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What happens when a rec league team becomes the soul of a small town? 

Carlin Lutzer and longtime Spoiler Ron Gilmore trace the 45-year legend of the Okotoks Spoilers from midnight ice times in 1979 with borrowed too-small jerseys to three decked-out team buses, prank-filled tournaments, and a brotherhood defined by service. 

Ron relives the rickety old rink by the Sheep River, the infamous “Penalty Beer” code that kept games friendly, and road trip lore featuring card tables, a TV-blaring bus, and one very unfortunate “funnel” story. 

Beyond the laughs, it is a showcase of how the Spoilers lifted Okotoks: skate trades for kids, Lions Park flood recovery, holiday hampers, and fundraising for prostate cancer. 

It is less about winning hockey games and more about building a community where everyone belongs and the joke is always shared, not sharp.

Listen for: 

1:38 How did the Spoilers start in 1979 and choose their name? 

4:06 What was the old Oke Arena really like to play in? 

7:58 Why did the team keep upgrading buses—and what was the funnel for? 

16:34 How did “Penalty Beer” keep games friendly and lead to legendary tournaments? 

24:36 In what ways have the Spoilers given back—from Lions Park to prostate cancer? 

Connect with Guest: Ron Gilmore 

Website | Okotoks Spoilers Facebook  

Connect with Carlin 

Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook