw the Metros trailing after two periods. However, just thirty-four seconds into the final period, Brian
Hartman would find the net, tieing the game at two goals each. The lead would hold for almost five minutes before Waterloo
would go ahead and four minutes later add the insurance goal, giving them a third State Championship is as many years.
The Iowa High School League (IHSHL) opens play with 10 teams divided into two divisions.
Teams play only their own division for a regular season of 14 games.
The Metros finish the season with a losing record mustering only four/five wins and ten losses. They would play
three games at the state tournament, losing each by a single goal.
State Tournament March 7th-10th in Des Moines.
Division I: Sioux City, Waterloo Public, Waterloo Columbus and Des Moines Dowling, Valley, Roosevelt & Urbandale.
Division II: Ames, Mason City and Ankeny.
The Metro Jr. Musketeers would open the season on November 25th with a game against the Des Moines Valley Tigers.
Valley is coached by former Musketeer player and SYHA coach Julian Nixon.
The Jr. Musketeers jerseys now sported a script style “Sioux City” on the front of both white and green jerseys.
Junior Musketeers Coaching Staff
Alex Shibicky Mitch Brandt Marcus Rotramel Dave Adam
Head Coach Assistant Coach Trainer/Equipment Team Rep
Head Coach Alex Shibicky and Assistant Coach Mitch Brandt take their spot behind the bench for a second
season; having lead the Jr. Musketeers to the State Championship game the season before. However, this
season is much different; the Jr. Musketeers can only muster just four victories all season. They play tough at
the State Tournament losing all three games by just a single goal. Trainer and Equipment Manager Marcus
Rotrammel remains a staple with the high school team. Another long-time supporter of both SYHA and the
Musketeers Dave Adam takes on the Team Rep & Manager duties.
Prior to joining the high school team coaching staff, Alex Shibicky played three seasons for the University
of Colorado and a season in the USHL Sr. Professional league for the Musketeers; Working the bench for three
seasons, he helped guide the team to a third place finish at the state tournament. Even though the program is only
seven years old, when Alex leaves next season-his anecdotes and actions will never be forgotten by both players
& parents and still find their way into countless old time high school hockey stories!!!
High Scorers
Clayton Wiffen Paul Kambach Brent Hartman Damon Lohry Krag Lohry
These scoring leaders are based on very sparse early-season scoring records. Clayton Wiffen scored four goals and added
two assists in the IHSHL season opener and Paul Kambach recorded his first hatrick of the season and added a helper for a
four point game. Brent Hartman would continue to find the net like his brother. Damon Lohry would provide the up-front
offence and Kraig Lohry was a frequent goal scorer from the point.
Heavy Hitters
Player Name Players Name Player Name Player Name Player Name
We are still researching the Heavy Hitter stats from this season. There is so little information from most of these early seasons that
complete information is hard to find. Should you run into any information that helps complete some of these stats please let us
know. Even partial information can be expanded out for at least, season long estimations.
Between the Pipes
Building on two previous season experience, Mike Bennett returns to the crease. Sophomore Jamie Lempares joins
him as the Jr. Musketeers field another experienced goaltending duo.
Mike Bennett Jamie Lempares
Jr. Musketeers 1976-80 Jr. Musketeers/Metros 1978-81
Jamie Lempares Clayton Wiffen
Jr. Musketeers 1978-81 Jr. Musketeers 1977-81
Left: Goaltender Jamie Lempares and Clayton Wiffen talk about the game as they exit the ice. Right: Clayton Wiffen gets
ready to move the play into the Jr. Musketeers offensive zone.
Clayton Wiffen, shown here as a sophomore, played four seasons for the Jr. Musketeers, three of them spent as an Alternate
Captain. He was always the heart of the Jr. Musketeer offence; his freshman season he was a top five scorer and the remaining three
season the Metro’s Leading Scorer. After high school he played a pair of seasons in the USHL, one in Sioux City and the other
in Austin, MN for the Mavericks. He would also spend several seasons in Holland playing in the Netherlands Professional League.
After a return to Iowa where he played for the Iowa State Cyclones D1 College Club team. Eventually he would make it back to
Sioux City where he became a Metros Assistant coach.
