Horseshoe Canada
PHOTO OF THE MONTH



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1976 World - Men's Championship group (30 years ago)

Front row: Carl Steinfeldt, Ed Domey, John Rademacher, Paul Tobey, Ray Bechtel (not sure), Wally Shipley (NHPA President), Elmer Harrison, Serge Cournoyer, Roger Vogel, Bob Dean.
Second row: Levi Miller, Elmer Hohl, Curt Day, Bill Porter (not sure), Jack Fahey, Max Roseberry, Bob West, Henry Franke, Ken Kugler.
Third row: Joe Schultz, Jim Knisley, Jim Solomon, Fernand Thibeault, Fred Brown, Art Tyson, Norm Rioux, Glen Riffle, Mark Seibold, Ralph Maddox.
Fourth row: Curt Over, Glen Henton, Jack Rainbow, Bob Graham, Harold Clippinger, Dan Beshore, Ray Plute, Merlin Potts, John Walker, Bernard Herfurth.
Fifth/back row: Grant Powers (not sure), Gary Roberts, Cecil Monday, Clair Bruce, Sherman Bertrand, Don Harris, Charles Kilgore, Donnie Roberts, Ansil Copeland, Al Zadroga.

The 1976 World Tournament was held close to Philadelphia, celebrating USA's bicentennial. For the first time then, Canada had 3 men who qualified in the Championship group. They are Elmer Hohl and two Quebecers from Sorel: Fernand Thibeault and Serge Cournoyer. The game between Elmer and Fernand lasted 124 shoes (see scoresheet, courtesy of Steve Hohl) and is still one of the best game ever pitched involving two Canadians. The group featured Curt Day in his last appearance at the World Tournament, but also Donnie Roberts' first and only appearance. Donnie was one the greatest volunteer in the sport. Both Curt (2004) and Donnie (2005) passed away in recent years. Also pictured are Cecil Monday, uncle of Amy Hall; and Fred Brown, father of Amy Francis (wife of current World Champion Alan Francis).

  • see the previous picture of the month.