Joe Fisher

Joe Fisher was a trailblazer in Medicine Hat hockey and a lifelong contributor to sport and community leadership. He made history as the first local player to reach the NHL, capturing a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 1943, and was also a key member of the Indianapolis Capitals’ AHL championship team in 1941–42. His playing career was interrupted by service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, after which he returned to the game by winning the Allan Cup with the WCSHL's Calgary Stampeders in 1945–46. Joe went on to share his knowledge as a player‑coach with the Regina Capitals of the same league, later coaching the 1950–51 Medicine Hat Tigers also of the WCSHL. Beyond the rink, he served as President of the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede in 1968 and 1969, and was active in numerous community organizations. Joe's keen hockey knowledge and vision were key in the city being awarded a WCHL franchise (now the WHL) in 1970; he was one of three co-founders of the Medicine Hat Tigers.