Jamie Lempares was a Jr. Musketeer goalie for three seasons (78-81) Always considered one of the top goaltenders each
season. He played a full schedule and helped backstop the Jr. Musketeers to back to back third place finishes at the State
Tournament. Jamie was a great team leader and had a blast playing hockey. He was a terrific mentor and one of my best
hockey friends during those Metro seasons.
9-Jr. Musketeers vs. Des Moines Valley Tigers-4
Home Opener / Sioux City Auditorium / November 25th, 1978
Opening the fourth official IHSHL season; the Jr. Musketeers take on the Des Moines Valley Tigers. A pair of goals from Paul
Kambach and another from Kraig Lohry gave the Jr’s the a one goal lead after two periods. Clayton Wiffen would catch the
Tigers snoozing, and just thirty-four seconds into the period the Jr. Musketeers has a two goal lead.
Des Moines would retaliate with two goals themselves, tieing the game at four goals each. However, after that it’s all Sioux
City as the Jr. Musketeers would explode for five unanswered goals. Brent Hartman would record the game winner, Clayton
Wiffen would get his fourth goal of the game and Paul Kambach would grab two more goals.
Fresh off a runner-up honor in last season’s State Championship game, Head Coach Alex Shibicky and Assistant Coach
Mitch Brandt look on as the Jr. Musketeers take on the Valley Tigers in this season’s home opener This is Alex & Mitch’s
second season with the Jr. Musketeers. Both coaches were stand-out players in college and for the Musketeers.
Note: the bench placement!!!
Left: Brent Hartman gets ready for draw as Clayton Wiffen heads to the bench. Clayton would record four goals &
a pair of assists and Brent the eventual game winner and an additional helper. Right: Local official Rick Suggit patrols
the handshake line after this commanding Jr. Musketeers win.
Brent Hartman Wade Ridenour
Jr. Musketeers 1976-81 Jr. Musketeers 1977-80
Left: Brent Hartman and Wade Ridenour spoil the moment for for Valley Tigers as they take the lead early in the
third period. This would be the eventual game winning goal. Right: The Jr. Musketeers explode for five unanswered
goals in the third period, grabbing a dominating season opening victory.
Clayton Wiffen would finish with four goals and a pair of assists for a six point outing, Paul Kambach would record
his first Hat Trick of the season and add an addition assist for a four point game. Brian Hartman and Kraig Lohry
also recorded multi-point games.
Clayton Wiffen
Jr. Musketeers 1977-81
Left: Sophomore Clayton Wiffen prepares to pass across the slot to a fellow player. Right: Clayton launches a shot
on the Waterloo Columbus Sailors goaltender. This would be his second of four seasons as a Jr. Musketeer.
Clayton Wiffen, shown here as a sophomore, played four seasons for the Jr. Musketeers, three of them spent as an
Alternate Captain. He was always the heart of the Jr. Musketeer offence; his freshman season he was a top five scorer
and the remaining three season the Metro’s Leading Scorer. After high school he played a pair of seasons in the USHL,
one in Sioux City and the other in Austin, MN for the Mavericks. He would also spend several seasons in Holland,
playing in the Netherlands Professional League. After a return to Iowa where he played for the Iowa State Cyclones D1
College Club team. Eventually, he would make it back to Sioux City where he became a Metros Assistant coach (1993-95).
8-Jr. Musketeers vs. Waterloo Columbus Sailors-9 OT
February 4th, 1979
The Metros would meet up with the two-time state champions from Waterloo Columbus. Goals from Brent Hartman and
Clayton Wiffen would keep the game tied after the first period. However in the second period it wasps all Sioux City as
they rammed in four straight goals from Wade Ridenour, Pete Baker, Clayton Wiffen and Damon Lohry. However,
a pair of Sailor goals at the end of the second, shifted the momentum and three more in the third, put them back on top.
Needing goals quickly the Metros pulled goaltender Mike Bennett-the extra player strategy was a success when Steve Boyd
tallied with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Forty-eight seconds later Clayton Wiffen’s Hat Trick would tie
the game and it into overtime. Unfortunately, five minutes into the extra period the Sailors would foil the Sioux City goaltender,
sending the estimated home-town crowd of over three hundred and fifty home disappointed.
