....with Brent & Darrell Maser


people in your organization, give them what they need to succeed, then get out of the way so they can do their jobs. This organization has been very fortunate to have had many excellent players, coaches, general managers, scouts, trainers, office staff and billets over the years. That’s the reason for the team’s success. You are only as good as the people around you.”


RM: If there is one thing you want this city to remember about your father, what is it?


ED CHYNOWETH CUP IN 2007


All the way back in 1970, a man named George Maser helped usher in a new era of hockey in Medicine Hat.


The local businessman teamed up with Rod Carry and Joe Fisher, and together the three men established what immediately became a staple of culture and pride in the growing Gas City: The Western Canadian Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers.


Maser took over sole ownership of the franchise in 1979, and in less than a decade he brought the Tigers to the pinnacle of junior hockey achievement with back-to-back Memorial Cup championships.


While he passed away in the fall of 1990, Maser’s legacy lives on through his sons, Darrell and Brent. The brothers remain owners of the Tigers to this day, and Darrell has served as the team's president ever since stepping into the role nearly 30 years ago.


Darrell and Brent recently opened up about their father’s legacy and shared some insight into how he shaped the team that has since become synonymous with the spirit of Medicine Hat. Here’s what they had to say:


RM: Tell me about your father. What lessons did he impart on you that helped shape your path with the Tigers today?


Darrell — “Some of the things that stand out is that he wanted to win. The team had a reputation of treating coaches and players in a professional way and operated in a first class manner from travel, to meals, hotels, equipment, etc. In terms of ownership style, the mission statement would be to find the very best people, get everyone on the same page, set the tone/direction of the team, give your staff and players whatever they need to win, then leave your staff the room necessary to operate so they do their jobs effectively.


Brent — “Another key element was innovation and being ahead of the curve. The best example of this was being the very first team to offer full scholarships to its players before it became a standard practice throughout the league. Although ownership styles are different from team to team, or even sport to sport, ultimately fans come to watch the team itself and the players and coaches deserve the credit, so he did not seek the limelight for himself.”


“The same core principles he had exist today, which are to create a positive environment for your staff and players, get the very best


26 | MEDICINE HAT TIGERS


Brent —“That he was driven to make this franchise successful, but the most enduring legacy will be the team success during that time. George Maser took over sole ownership of the franchise from 1979 to 1990, here are the accomplishments: the Tigers won 456 regular season games and 66 playoff games, went to the semifinals seven times, to the WHL finals three straight times, won two WHL titles and two Memorial Cup titles and they were the winningest WHL team during the regular season in the decade of the 80s (source MH News 1990). Also, the two Memorial Cup teams were eventually inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame.”


RM: What does this team mean to your family in terms of a legacy? How much is community involvement a part of this legacy?


Brent —“The franchise’s history and tradition, the alumni, the iconic jersey and logo, to the team playing some of the most memorable games in the WHL history. Then you have the bond that this City has with the team and the commitment to community involvement. All of those things are something that everyone who has played or worked in the organization can take pride in. They all have contributed to what made the team what it is today.”


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