Charles McCool

Builder (1992)

Hockey

Charles W. McCool was the founder of the Saskatoon Wesleys hockey organization, which fostered bantam, midget, juvenile and junior teams from 1924 until 1953.

Charles was born in Ontario, came to Saskatoon as a reporter in 1914, enlisted in the Canadian services during the First World War and was decorated with a military cross. He later achieved his law degree from Osgoode Hall in Toronto.

The Wesley teams were first formed from boys in the St. Thomas Wesley United Church area. His bantam teams won two provincial championships; his midget teams won seven; his juvenile teams won five; his junior B team won one; and his junior A teams won six. The Wesley juniors were western finalists in 1931 and 1935 and another good club, the 1936 Wesleys, went to the Memorial Cup final before losing to West Toronto Nationals, 5-1, and 4-2, in a two-game, total-goal series. Clint Smith, Charlie Mason, Peggy O'Neill, Doug Bentley and Max Bentley were among National Leaguers who started on Wesley teams.

Charles served many years on the executive of the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association.

As a lawyer, Charles concentrated his efforts on rehabilitating youthful offenders, directing some onto teams and some into clubs where they would develop new interests. He was also active on the public school board, the senate of the University of Saskatchewan, promoted the boys' parliamentary concept and founded Oliver Lodge.

Charles died in Saskatoon at the age of 68 on November 14, 1959.

** Deceased