Nestled in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the city of Trail has long been known as the "Home of Champions". This moniker, officially adopted in 1988, recognizes the city's rich history of sporting excellence, from the world-champion Trail Smoke Eaters hockey team to its Little League Baseball triumphs and track and field stars. However, within this pantheon of athletic heroes, a special place is reserved for a trio of goaltending legends: Seth Martin, Cesare Maniago, and Don 'Smokey' McLeod. These men, through their exceptional skill and dedication, not only put Trail on the hockey map but also left an indelible mark on the sport itself.
Trail's hockey story began in the early 1900s, with teams forming in Trail and nearby Rossland, playing on natural ice surfaces. As Trail grew into an industrial town, hockey became a central part of the community's social culture. The Trail Smoke Eaters, formed in 1926, quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple Savage Cups (the B.C. provincial championship) and earning a reputation as one of Canada's best senior amateur teams. The Smoke Eaters were more than just a team; they were a source of civic pride, supported by the local smelting company that provided recreation for the isolated community.
Seth Martin, born in nearby Rossland in 1933, became a pillar of strength in goal for Trail. He wasn't flashy, but his consistent reliability earned him respect and numerous accolades. Martin's career highlights include backstopping the 1961 World Champion Trail Smoke Eaters, a team that represented Canada and brought home gold. He was named the tournament's top goaltender, an honor he would repeat at the World Championships in 1963, 1964, and 1966. Martin also earned All-Star Goalkeeper honors at the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.
Despite offers to play in the NHL, Martin remained in Trail for many years, balancing his hockey career with his job at Cominco. He finally joined the St. Louis Blues in 1967, at the age of 34, where he shared goaltending duties with Glenn Hall. After one season in the NHL, Martin returned to Trail and continued his stellar play, winning another Allan Cup in 1970. Beyond his on-ice achievements, Martin was a pioneer, designing and wearing one of the first goalie masks in international competition. His impact was such that Vladislav Tretiak, the legendary Soviet goaltender, considered Martin a hero.
Cesare Maniago, another Trail native, also carved out an impressive career. Though he faced challenges breaking into the NHL during the "Original Six" era, he starred in the minor leagues, earning the CHL MVP award in 1965. With the NHL's expansion in 1967, Maniago found his opportunity, playing nine seasons with the Minnesota North Stars and later finishing his career with the Vancouver Canucks. Known for his colorful personality, Maniago holds a unique place in hockey history, having been in net when Boom Boom Geoffrion scored his 50th goal of the season and when Bobby Hull scored his 51st, setting a new record.
Don 'Smokey' McLeod rounds out this celebrated trio. While perhaps less widely known than Martin and Maniago, McLeod was a significant figure in Trail's hockey scene, contributing to the city's strong goaltending tradition. Details about McLeod's career are less readily available, but his inclusion alongside Martin and Maniago underscores the depth of goaltending talent that emerged from Trail.
The legacy of Martin, Maniago, and McLeod extends beyond their individual accomplishments. They represent a time when small towns like Trail could produce world-class athletes who competed on the international stage. They inspired generations of young players in Trail and beyond, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Today, their stories are preserved in the Trail Riverfront Centre, where visitors can explore the city's rich sporting heritage and celebrate the achievements of its "forgotten" goaltending legends. While times have changed and the landscape of hockey has evolved, the contributions of these three men continue to resonate, ensuring that Trail remains forever known as a true "Home of Champions".
