Over two dozen fans of Canada’s great frozen game turned up at The Andrew earlier this month  to hear Peter Lockyer, a historian and retired journalist, tell the story of the Belleville MacFarlands, complete with clips from his documentary, Celebrating Hockey History: The Story of the 1958/59 Belleville McFarlands. The event celebrated Flashback February.

History is at the forefront this month as the County celebrates its 8^th annual Flashback February.
For more information and a list of events, see visitthecounty.com/flashback-february.

In an era when there were only six NHL teams, the calibre of hockey being played at Belleville’s Memorial Arena was incredibly good. The club drew fans from all across Quinte. A ticket for a Friday night game at the bandbox on the shores of the Moira was a tough get. So were babysitters. In the documentary, Belleville citizens recalled having to line up babysitters months in advance to ensure they were able to attend and urge on the home side with chants of “More, Macs, More!”

Belleville won the Allan Cup in 1958, coming from behind and topping the host Kelowna Packers in seven games. They won the honour of representing Canada the following year at the 1959 World Championships in Prague, which the team also captured.

Over 50,000 people lined the streets of Belleville to celebrate the conquering heroes, including famed Prince Edward County athlete Keith MacDonald.

But what very few historical sports accounts recall is the scandal that followed. The team went from heroes to bums in the span of about three weeks when it emerged the hockey club was on the municipal payroll. 

A special “Macs Tax” was passed on to the residents of Belleville, who had to pay just over $16 a year for three years to recoup the funds. Despite the joy and notoriety the club brought the city in that moment of triumph, a lot of folks never forgave them.

Early Days

Joining Mr. Lockyer was Richard Hughes, an Ameliasburgh resident who penned Belleville Hockey Town, a look at the early years of hockey in the area.

Mr. Hughes regaled the audience with stories of the Picton Peacanners, the first entry into the first Quinte Hockey League, which formed in 1895. Frank Boulter coached and managed the Picton side. The club’s name was a nod to canning industry leader Wellington Boulter, the family patriarch.

At times, the game did not end in a sociable manner. Mr. Hughes recalled a 1906 visit by Belleville where there was a fight at mid-ice. Mr. Boulter left his side and became involved in the fracas as did his Belleville counterpart Sandy Rose. As the teams departed the arena, another round of fisticuffs ensued.

Later that evening, there was a punchup between the teams on Main Street outside the Royal Hotel.

Finally, the next morning, Mr. Boulter visited the Royal, where the Belleville team was lodging, and brokered a peace.