Meet the Stars of 1956 Prowlers Hockey Team

A man with a bald head is looking at the camera.

Jack Poole

CENTER | CO-CAPTAIN | ALL-STATE

About Jack

1956 Statistics
25 Goals, 26 Assists, and 51 Points

In 1956, Jack was Co-Captain of the Prowlers and made the all-state team. His natural abilities and hockey smarts were respected by teammates and opponents. Jack had a fiery desire to win, and although he was known as a bit of a rebel, his commitment to his teammates showed in his statistics. He led the team in points and assists. Jack went on to have a terrific career in hockey. He played for Team USA from 1961 to 63 and enjoyed success with the Green Bay Bobcats from 1958 to 65.

Jackie was a free spirit. He was the kind of kid who had a lot of talent and was smart. He just didn’t like authority that much. But during the games, he was a totally dedicated teammate. He would throw a switch when he hit the ice. He was part of the team and one of the best players you could be around.

—Glen Carlson

A man in black shirt and beard looking at camera.

Glen Carlson

WING | ALL-STATE

About Glen

1956 Statistics
26 Goals, 14 Assists, and 40 Points

Glenn led the 1956 Prowlers in goals and made the all-state team as well. He was a fastidious student of the game and a gifted player. An all-around athlete, Carlson lettered in baseball, football and hockey. Carlson’s team-first attitude inspired all. He was well-liked and kept a sense of calm through all the year’s adversities.

Glen was an excellent student, and he never got riled. He was always an even-keeled guy. He knew his position and knew his job on the ice.

—Jack Poole

A man in a brown jacket is sitting down

Duane Glass

DEFENSE | ALL-STATE

About Duane

1956 Statistics
6 Goals, 7 Assists, 13 Points

Duane was known as “the lone wolf.” His playing style was hard-edged, and he was gifted with speed, tenacity, and a natural understanding of the game. In 1956, Duane was named all-state. His willingness to sacrifice his body was respected by his teammates, which put fear in the hearts of his opponents. Duane was a gifted athlete and had the rare opportunity to try out for the Chicago Blackhawks. Unfortunately, a series of hand injuries kept him from his NHL dreams.

Duane was a very skilled player. A very fast, up-ice guy.

—Fred Dablow

A man in black shirt and white hair.

Fred Dablow

DEFENSE

About Fred

1956 Statistics
5 Goals, 8 Assists, 13 Points

In 1956, Fred was a junior. But his play kept him respected by his senior teammates. Fred was a prototypical “stay-at-home defenseman,” and he used his large frame to make it uncomfortable for anyone entering his zone. He complimented his defensive pairing with Duane Glass and was integral to the success of the Prowlers.

There was never any loose change around the net, because if there was a rebound, those guys scooped it up and got it out of there right away.

—Glen Carlson

A man in glasses and a blue shirt

Rodney Collins

GOALIE | CO-CAPTAIN

About Rodney

1956 Statistics
30 Goals, 19 Wins and 1 Loss

Rod was a natural athlete. His quick hands and fearless nature made him the perfect fit for his position. Ironically, the 1956 Co-Captain had just started playing hockey two years prior to his senior year. Rodney learned to skate for the position. Rod was also known as the team comedian. He was very well-liked and kept his teammates laughing.

Rod Collins, our goalie, was just crazy. He was a funny guy and one hell of a goalie.

—Jack Poole

A patch of minnesota champs is shown on the back of a jacket.

Championship Season Patch

MINNESOTA STATE CHAMPS, 1956
Two photos of a man in hockey uniform.

Dale Wennberg

Dale was a standout hockey player for Thief River Falls High School in 1959 and won consolation at the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament. He also played one year for the University of Minnesota. Dale is the former Mayor of Thief River Falls, MN and has been instrumental in helping us contact the players and gather information about the 1956 team.

Thank you, Dale!

Glimpses of Our Champions and Legends

A man in black and white playing hockey.
A group of men in hockey uniforms sitting on top of a bench.
A hockey player laying on the ground with his head down.
A hockey player is on the ice with his stick.
A group of hockey players posing for a picture.
A black and white photo of two men playing baseball.
A man is laying on the ground in front of a net.
A group of men in hockey uniforms posing for a picture.
Three men in baseball uniforms are posing for a picture.
Two men standing next to each other holding a trophy.
A man standing in front of a crowd holding a keyboard.
A hockey player is walking on the ice.
Play Video