The Southern Rebels made a presentation to Lyle Erfle, who retired his mother’s jersey in an on-ice ceremony before the Rebels game on March 3 at the Civic Centre.
Marge Erfle, better known in the hockey world as “Gramma Dynamite” was a long-time fan of the Southern Rebels Junior B Hockey Club based out of Assiniboia.
She moved to Assiniboia from Limerick along with her husband and children in the early 1980’s and quickly adopted the team as her own.
“I’ve seen umpteen hockey games,” she said. “I have no idea how many. I really enjoy hockey.”
Her grandson, Sheldon, played for the Rebels and Gramma Dynamite often joined the team over the years on their bus road trips. An enthusiastic spectator, she could be seen running up and down the boards cheering and ringing her bell when her beloved Rebels scored a goal.
In 1999 and 2003 she accompanied the team to Thunder Bay and Portage La Prairie for the Keystone Cup. “I have three gold medals and a bronze,” she said. “Every time they get a medal, I get one too.”
Coach Al Sinclair remembers her. “When you’re playing sports, it’s always good to have somebody on your side, and she’s always been a positive influence.”
Gramma Dynamite will always be remembered as a devoted fan, cheerleader and friend to all.
