Hockey has always been important to Canadians, and there are few communities in the country that don’t count at least one professional player in their history. Stettler is no different, and one of the most successful to come from the community was Bob Falkenberg.
Born on Jan. 1, 1946, Falkenberg began his professional hockey career with the legendary Edmonton Oil Kings of the 1960s. Nicknamed “Steady” for his calm and cool personality on the blueline, he would play for the Oil Kings from 1962-63 until 1965-66. During that time, he would win two Memorial Cups with the team. During the Memorial Cup runs, he would have 37 points in 40 games total.
In 1966-67, Falkenberg made the jump to the NHL, playing for the Detroit Red Wings. In 16 games with the team that year, he would have a goal and an assist. The following season, he would play 20 games, registering three points. In 1968-69, he would play five games, recording no points.
In 1969-70, Falkenberg would begin playing in the American Hockey League for the Cleveland Barons, followed by another stint with the Detroit Red Wings the next season. In his nine games with the team, he would have one point. In 1971-72, he played four games, registering no points.
Over the course of his NHL career, he would have one goal and five assists in 54 games, along with 26 penalty minutes.
Looking for a new opportunity, the World Hockey Association was formed in 1972 and he was selected by the Alberta Oilers in the WHA draft. For the next two seasons, he would play for the Alberta Oilers. In his first season, he played 76 games, registering 29 points. The following season, with the team now called the Edmonton Oilers, he would have 17 points in 78 games.
Following a trade to the San Diego Mariners, Falkenberg would play three seasons. Over the course of those seasons, he would record 20 points, 16 points and six points respectively. Once the franchise folded, Falkenberg was no a free agent and he signed with the Edmonton Oilers, playing two games.
Suggestions for columns or questions? E-mail Craig at crwbaird@gmail.com. Listen to his podcast by searching for “Canadian History Ehx” on your podcast form. Find his show on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/CanadianHistoryEhx
Information for this column comes from Legends of Hockey
