KEN TARNOW 
SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS (1968 to 1971)

Ken was born in Vernon, British Columbia on December 19, 1950. Ken's hockey career started out as a rink rat manually cleaning the ice for the Vernon Canadian's. Ken's father, Bill, played for the Canadian's. Ken's mother states that his passion for hockey started at a very young age. He spent countless hours playing hockey on an outside rink.. She says the best part of his game at the time was raising his stick into the air when he was able to score at both ends of the rink. 

Ken's family moved from Vernon to Kamloops and there his organized hockey became his passion. In 1965/66 Ken played for the Kamloops Midget Totems winning the B.C. Championship. In 1966/67 and 67/68 seasons Ken played for the Kamloops Rockets in the B.C, Jr Hockey League and was a prolific scorer. Ken was scouted for his scoring ability by the Swift Current Bronco's and signed for the next season. As a Bronco, Ken continued to improve with each year. His final year with the Bronco's proved to be his best. 70/71 66 games 52 goals 38 assists 90 points.  In his final season with the Bronco's, Ken was voted MVP, top scorer and played on the Western Canada All Star Team. He was not drafted by any NHL team. He was invited to attend the Boston Bruins training camp for the 71/72 season. Ken was assigned to the Dayton Gems of the International Hockey League. There with hard work Ken was sent to the Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central League and signed a one year contract with the Bruins.  In March of 1972 Ken was offered a contract with the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association. He declined to sign a 3 year contract with the Bruins. Ken was assigned back to Dayton, played 19 games, scoring 11 goals and 7 assists. He then sustained a career ending knee injury. He spent the remainder of the season in Boston in rehabilitation. Ken was sent back to Dayton and spent the remainder of his contract in the International Hockey League knowing that he would never fulfill his dream. Ken retired from professional hockey in the spring of 1975.  Upon retiring, Ken played some senior hockey. He then was asked to coach the Cranbrook Colts Junior B team. He coached the 79/80 and the 80/81 seasons. Ken had success as a coach. He was the All Star coach for his final season. He also coached minor hockey for many years and many levels. 

During his time in Dayton, Ken met his wife of 30 years, Brenda. They have raised three sons Ken Jr. age 29 and Cameron and Kelly age 27. Ken and his wife currently live in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Ken's biggest accomplishment in life is relived every August 1st long weekend when his boys and their ladies along with his close friends gather together at his cabin on Shuswap Lake. Life is good.