Town of Banff

Stafford Family

Banff Sports Hall of Fame -
2008: Achievement

Banff Hall of Fame - The Stafford Family

The Stafford family has reflected the true spirit of sports and leadership for three generations. Ted established his athletic reputation in track events, and set records in running, broad jump, and high jump. His track feats earned him a scholarship to Stanford University’s football team. But Ted’s true love was hockey, and his coaching of his sons’ hockey teams laid the foundation for future generations of hockey stars. Ted excelled not only as coach, but also as a referee, and even as the Scout Master for the First Banff Scout Troop. Players and scouts alike recount Ted’s leadership skills, his infectious enthusiasm, and his ability to build team spirit. Ted was honoured by the Banff Rotary Club as “Sportsman of the Year” in 1969.

Ted and Dorts’ eldest son Barrie grew up on Banff’s outdoor and indoor rinks, progressing to junior hockey, the University of Alberta Golden Bears hockey team (three-time national champion), director of the Banff Holiday Hockey School, and finally as head trainer and equipment manager with the Edmonton Oilers. Barrie has an extensive background in international hockey, serving as equipment manager for Team Canada at seven major international tournaments including two Olympic games.

The Stafford daughters Laurie and Cathie excelled in skiing, figure skating, and track and field. Notable achievements include Laurie helping to form Banff’s first all-girls’ hockey team, and Cathie participating in the High School provincials in grade 11 as a one-woman track team. Both daughters have children who excel in a variety of sports.

Gordie Stafford, initially coached by his dad, went on to hold a scoring record in midget hockey, and played for the Billings Bighorns of the WHL and the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL. Like his dad, Gordie pursued a teaching and coaching career, coaching high school and university women’s teams. One of his teams has won the “under 19” USA National Championships three times in a row (2005-2007). Gordie’s son Drew continued in the Stafford hockey tradition and now plays in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres.

Youngest son of the Stafford clan, Alan was also a hockey player. Alan went through Banff’s minor hockey program, progressing to Alberta Junior B hockey where he held a two-year league scoring record, and to Junior A hockey where he earned a record for the fastest goal in a game. Alan is a coach for the Strathcona and Sherwood Park Minor Hockey Associations and the Wolverines AAA team. Alan’s daughter and son Brendan are both involved in hockey, and Brendan recently qualified for the Canadian BMX team at the age of seven.

The Stafford family’s sports achievements are vast. They continue to promote and instill a love for sports by their talented leadership.