" The Year Niagara became a College"
a novel by
Richard Paul Tanos
Within the 1971 student population at Niagara College of Applied Arts & Technology there where a handful of young, talented, and diverse hockey players who through hard work, dedication and loyalty gave the young College what it craved – respect! A True Story!
Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology opened its doors September 1967 with just over 400 students and 33 faculty/staff. In 1971, the registration totaled near 1400 students with semester's costing $188.00. vending machine coffee cost a quarter, and beer came in stubby bottles.
Almost Perfect is the true story of the 1971-1972 men's varsity hockey team - 'the Niagara Knights,' and how this team of dedicated young men changed Niagara College for ever. Hall of Fame all-american Boston University Terrier, Fred 'Bear' Bassi, not much older than the players themselves, led his team to the Western Division Championship within the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (O.C.A.A.) and incredibly, in his second season as head coach.
"A fantastic throw back to a time when education and fun meant you were in college!" - Larry Harrish - Space Coast Reviews
Foreword provided by:
Boston University U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Coach
John H. "Jack" Kelley
In that one early season, the Niagara Knights set the standard that all future Niagara college hockey teams would be measured. This small college from Welland, Ontario, sporting the two shades of blue, in January and February of 1972 outdrew in attendance, more than once, both the Welland Tier II Junior 'A' sabres and the Junior 'B' cougars.
The atmosphere at Niagara College that year will never be repeated. Students, Faculty, The Men's Basketball Team, the Cheerleaders, a few community businesses, and even the Student Administration Council (SAC) all worked as a cohesive unit making 1971-1972 the year that it was... Almost Perfect!
Richard
graduated in1972 from the school of business and during his last year at the
college he was fortunate
to have earned a spot on the team, wearing jersey number 9.
Richard lives in south eastern Kansas where he continues to write his novels.
Now Available at NCAAT
Book Stores
Cover prepared by Mr. John Wik