Dan Reynolds Steve Boyd Steve Boyd
Jr. Musketeers 1977-81 Jr. Musketeers 1978-79 Jr. Musketeers 1978-79
Left: Center Steve Boyd & Defenseman Dan Reynolds Face-off against the Waterloo Columbus Sailors. Dan Reynolds would
log four seasons as a Jr. Musketeer/Metro player. Right: Steve Boyd joined the team from another organization and played
his senior season for the Jr. Musketeers.
Dan Reynolds would log four seasons as a Jr. Musketeer/Metro player. Dan was one of the original SYHA players joining
the program during its first season. Dan was a big defenseman and brought a very physical game to the rink every game day.
He was known as one of the leagues toughest guys on the blue line. He was a terrific team leader and a great mentor to many
of us younger players. In ’80 he was an All-State Honorable Mention player and in 81 the Alternate Captain received the
Metros Pete Inkster Award. Dan would go on to play two seasons for the Musketeers and eventually become a USHL
linesman for several seasons.
Did You Know…Dan’s son Jordan would also become a Metro player. During his four seasons (2011-15) he racks up a
Metros all-time record of 327 varsity penalty minutes. Additionally, he could find the net with a heavy shot like his dad’s
and helped-out on some 30 Metros’ goals.
Turo Levanan Mike Bennett Clayton Wiffen Brent Hartman
Jr. Musketeers 1978-79 Musketeers 1976-80 Jr. Musketeers 1977-81 Jr. Musketeers 1976-81
Left: Foreign Exchange Student Turo Levanan played this single season. Right: Brent Hartman and Clayton Wiffen
advance the puck against the Columbus Sailors. Goaltender Mike Bennett is in the background in both photos.
Brent Hartman was one very rare SYHA/Metro player in many instances; one of was he would log five seasons as a
Jr. Musketeer/Metro player. The eighth grader found his legs right away among a sea of upperclassmen and was a team
High Scorer for all five of his Jr. Musketeers/Metros seasons. Over the years he would record some fifty-six goals and
eighty-seven points over what were then just 12 game seasons.
I need help ID’ing these two players from either the 78-79 or 79-80
IHSHL Awards and Honors
Brent Hartman Clayton Wiffen
Metros 1976-81 Metros 1977-81
Iowa High School Hockey League All-State Team
Brent Hartman Clayton Wiffen
Iowa High School Hockey League All-Star Team
Brent Hartman Clayton Wiffen
Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) Tournament Championship
March 8th-11th / Hickman Arena Des Moines, IA
Quarter-Final Game
4-Metros vs. Des Moines Dowling Maroons-5 OT
March 9th, 1979
The Metros enter the tournament paired up with the Des Moines Dowling. The Maroons would jump to a four to one lead
but back-to-back third period goals from Brent Hartman and Kraig Lohry got the Metros back in the game. The Metros
would pull their goalie early in the third and the strategy would pay off when Steve Boyd scored the equalizer with over
four minutes remaining in the game. Eventually sending it to overtime, however, it would take the Maroons only fifty
seconds to tally the game winner.
Semi-Final Game
3-Metros vs. Des Moines Hoover/Roosevelt-4
March 10th, 1979
The Metros record goals from Clayton Wiffen and Wade Ridenour but still trail Hoover-Roosevelt by a pair of goals
starting the third period. Clayton Wiffen grabs his second goal of the night on assists from Brian Hartman and
Paul Kambach. Even with the sudden momentum change, the Metros can’t get the equalizer before time runs out
and fall to the Knights in the second round.
Seventh Place Game
5-Metros vs. Ankeny-6
March 11th, 1979
Looking for a chance to save the weekend, the Metros entered this chance at redemption against the Ankeny Hawks.
Unfortunately, like the two games before, the Metros are never really out of it but still can’t get that momentum changing goal.
The loss puts the Metros in the tournament cellar, finishing last among the eight team field.
The IHSHL would combine this season to a single division with 11 teams playing an 18 game schedule.
