Glens Falls in 1919 — Hockey

People often associate the start of hockey in Glens Falls with the Adirondack Red Wings in the 1970s.

In fact, hockey history dates back decades earlier.

“This year, for the first time in the history of the local high school, a hockey team will be formed to represent the high school against all comers,” The Post-Star reported on Dec. 18, 1919.

Hockey replaced volleyball in the high school winter sports options.

An athletic field behind the Glen Street school was flooded to create and outdoor rink for hockey and recreational skating.

School district Physical Director Harold Jenkins, who had played on the Springfield College hockey team, was coach.

Tryouts were to be held immediately after Christmas vacation.

The debut season was expected to be a building year.

“It is not expected that the team will be a star team, as Mr. Jenkins will have to start with green material, none of the men being experienced in this line of athletics,” The Post-Star reported.

Glens Falls residents were enthusiastic about the opportunity.

“Hockey, a new sport in Glens Falls, and also in the local schools, would be an excellent innovation in school athletic circles. Each school might organize such clubs, and teams from the different schools might compete for a city championship. It would give an added incentive to students who like to skate and would make another branch of sport in which local students might become proficient,” said Edward Lance Jr.

“Hockey, like football, is a strenuous game, but it is good exercise for the body and brain. One must needs be a quick thinker in order to be successful at hockey, and quick thinkers are desired in life outside the schools. Hockey in school athletics should make better men and women out of the students, make them better able to take up life’s work after school work is done and make them more agile and accurate in their daily work and studies,” said Helen Williams.

“Now that a skating rink is to be made in the rear of the big school building, all that is needed is a good hockey team to place Glens Falls on the hockey map of this section. Hockey is a good game and one that should meet with favor by students in local schools,” said Harold Woodruff.

Sources: The Post-Star, Dec. 2, 3, 18, 1919.