The Valley Sharpshooters and Clair Wier

Berwick and Windsor have long been known as sports towns, so it seems fitting Clair Wier, one of the most gifted athletes to ever play in the Annapolis Valley, would have strong ties to both of these communities.

Born in 1937 and raised in Windsor, Clair played minor sports and became a star player at Windsor Academy in both rugby and basketball. Windsor won the headmaster’s trophy title in basketball, with Clair leading the scoring, in 1952. In 1953, he led the Midget Windsor Royals to win the Maritime Baseball Championship.

As a teenager, Clair joined the Windsor Mapleleafs. There were already a good number of experienced and highly-skilled senior players on the hockey line. Clair not only made the squad, but gained a position on the line with former coach Moe Smith, and the team went on to become one of the more powerful scoring units in Valley League hockey. In 1956-57, the energetic Clair scored 57 goals, winning the scoring title with 98 points. He won his second scoring title in 1958 by tying Moe Smith for first place. The two high-scoring forwards battled throughout the 1958-59 season in a tie, and went on to win the Maritime Intermediate Championship.

Despite his status as a star player, Clair was a very shy athlete who never wanted to be in the limelight and seldom could be found in the penalty box. He considered himself just another member among a great team of athletes and was a friend to all who knew him.

In the early 1960s, hockey became a popular sport in Western Kings County. This was sparked by the installation of artificial ice in the Berwick arena. The rink supporters now felt they could organize a good hockey league which would bring in funds to pay expenses.

The league was organized and several teams entered to compete for the G.L Graham Trophy. There were a fairly good numbers of players who had experience in all levels of Valley league hockey, including Clair Wier, who played and coached for the Auburn team.

The league also drew a large number of players and fans who liked the short distance to the arena. The skate sharpeners and hockey equipment salesmen also did very well.

Most people agree, with his knowledge of the game, Clair was the top coach and player, but team building may have been a problem for the former Windsor star. One evening, this writer was at home trying to cope with the boredoms of retirement when Clair and Manager Clark paid me a visit. Clair made me the offer that, if I played for his team, we would be linemates. I ended up playing two more years and Clair won another scoring championship.

(Valley Sharpshooter information courtesy of Windsor sports historian Wayne Brown)