State Tournament is March 6th-9th in Waterloo, IA
Sioux City Jr. Musketeers, Ankeny Hawks, Waterloo Public Warriors, Columbus Sailors
Des Moines Dowling Maroons
Valley Tigers, Hoover/Roosevelt & Urbandale Jays, Ames Little Cyclones, Mason City Mohawks
Des Moines Lincoln.
The Metros would finish the regular season with a 7-11 record and a sixth place finish. Clayton Wiffen again would lead
the Metros in scoring again this season with thirty-two points.
This would be the last season of Jr. Musketeer name. It would be changed the next season to reflect the overall make-up
the team’s player base.
Technology Note…in the ’79 newsletter, Norb and Jean Nixa got a special Thank You recognition for letting SYHA
use their new electric typewriter!!!
Junior Musketeers Coaching Staff
Walt Johnson Mitch Brandt Dave Davies Marcus Rotramel Bennett/Kambach
Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Trainer/Equipment Team Rep
This season offers up a Head Coaching change in legendary Musketeer defenseman Walt Johnson. Originally from
Omaha, Ne., Walt played several season in the IHL, AHL, NAHL and OHL. He was drafted by the Bruins in the 1973
NHL draft. He played three seasons for the Musketeers where he was the teams’ Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable
Player and remains atop the Musketeers All-Time scoring list.
Spoiler Alert…Walt and Dave would would go on to a combined seven showings in the tournament championship game;
each winning two times.
Another past Musketeer player Dave Davies also joins the staff. Playing five season for the Musketeers he secured several
team awards and his 359 total points is an all-time Musketeer scoring record. Mitch Brandt remains on duty as an assistant
coach and Marcus Rotrammel as the trainer. Bob Bennett and Fred Kambach are new additions this season and
split the Rep and Manager responsibilities this season.
High Scorers
Clayton Wiffen Brent Hartman Paul Kambach Wade Ridenour Mark Adam
Clayton Wiffen would again make his second return to the Jr. Musketeers High Scorers list with a team leading nineteen goals and
thirteen assists this season. Those thirty-two points placed him just shy of the League’s top ten scorers. Brent Hartman is an eventual
four-time top five scorer; posting seventeen goals for twenty-one points. Paul Kambach would also score twenty-one points including
fifteen goals. Wade Ridenour posts six goals and nine assists and Mark Adam eleven assists for fourteen points.
Heavy Hitters
Paul Kambach Krag Lohry Pat Pinney Wade Ridenour Clayton Wiffen
Top five scorer Paul Kambach would set the pace for the Jr. Musketeer this season with thirty-eight penalty minutes.
Close at hand were Krag Lohry with thirty-four minutes and Pat Pinney with thirty minutes in the box. Top five scorer
Wade Ridenour would record twenty minutes and leading scorer Clayton Wiffen eighteen penalty minutes.
Between the Pipes
The well experience duo from the last season returns again for the Jr. Musketeers; Senior Mike Bennett and Junior Jamie Lempares.
Joining the duo is sophomore Craig Patrick. Together they will record a regular season record of seven wins and eleven loses.
Mike Bennett
Jr. Musketeers 1976-80
Goaltender Mike Bennett played four seasons. During this senior season he was selected as the Team Captain.
He would also carry most of the mail this season, playing in fifteen games and ending with a 7-8 record
Mike Bennett would log four seasons between the pipes for the Jr. Musketeers. He was the other half of a very solid
goaltending corps. He was a fast reflex goalie and his huge size allowed him to cover a lot of net. Mike was a team leader
on and off the ice and during his sophomore season he was an Alternate Captain and his senior season the Team Captain.
Did You Know…Mike’s son Kyle Bennett would play three seasons as a Metro. In 2003 he would help the Metros win
the IHSHL State Championship and in 2005 be selected to the IHSHL All-Star & All- League teams as well as play
in the Chicago Showcase.
Jamie Lempares Craig Patrick
Jr. Musketeers/Metros 1978-81 Jr. Musketeers/Metros 1979-82
Junior Jamie Lempares returns for his second season and takes on the back-up position to the well experienced starter.
Joining the team this season is sophomore Craig Patrick.
