Hockey took Brian Tucker from the City Built on Rock to near Graceland.
The Olds, Alta. product suited up for the Flin Flon Bombers for parts of the 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 seasons. Tucker, who played part of his final season in OCN, made the jump to the pro ranks after junior hockey. He split his rookie campaign between the Muskegon Fury and the Madison Kodiaks of the United Hockey League. Then Tucker spent four seasons suiting up for the Central Hockey League’s Memphis RiverKings. While the RiverKings carried the Memphis name, during Tucker’s time with the team they actually played in a new arena about a half hour away from the Tennessee city in the community of Southaven, Miss.
“It was the best place I played hockey,” the defenceman said. “We won two championships and had some really good players. The biggest difference between Memphis and Flin Flon was the fans and the weather. Some (most) of the fans didn’t know what offside or icing was. You could almost wear shorts year round and golf after practice.”
Tucker has fond memories of his time with the Bombers.
“The best part about playing in Flin Flon is the community and people that support the hockey there. The fans are awesome and the billets (Hugh and Karen Bettger) made my experience all the better. They took me in and treated me like family. There were some great guys that I played with there: Mike Reagan, Dustin Ernest, Todd Alexander, and Eddie Wood.”
After his time in Memphis, Tucker earned his plumbing ticket. He has been at Bruster PHC Ltd. in Edmonton since then. The 12-year employee is the heating and plumbing company’s service manager. Tucker married his high school sweetheart, Alison. The couple have three children: Brayden, seven, and three-year-old twins Luke and Ethan.
“I still play rec hockey one to two times a week and coach my oldest boy’s novice team,” Tucker said. “I plan on coaching my twin boys next year when they start playing. I love the game and will try to be a part of it as long as I can.”
