 | Rocksey Powell
serves as the "supervisor of the off ice officials" for the Wichita Thunder. The Central Hockey League is his boss. He served in the same capacity for the Wichita Wind in the 70's and early 80's, as well as with the Central Hockey League. He has served on the board of the Wichita Youth Hockey in the early 70's and was in charge of scorekeeping.
Rocksey is the son of the well known Wichita Jeweler from yesteryear, J.V. Powell. Rocksey is well known for his knowledge and expertise in the jewelry and engraving business, but is also a renowned and widely acclaimed Horologist, better known as a Watchmaker. During over 40 years of being in the jewelry and watchmaking business, Rocksey has become an expert at altering parts to repair watches and clocks. Rocksey and his wife Jacquie own and operate The Gold Tender at 2730 N. Amidon, Suite B, in Wichita.
You can call Rocksey or Jacquie Powell at (316) 832-9292. |
Sports
2004-04-01 13:46:00
Original days of Wichita hockey
Question: Do you have any history of the ice hockey’s original days in Wichita?
ANSWER: Ahhh.. the memories... such sweet memories... and to think, Ice hockey in Wichita has only gotten better since.The first ice hockey game was played in Wichita on November 28, 1932, between the Wichita Alaskan Club and Kansas City, with Wichita winning by a score of 5 to 4. The first professional game was played the following season between the Wichita Blue Jays and St. Louis with Wichita winning by 4 to 2. The Semi-Pro Industrial Hockey League was prominent in Wichita between 1941 and 1954. After the war and the return of many players from the armed forces, the ice hockey semi-pro program was re-activated in 1946 at the Alaskan Ice Palace.The games were held on Sunday nights, November through March. There were hundreds of loyal fans with an entertainment atmosphere prevailing. The Beech band played for every game, prizes were given for lucky number programs, and between periods, featured figure skating exhibitions by professional and semi-professional skaters kept all eyes on the ice.The teams were composed mostly of local players who had been skating at the Alaskan Ice Palace since they were youngsters, although some players were brought in from Colorado College, Boston, and Chicago. The "All Star" team played against Tulsa, Dallas, Colorado College, and the University of South Dakota.The last of these hockey games was played in 1954 because the Alaskan Ice Palace was converted to a roller skating rink at that time. The Blair House apartments on South Hydraulic now stand on the location of the old Alaskan Ice Palace.Wichita Ice Hockey was re-activated in 1967 by Cliff Wade, ex-semi-pro player. The new organization, Ice Hockey Booster Club, was made up of ex-players and fans wanting to support ice hockey both professionally and on an amateur basis. The business group promoting the acquisition of a professional team in Wichita was unsuccessful. The club turned to promoting amateur hockey for both adults and youth. Bill Naill and Cliff Wade worked to get the adult hockey started, and Bob Coslett worked to organize the youth hockey program. Joyce Mercer served faithfully in the capacities of secretary and treasurer helping to organize the new youth hockey group. Local names playing on the re-organized team included Bill Naill, Cliff Wade, Bill Barbour, Jim and Bill Richardson, Bob Coslett, Allen Buzzi, Fred Hunt, and Ernie Smith. The youth group started with three boys, Gary Wade, Alvin Coslett, and David Fralie. Gary is the only remaining player today, in 1973. The youth group built up to 65 to 75 players in 1971, and held that many 2 years later. In 1974, Wichita, Youth Hockey, Inc. was fully affiliated with the Amateur Hockey Association of the United States, and was funded by dues from players, uniform subscriptions underwritten by local businesses, and by subsidies received from the sale of advertisement in the program. Each Christmas, players sold English holly to help in the costs of the program. Bill Naill sponsored and coached, along with Cliff Wade the Wichita Jets, a 6 to 10 year old team. Wayne Mercer coached the Wichita Bombers, aged 11 to 14. Bill Coons coached the Wichita Hawks, aged 15 to 19. Beginners were coached by Rocksey Powell and Sharon Farmer. The Wichita Flyers, Men's Team, was sponsored by NJ's Datsun, and was coached by Leonard Furnas and John Simo.