Paul Kambach Brent Hartman
Jr. Musketeers 1977-80 Jr. Musketeers 1976-81
Alternate Captains Paul Kambach (Behind player #4) and Brent Hartman talk to the official during a game against the
Des Moines Dowling Maroons
Junior Brent Hartman finishes the season second in team scoring averaging over a point per game with seventeen goals
and four assists during the eighteen game season. Brent would play five seasons as a Jr. Musketeer before graduating in
1981. During this Junior season he would earn an IHSHL All-State Team Honorable Mention. He would go on to be an
eventual four-time Jr. Musketeers top five scorer.
Another junior player this season; Paul Kambach would see time in all eighteen games of the regular season; finishing third in
team scoring with fifteen goals & twenty-one points he too would average over a point per game. Paul would also lead the team
in penalty minutes with thirty-eight. He is selected the Jr. Musketeers Most Valuable Player this season and received an
IHSHL All-State Team Honorable Mention. Last season, his first of three as a Jr. Musketeer, he would also
receive the team’s Sportsmanship award.
Did You Know…Paul’s son Ben would play three seasons (2002-05) as a Metro. In 2003 he would help the Metros win the
2003 IHSHL State Championship and in 2004 be selected to the IHSHL All-Star Team as well as finishing the season
both a Metros High Scorer and Heavy Hitter. He would also receive the Metros Dustin White Award.
Dan Holzrichter Pete Baker Wade Ridenour Paul Kambach
Jr. Musketeers 78-81 Jr. Musketeers 78-81 Jr. Musketeers 77-80 Jr. Musketeers 1977-80
Left: Jr. Musketeers Dan Holzrichter, Pete Baker & Wade Ridenour wait for the officials to set-up the draw as
they take on the Des Moines Dowling Maroons. This picture shows the SW corner of the rink which is now the
Long Lines Family Rec. Center.
Right: Alternate Captain Paul Kambach pursuing the puck into the corner as one of the Dowling Maroons gives chase.
Paul would be selected the Jr. Musketeers Most Valuable Player this season. He finished third in scoring with fifteen goals
and six assists during the18 game schedule and also finished as the team’s leader in penalty minutes with 38. This season
he would also earn an IHSHL All-State Team Honorable Mention Award. Last season, during his first season as a
Jr. Musketeer, he would receive the Jr. Musketeers Sportsmanship Award.
I need help ID’ing these two players from either the 78-79 or 79-80
IHSHL Awards and Honors
Brent Hartman Clayton Wiffen Paul Kambach Dan Reynolds Mike Bennett
Iowa High School Hockey League All-State First Team
Brent Hartman
Iowa High School Hockey League All-Star Team
Brent Hartman Clayton Wiffen* Paul Kambach* Dan Reynolds* Mike Bennett*
*Honorable Mention
Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) Tournament Championship
March 6th-9th / McElroy Auditorium, IA
Quarter-Final Game
3-Metros vs. Des Moines Dowling-1
March 8th, 1980
Sioux City opens with an even pairing with squad from Des Moines Valley who finished the regular season with one less win
than the Metros. Brent Hartman scores a pair of red lighters and Billy Emerick wraps up the Metros scoring in this first
round victory over the seventh seeded Dowling Maroons
Semi-Final Game
1-Metros vs. Waterloo Public Warriors-10
March 9th, 1980
The Metros draw some tough competition in the second round. Fresh off a co-regular season championship the Waterloo
Warriors make short work of the tired and out matched Metros. Paul Kambach grabs the only Sioux City tally in this
severe beating by one of the league’s best teams and eventual tournament champions.
Consolation Game
5-Metros vs. Waterloo Columbus Sailors-8
March 10th, 1980
League powerhouse and regular season co-champions Waterloo Columbus in on the wrong end of the tournament biggest
up-set when they’re defeated by number five seed Ankeny. The Metros find themselves again matched with another team
from Waterloo The games stays close a a pair of goals by Brent Hartman & Paul Kambach and a fifth by Billy Emerick but
the Sailors are just too much team for the Metros as they fall in this fifth place consolation game.
This is the End of the first decade (1971-1979) of Sioux City Jr. Musketeers/Metros High School Hockey
