Position: Defence | Jersey Number: 36 | Hometown: Creston, B.C. | Years with the Clearwater Hosers: Since 1995
Hockey roots and memories
Don “Ducker” Pendergast picked up his first hockey stick in 1975, playing minor hockey in Mackenzie, B.C. Moving to a small town without many other sports, hockey quickly became the go-to. Inspired by Montreal Canadiens legend Yvan Cournoyer—“he was short and fast like me”—Don developed a style that combined quick skating with sharp instincts.
One of Don’s most cherished hockey memories? Playing on the same team as his dad. “It was a special moment that made the game even more meaningful,” he recalls.
Over the years, Don has mastered the art of staying upright on defence while perfecting his real specialty—chirping everyone on the ice. “It’s a skill,” he jokes. His signature pregame focus? “Not getting hit with a puck while stretching by Wade or John. Priorities, right?”
Game day vibes
Before hitting the ice, Don blasts Here for a Good Time (Not a Long Time) by Trooper, the perfect anthem for a player who’s all about the fun. His signature play? Well, let’s just say his shot’s so slow, goalies miss it because they’re too busy reading the logo on the puck.
As for pregame advice? “Whatever my wife tells me,” he laughs.
Off the ice
Don’s got a surprising fun fact: he can only see out of one eye. Does it slow him down? Not a chance. If he had a superpower on the ice, he’d pick telekinesis—“so I could move the puck where I want it. My hands and feet aren’t always reliable.”
When he’s not lacing up his skates, you’ll likely find Don devouring buffalo wings or binge-watching NCIS. And while he claims he’s a terrible singer, don’t expect him to belt out tunes at karaoke. “Would never happen. I don’t even sing in the shower when I’m alone.”
Locker room laughs and team spirit
Don’s known for his dry wit, but when asked who the funniest teammate is, he keeps it simple: “Everybody makes me laugh at one time or another.”
For Don, the best part of being a Clearwater Hoser is hanging out with the guys and not taking things too seriously. The team’s energy? “OLD TIME WANABEES,” he proudly declares.
If the Hosers were stranded on a deserted island, Don’s not betting on himself to last the longest. But when it comes to game time, the only thing he asks from fans is simple: “Show up and don’t fall asleep during the game!”
Quick Hits
• Favourite NHL Team: Montreal Canadiens (HABS)
• Favourite Movie: Big Jake
• Favourite TV Show: NCIS
• Dream Vacation: Anywhere warm and beachy
• Favourite Food: Buffalo wings
• Pineapple on Pizza: Definitely yes
• Best Chirp Heard on Ice: “Your shot’s so slow, the goalie had time to read the puck.”
• Superpower of Choice: Telekinesis—to finally have perfect puck control
Don Pendergast is the definition of old-school hockey with a modern sense of humour. He’s the teammate who’ll block shots, crack jokes, and remind everyone why beer league hockey is about having a blast. So next time you’re at a Hosers game, give #36 a wave—just don’t expect him to sing the national anthem.
(Clearwater Hosers would like to thank funding partners, Wadlegger Logging and Construction and J&K Creations for their generous donations.)
