About
History
The Flying Fathers' hockey team is the brain child of Father Brian McKee of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Together with some of his companions, the original team was formed in 1962 and played their first game in the 1962-63 season .
The idea of a hockey club of Roman Catholic priests was stimulated by the fact that there were so many priests who could display a high quality of hockey talent. The Flying Fathers are well known throughout North America having appeared on HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA on a number of occasions. In recent times, the team has received favourable coverage on U.S. televison. In Canada, the players made an appearance on the Global Network Program entitled, THAT'S LIFE. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation had them as guests on their programs: FRONT PAGE CHALLENGE and MAN ALIVE. In RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!...The Team was given instant world-wide recognition.
Not to be outdone by television, articles dealing with The Flying Fathers have appeared in several National Publications including: THE STAR, HOCKEY MAGAZINE, PEOPLE and EN ROUTE.
By showing good sportsmanship in Canada's national sport and plugging into the need and desire for humour and laughter, they have successfully related an acute sense of the Christian message. As Father McKee stated, "It was a way to let our light shine in the world".
The Flying Fathers, now international in their scope, have played all over Canada, the United States and Europe. They have played for many recognized, worthwhile, charitable and community organizations including: The Crippled Children, Salvation Army, T.B. Association, C.N.I.B., Children's Aid, Minor Hockey, Heart Fund, Church and Youth Organizations, Muscular Dystrophy, Children with Special Needs and many others.
Over the years well over four million dollars has been raised by the Flying Fathers, all of which has been donated to charity.
There have been many priests throughout the team's long history who have dedicated much time and energy in contributing to its success in supporting the cause of charity and healthy entertainment. Father Les Costello who performed for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL winning a Stanley Cup in the 1947-8 season was the heart and soul of the Flying Fathers. He was the clubs co-founder and prayed and played his way through 40 consecutive seasons and was intrumental in the games longevity. Father Les while doing what he loved best, was injured in a game in Kincardine, Ontario, fell into a coma and died days later on December 10, 2002. His life was a total commitment and service to God and the community at large right to the end of his life. The Flying Fathers continue to serve due largely to the wonderful legacy Father Costello has left behind.
In the past three decades, The Flying Fathers have played against many teams displaying a broad range of talent. Among past opponents are Minor and Junior Hockey Teams, NHL Old Timers and many local celebrity teams.
Since the Flying Fathers' is comprised of players from East, West, and Central Canada, they are often asked when they practice. They always respond that they had one good practice and they lost the next game; one of their few losses. Since then they leave it to their coach - God.
With such a powerful and well qualified coach, they win the majority of their games (900 wins, 1 tie, 6 losses). Like other teams, they lose when they ignore their coach.
The real concern for the Flying Fathers is not who wins the games. Father Costello always said "When we play these games, everyone wins, families are brought together while supporting charities. Laughter soothes the body and soul. SAVE THE FAMILY AND YOU SAVE THE WORLD.
Emblem
A team without its own sweaters is no team at all." That is the way Father John Caswell argued. 'The Flying Fathers Team' had to create some distinctive image. To them it had to be something that people could look at and say, "There Go the Flying Fathers." Although many of the priests thought this, no one really did anything about it. And so, they continued playing in borrowed identity - at times in someone else's uniforms and at other times, in what ever they could find. But, a team that began playing more than ten games a year couldn't go on like that forever.
Soon the thoughts began to get organized. They wanted some symbol of the Flying Fathers, be it a sweater or a crest, and they planned on getting it. Mr. Sam Jacks, Director of Parks and Recreation in North Bay came up with a rather rough sketch of the present emblem. Immediately, it was seen to be a good idea. They felt, though, that there was a need to polish up the rough sketch, and so, they presented it to Mr. Rainville of Price Signs. In co-operation with Father Caswell, he prepared what we see today as the emblem. But, it wasn't mass-produced immediately, rather it had humble beginnings. The emblem was first displayed on a static board, then it was made into a cloth crest and placed on a specially designed cardigan and presented to Bishop Alexander Carter, D.D., retired Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie Diocese. Again it was liked, again it was applauded. From there, the emblem of the Flying Fathers sprouted. Sweaters and crests were made up by Father Caswell. An office was formed and letterhead was printed up.
A dream which once seemed so distant was beginning to take shape. From the meager beginnings of a Flying Fathers team came a popular going concern. From the meager beginning of a symbol for the team, came the development of this emblem. A pride and a loyalty grew with this, as a loyalty grows for a national flag. With it came a greater willingness to play hockey and the result: a stronger team .
