West Central Saskatchewan has produced many talented hockey players over the years, one of which is from our own backyard, in Rosetown. Randy Ireland was born on April 5, 1957 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and also spent many of his years growing up in Biggar, Saskatchewan.

Ireland, like many from the prairies had a love for hockey at a young age and joined the Estevan Bruins with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the 1972-73 season. He went on to spend five seasons playing for the Western Hockey League for both the Saskatoon Blades and the Portland Winter Hawks, followed up by one season playing for the Flint Generals in the International Hockey League.

After a few impressive seasons in the minors, including three shut-outs while in Portland, he got the attention of a few NHL scouts which then made his dreams a reality when he was chosen by the Chicago Black Hawks 60th overall in the 1977 amateur draft.

Ireland became the first North American to re-enter the draft when he was picked up in 1978 by the Buffalo Sabres in round 5 and 82nd overall as a goaltender.

Although he was able to finally lace up his skates and play in the National Hockey League, it was a brief stint as the Sabres already were stacked with goalies with Don Edwards and Bob Sauve ready to step in if needed.

Ireland only played in 2 games for the Sabres as their goaltender with a total of 30 minutes of ice time. Unfortunately, after letting in three goals within that time-frame, he didn’t end on the high note that was previously displayed in the minor leagues.

After his NHL career came to an end, he went on to play hockey for six teams within four different leagues. In his final season of hockey, Ireland played for the Mohawk Valley Stars before hanging up his skates for good in 1983, rounding out a full decade of competitive hockey.