The Icelandic Canadian - 01.12.2002, Page 26

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THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 57 #3
strewn to help maintain silence which was
so essential. Again the iron physique and
the splendid reserve power preserved by
his clean living gradually brought him
back. Broken though he was so far as any
future activities were concerned, the same
spirit prevailed and on through the years he
has become the best loved figure in
Winnipeg’s realm of sport and among the
hockey fraternity particularly.
To return to our story, each year, from
1897 to 1902 the original two-team
Icelandic league functioned. Interest never
seemed to wane until the last year when a
certain amount of persuasion was required
to get the old Vikings out. And this last sea-
son (1902) produced the most stirring fin-
ish of any. With the two teams tied, having
three wins each, the seventh and deciding
game was also tied at full time. The Vikings
eventually scored in the overtime to win
the championship for the sixth successive
season, after one of the most gruelling
games the team had ever played. That was
the game where rugged Swanny Swanson,
IAC defenceman, striving with all his
might and skill for the long sought champi-
onship, essayed rush after rush. The for-
wards ever attacking, were not quite able to
gain the mastery of the game, the Vikings
ICELANDIC ATHLETIC CLUB
Circa 1903-04
Back row: Billy Beason, Chris Olafson, Lowrie Finney, Steve
Finnson, All Albert, Gales Johnson. Middle row: Jack Swanson, Dr.
O.B. Bjornson, Tom Gills, Swanny Swanson. Front row: Mani
Johnson, Harry Sivertson, Fusi Byron.