Ice Road Truckers Season 1 Character Guide

Ice Road Truckers is the documentary style reality show on the History Channel revolving around a group of men who risk their lives driving large trucks over hundreds of miles of ice. Their mission is to deliver 10,000 tons of valuable equipment and supplies in 60 days to the diamond mines in the Northern portion of Canada. Adventures ensue on the first season of Ice Road Truckers when you combine six men, heavy trucks, tons of machinery, frozen lakes, and fifty-five degrees below zero temperatures. Meet the men who brave these icy storms for better or for worse.

Alex Debogorski- The Good Luck Charm

Alex is the 26-year veteran who's made a life out on the icy road. If you ask what his motivation is for facing the treacherous journeys in his truck, he might say it's all for his wife, 11 children, and 7 grandchildren. He's a hard worker and skilled trucker, and his peers look up to him and respect him for his endurance. His wise words help newbies on their first trek and his stories keep other veterans entertained on hundred-mile journeys. In Season 1, they emphasize how Alex is usually the first trucker to transport his load over the icy highway and if he makes it through with no problems, that's a good sign for everyone else.

Hugh Rowland- The Polar Bear

Hugh is like the pit bull of the pack-tough, ferocious, and ready for anything. But a better moniker would be his self proclaimed title of "The Polar Bear." Like Alex, Hugh is also an experienced ice road trucker of 20 years. Hugh is the proud owner of 4 delivery trucks; he drives one himself and has employees for the three others. In the first season of the series, he's up against his friend and employee, Alex, to deliver the most loads. We also see Hugh duke it out with his employee truck drivers and battle unfortunate mechanical problems while on the road.

Rick Yemm- The Wild One

Rick is probably the clown of the bunch who's always ready for a good laugh. His main mission this season is to beat his boss Hugh on how many loads he carries. Rick doesn't have as many years of experience under his belt like Hugh, but he's adamant on overtaking his boss. In Season 1, we see Rick put to the test while driving in some of the most severe weather conditions experienced. His relationship with Hugh is also put on very thin ice.

Drew Sherwood- The Rookie

Drew is the rookie of the bunch. Drew has a lot of experience as a truck driver, but it's his first time working as an ice road trucker. He's a bit on the cocky side but he's humbled very quickly as seen in episode one of the first season. His boss, Hugh, foretells that Drew will quit shortly after this first season. After a string of unlucky mechanical difficulties with his truck, as well as a replacement truck, Drew decides to call it quits and leave the icy roads behind him.

Jay Westgard- The Young Buck

How can it be that a young man of a mere 25 years is one of the most respected ice road truckers in the series? Jay has been driving trucks since he was 16-years old, and he's been learning and gaining experience ever since. He's shown a natural talent and skill for hauling large loads over the treacherous ice. That's why he's usually the one person entrusted to deliver some of the heaviest and difficult loads of the season. (It may also be because he's the only one willing to take on the job!) He's also a loving husband and father.

T.J. Tilcox- The Adventurer

T.J. is young and a free spirit. He took the ice road trucker position because he saw an ad in the paper. But he made it clear that it's not about the money, but the experience. In Season 1, we feel T.J.'s hesitation on the ice as he begins his journey and starts to see cracks forming on the ground beneath him. He's also caught in a "white out" where the severe snow storms cause you to have limited visibility and T.J. can barely see the road. Fortunately, he's able to complete his season. But the icy roads, accidents, mechanical problems, and health issues were a bit too much of an adventure for him so he decides to leave after one season. But he is proud of making it that far and gaining valuable experience and a further respect for the industry.