The crest itself is very significant. It is a rather humorous drawing of a priest looking up surprisingly at the halo above his head. Why is this? Well, all these Flying Fathers are good men, but I doubt if any has ever thought he deserves sainthood. They are hardy, healthy men who appreciate a good game of hockey. They are men who feel that this is another way in which they can help this world of ours.
The crest is now an internationally registered trade mark of the Flying Fathers, as is the name FLYING FATHERS and as such cannot be used without the expressed written permission of the Flying Fathers.
Song
Flying Fathers' Theme Song
We come from many places
All across this great land
Wherever there's a need
To lend a helping hand
And we came together
As if by some decree
We became the Flying Fathers
And we go from sea to sea.
Refrain:We play the game of hockey
And prove to everyone
That you can have religion
And still can have some fun.
We're playing and we're praying
And we're doing what we should
Even when we give out checks
We give out brotherhood
We usually win most every game
Those sometimes it looks fixed
With cream pies, buying off the refs
And tricky hockey sticks.
We always try to pull a stunt
To score those winning goals
And even when we lose the game
We stillhave won some souls.
Refrain:We play the game of hockey
And prove to everyone
That you can have religion
And still can have some fun.
We're playing and we're praying
And we're doing what we should
Even when we give out checks
We give out brotherhood
The Legend of Fr. Les Costello
Let me tell you the story of a tough little scamp
Who became a true legend of the Porcupine Camp
Father Les Costello of Maple Leaf fame
Made millions for charity and in the Lord's name.
During the great depression when times were so bleak
Was born to the Costellos', a boy quite unique
Can’t imagine how his parents could handle this lad
He was gifted with abilities very few had.
He had many talents and a God-given gift
Had an aura about him, that gave you a lift
Tho he would hide them, not showoff his best side
His goodness shone outward, he filled us with pride.
His talents were many, only known to a few
What a poet he was, when he wrote about Lou
Lou Gherig, the great Yankee, tragic life full of glory
Costie's paper and pen, captured the story.
Of the courage of Lou, during the Great World War years
A tribute so touching, it would bring you to tears
He adopted Lou’s courage to continue the fight
And used his great spirit to do what was right.
His renown was emerging, he was getting a name
With St. Michael’s College in our national game
Scored 62 points in games 29
On a team full of stars, it was his time to shine.
When he led his team forward, in his junior years
With Memorial Cup victories and hockey fan cheers
Heard oldtimers say who had been to the game
Young Costello would end up, in the hall of fame.
He moved up to Pittsburgh in the great AHL
He wouldn’t stay there long, everybody could tell
Maple Leafs needed help, so he was called up
And drank lots of bubbly from his Stanley Cup.
His future was set in the game we all love
But there was a urging from Heaven Above.
A calling from God, whom he could not mock
Skated away from the game, left our country in shock.
Where would God lead him? He obeyed God's will
Entered the seminary and studied until
Back in his hometown with great jubilation
Was ordained Father Costello at his ordination.
He brought to the table, faith, hope and giving
And taught us to share as we make our living
And do it light hearted as Jesus Christ would
And give to the poor, just as we should.
My thoughts as a lad while attending a mission
What a wonderful priest, in great physical condition
When he did a leap-frog over the communion rail
How my classmates all laughed, made our spirits all sail.
He brought humour and kindness to our everyday life
With reverence and duty to handle our strife
Put everyone first, made himself last
A friend to all, whomever he passed.
Now he's known world wide for his own hockey team
Flying Fathers he created and we saw his whole dream
For forty long years as he has shouldered the load
Made millions and millions the ledger had showed.
We bid now farewell to a Priest we all love
We know he's been welcomed in heaven above
Hard to end this great story, and I know its a pity
So I will leave you all now, with his favourite ditty.
The wind may kiss the clear blue sky
The rose may kiss the butterfly
The morning dew may kiss the grass
And you my friend........I consider class
“And you Father Les….were always Class”.
May the good Lord Bless and Keep You.
Flying Fathers' Prayer
HELP ME GOD TO DO YOUR WILL AS I
PASS THROUGH THIS·LIFE - PRAYING
AND PLAYING FOR A BETTER WORLD.
EACH PART COMPLIMENTS THE OTHER
AND BOTH ARE ESSENTIAL IF I AM
TO FULFILL THAT PURPOSE.
ALL OF US HAVE BEEN GIVEN TALENTS,
ABILITIES AND INNER RESOURCES.
MAY WE USE THESE GIFTS WELL.
YOUR RULES ARE MY GUIDING LIGHT.
MAY I REMEMBER MY POSITION ON YOUR
TEAM, GOD, TODAY AND ALWAYS.