Portland Buckaroos receive documentary treatment

Portland Buckaroos receive documentary treatment; film airs Wednesday
by Scott Sepich, special to The Oregonian
Monday August 24, 2009, 3:29 PM

Portland's original sports dynasty is finally getting its due.

The Western Hockey League's Buckaroos, who ruled the ice at Memorial Coliseum from 1960 to 1974, have been celebrated over the years through tributes, reunions and, most recently, a permanent banner.

But Wednesday night, the Buckaroos legacy will get another lift when a 90-minute documentary about the team premieres at the Portland Art Museum's Northwest Film Center at 7 p.m. The screening is open to the public.

"Kings of the Road" is Portland-based director Dan Schaefer's look at the rich history of the Buckaroos, from their shocking Lester Patrick Cup championship in their first year of existence, to the decline and eventual demise of the WHL in 1974. Schaefer mixes archival photos and film footage with interviews with former players such as Connie Madigan, Don Head and Andy Hebenton.

"They were the most successful professional team in Oregon's history," Schaefer said of the Buckaroos, who won three league championships and finished in first place in their division in eight of their first 11 years. "They were so vital and important at that time, and it's important to preserve that."

Although the film might appeal more to nostalgic fans eager for a glimpse of the past, Schaefer said fans of all ages will take something away.

"Hockey has an image as a rough, rowdy sport," he said. "But these guys are such super examples to hold up to people in this generation."

Schaefer first entertained the idea of a Buckaroos film while he was making "Mania," a documentary about the history of the Trail Blazers. As he interviewed Blazers founder Harry Glickman, Schaefer found that Glickman had just as many good stories about the hockey team he had started a decade before the founding of the Blazers.

Eventually, Schaefer was introduced to Buckaroos collector and historian Scott Petterson, and they discussed collaborating on a film. Petterson, who owns the team's trademark, said he would do whatever it took to make it happen.

Most of the photos and footage in the film is from Petterson's collection. He also used his personal relationships with many of the players to set up interviews for Schaefer.

Portland might be a rarity as a pro hockey city in that many players who played for the Buckaroos decided to make the city their home when they finished their playing careers.

"The nucleus of all those great teams is still literally right here in Portland, and it really helped in getting this film made," Petterson said.

The reward for Petterson is not just getting to show off his collection to fans in Portland, but to help honor a part of Oregon's history.

"These guys were loved just like the Blazers in their glory years," Petterson said. "They're getting up there in age, so my goal has always been to keep their memory alive forever, and a film like this helps to do that."

Petterson also notes that the Portland Winterhawks, a junior hockey team, have taken an active role in the production of the film and in promoting the Buckaroos' history.

"Our feeling is that the Buckaroos are an important part of the hockey heritage here," Winterhawks president Doug Piper said. "It's in our best interest to help people understand how important hockey has been in this city."

Piper, Petterson and some of the players featured in the film are expected to attend Wednesday's screening. Schaefer will introduce the film.

"Sports help form the common bond among all the people who live here," Schaefer said. "I'm happy to be able to show what this team meant to Portland."

-- Scott Sepich; sports@news.oregonian.com