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History, glory and jerseys of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992
Calgary Kickers/Strikers
(1987-89)
The Calgary Kickers existed before the CSL and would join in its inaugural year. That same year they would win the league, beating the 86ers in the semis and Hamilton Steelers in the finals. After a poor second season (1988) Kickers folded and the Strikers arose in the 1989 season. Unfortunately success would evade them again in that season and they folded after losing the semis to rivals Edmonton. Notable players included the likes of John Catlif, Nick Gilbert, David Norman and Sven Habermann.
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1987
In their inaugural season Calgary then known as the Calgary Kickers, topped their division with 27 points (even beating out Hamilton in the east who had 26 points). Calgary would skip to the semi finals where they would face and defeat Vancouver 4-3. Calgary would face and defeat Hamilton in the first CSL play offs ever, winning 2-1.
That season their initial jerseys were made by Brazilian company Penalty after a few games they switched to Umbro for the rest of the season. Penalty home jerserys were blue with white and red trim on the neck and arms. Metro Ford would be adorned over the breast. The Umbro home kits would be black and blue stripped jerseys, away was white chest with red arms.
The team would be built from invitees that came to play within the tournament. Note the similarity of the jerseys in the flyer to the preseason jerseys.
Produced by CCM
Produced by CCM
Produced by CCM
made by Pacesetter of Calgary
made by Pacesetter of Calgary
Notable difference was that there were no numbers or sponsors on the trainer vs the gameworn jerseys. Otherwise design was the same.
Notable difference was that there were no numbers or sponsors on the trainer vs the gameworn jerseys. Otherwise design was the same.
Worn in a preseason game vs visiting Sheffield Wednesday
Worn in a preseason game vs visiting Sheffield Wednesday
Worn in a preseason game vs visiting Sheffield Wednesday
Worn in a preseason game vs visiting Sheffield Wednesday
These were worn in the preseason and in some of the first games, as told to me by Sven Habermann. The kickers then switched to Umbro for the rest of the season. Although they are marked as a Taurus jersey, they were made by Brazilian company Penalty.
These were worn in the preseason and in some of the first games, as told to me by Sven Habermann. The kickers then switched to Umbro for the rest of the season. Although they are marked as a Taurus jersey, they were made by Brazilian company Penalty.
1987 Calgary Kickers Home #4 Matchworn Simon Hodgson (courtesy of Simon Hodgson)
1987 Calgary Kickers Home #4 Matchworn Simon Hodgson (courtesy of Simon Hodgson)
No Idea what season this is from. Interesting it has the CSA logo on it. Speculating on season due to the fact that Kickers were only around for two seasons. Dave Norman wore #6 both seasons.
No Idea what season this is from. Interesting it has the CSA logo on it. Speculating on season due to the fact that Kickers were only around for two seasons. Dave Norman wore #6 both seasons.
No Idea what season this is from. Interesting it has the CSA logo on it. Speculating on season due to the fact that Kickers were only around for two seasons. Dave Norman wore #6 both seasons.
1987 Calgary Kickers Home
1987 Calgary Kickers Home
1987 Calgary Kickers Nick Gilbert
1987 Calgary Kickers John Catliff v Vancouver 86ers 8/26/87
Calgary Kickers 1987 (c/o Peter Mackie)
1988
Calgarys second season as the kickers was not as successful. They only won 6 out of 28 games, placing them in 3rd out of 4 slots. They lost to Winnipeg 2-1 in the quarter finals.
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That season Umbro made their jersey.
Home was black and blue checkers, away was a mint green with a diamond pattern across it.
1988 Calgary Kickers Home
1988 Calgary Kickers Home Joe Waters v Edmonton Brickmen
7/1/1988 Calgary Kickers Home Drew Stanley v Winnipeg Fury
July 3 Calgary Kickers Roster away to North York Rockets
Aug 28 1988 Calgary Kickers v North York Rockets Rosters (c/o Robin Glover)
1988 Seattle Storm v Calgary Kickers (c/o Rich Paschette)
1989
Calgary Kickers folded before the season started and a new community based team the Calgary Strikers was created. They would place 3/5 in the Western Division, to face rivals Edmonton in the quarter finals. Edmonton would beat Calgary 3-1 over two legs. It would be Calgarys final year in the league.
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Calgary's jerseys were made by Umbro, home was white with Strikers across the chest. Away was silver with a black collar. Tracksuits were made by local brand Typhoon.
1989 Calgary Strikers Away Derek Ballendine
1989 Calgary Strikers Andy Smith v Winnipeg Fury
Aug 20 1989 North York Rockets vs Calgary Strikers Rosters (c/o Robin Glover)
