Carnie's Comments - Kid Dynamite

Carnie's Comments

Opposing players and fans hated him and he liked that. His teammates and his fans loved him and he relished in that.

The legendary Gerry James, "Kid Dynamite", has passed away at age 89.

One of the original two-sport athletes, James was a CFL superstar in Winnipeg and played four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In fact, he was the only man to have ever played in the Grey Cup and Stanley Cup final in the same season.

I got to know Gerry when he was the general manager and head coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors back in 1988-89.

I have so many stories I can share about my time with Gerry, calling Warriors games on the radio and riding the team bus across the Western Hockey League.

I'll never forget one night before a home game, I was interviewing Gerry for the pre-game show.

I stated a fact or two and made an observation and then turned the microphone to him.

He raised his eyebrows and said, "You're an astute reporter."

I said, "Thanks, now would answer that question?"

Gerry said, "You didn't ask me a question."

He seemingly enjoyed watching me squirm a little but he knew he was making me better.

That's the kind of coach he was. That's the kind of person he was.