If you follow senior hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador, you already know one thing. The Herder Memorial Trophy is not just a trophy. It is history, pride, and legacy all wrapped into one.
The story goes back to 1935. The trophy was created by Ralph Herder, a man who came from a family deeply connected to both hockey and Newfoundland itself. The Herder family were not just business people behind The Evening Telegram, they were also heavily involved in the sport. Hockey was part of their identity.
Ralph Herder introduced the trophy to honour five of his brothers who had passed away. Their names were Arthur, William, Douglas, Augustus, and Hubert. Two of them lost their lives during the First World War, which made the tribute even more personal. Later on, the names of Ralph and his brother Jim were also added, making it a symbol of the entire Herder family.
From the very beginning, the idea was simple but powerful. This trophy would represent the best senior hockey team in Newfoundland. Not just a winner, but the best of the best across the island.
The first ever competition for the trophy happened in March 1935. Corner Brook faced off against the Guards from St. John’s in a total goal series. Despite being outplayed in parts of the game, Corner Brook came out on top and became the first team to lift the Herder.
Back in those days, hockey looked very different. There were no modern arenas or perfect ice surfaces. Games depended on weather, travel was not easy, and everything felt more raw. But even then, the passion for the game was strong. That passion is what helped build the Herder Trophy into what it is today.
Over the years, the competition grew. What started as a St. John’s based playoff slowly turned into a true island wide battle. Teams from different regions began competing, and rivalries started to form. Places like Corner Brook, Grand Falls, Buchans, Bell Island and Conception Bay all became part of the story.
At one point, the game even changed because of how competitive things got. Teams began bringing in players from outside the province to strengthen their squads. Hockey was no longer just local pride, it became serious business.
There were also moments where the competition had to pause. During the Second World War, there were no playoffs for a couple of years. Later on, there were changes in leagues, formats, and structures. But through all of that, the Herder Trophy never lost its meaning.
One thing that stands out in its history is how the Herder family stayed involved. For decades, members of the family would travel with the trophy and stay connected to the game. It was never just something they created and forgot about. They stayed part of it.
Even the small details carry meaning. The figure on top of the trophy is based on a real hockey player from St. John’s, Edward Kennedy. And over time, the trophy itself has grown, adding more space to recognize new champions as the years passed.
Today, the Herder Memorial Trophy still represents senior hockey excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador. It connects generations. From the early days of outdoor ice and wooden sticks to modern arenas and organized leagues, the spirit has stayed the same.
This is more than just a championship. It is a piece of Newfoundland hockey history that continues to live on every season.
And honestly, that is what makes the Herder special. It is not just about who wins. It is about everything that came before it.
(Story inspiration: Hockey NL)