Meet five more inaugural inductees to WCPHSF’s Wall of Fame

The non-profit Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation will hold its inaugural Wall of Honour induction dinner in Okotoks on July 30. . . . Tickets to the general public are available at the Foundation’s website (hockeyscoutsfoundation.com). . . . Meanwhile, here’s a chance for you to meet five of the scouts who are part of the Class of 2024. . . . For more bios, visit the Foundation website and click on Wall of Honour.

BARTON (BART) BRADLEY

(July 29, 1930 — Sept. 16, 2006)

From Fort William, Ont., he joined the Boston Bruins’ scouting staff in 1968 and spent 30 years with them. He was head scout and director of player evaluation from the late-1970s into the early ’90s. . . . In a 10-season career as a pro player, nine of them in Boston’s organization, he got into one NHL game with the Bruins, that in 1949-50. . . . Shared in the Bruins’ 1970 and 1972 Stanley Cup triumphs. . . . During his playing career, he won a Memorial Cup with the Port Arthur West End Bruins (1948), an Allan Cup with the Belleville McFarlands (1958) and a World championship with Belleville (1959). . . . His son, Scott, has been with the Bruins since 1993 when he started as a scout.

SCOTT BRADLEY

(Aug. 29, 1963 —)

From Delta, B.C., he joined the Boston Bruins on a full-time basis in 1993 as a western scout. . . . Was promoted to head scout in 1996, a position he filled for 11 seasons. . . . Named director of player personnel in 2008 and assistant general manager in 2014. . . . Promoted to senior adviser to the general manager in 2019, a position he presently holds. . . . Career highlight was winning Stanley Cup (2011) with the Bruins. . . . Began his scouting career by spending four seasons (1990-94) with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. . . . Was a goaltender during a playing career that topped out at junior A. . . . His late father, Bart, spent more than 30 seasons with the Bruins as a player and scout.

TONY FELTRIN

(Dec. 6, 1961 —)

TONY FELTRIN

Raised in Nanaimo, B.C., he began his scouting career with the New York Rangers in 1986 and was part of a Stanley Cup winner there in 1994. . . . After 10 seasons as an amateur scout with the Rangers, he joined the New York Islanders and spent 11 seasons as their head amateur scout. . . . Moved on to the St. Louis Blues in 2007 and has worked for them as a pro scout, amateur scout, and their director of amateur scouting. He was part of their 2019 Stanley Cup-championship team. . . . As a player, he won a WHL championship with the 1980-81 Victoria Cougars. . . . Split 48 NHL regular-season games between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Rangers.

BRUCE FRANKLIN

(Sept. 16, 1963 —)

From Winnipeg, he has been a scout since 1982 when he got his start in the WHL. . . . Spent 10 seasons as a WHL scout, four with the Prince Albert Raiders and six with the Swift Current Broncos, five as director of player personnel. . . . Started in the NHL as a part-time scout with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986. . . . Was with the Chicago Blackhawks for 24 seasons, starting as an amateur scout in 1992. Was Chicago’s chief scout for his last six seasons there. . . . Joined the the Anaheim Ducks as the director of player evaluation in 2016. . . . Was in on three Stanley Cup titles with Chicago (2010, 2013, 2015), after winning Memorial Cup championships with Prince Albert (1985) and Swift Current (1989).

PETER SULLIVAN

(July 25, 1951 —)

Peter Sullivan retired prior to the start of this NHL season. (Photo: Mike Morreale, nhl.com)

From Toronto, Sullivan retired in 2023, ending scouting career that began in Switzerland. . . . Spent 27 years with NHL Central Scouting, having started in 1996. . . . Began scouting as part-timer for the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets in 1986 while coaching in Switzerland. . . . Joined the Jets as full-time amateur scout in 1988. . . . Nicknamed “Silky,” he was a terrific minor and junior player but career was slowed by thyroid cancer. Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens and played three seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, who held a night for him. . . . Signed with the WHA’s Jets in 1975, winning three Avco Cups there. . . . Played four WHA seasons and two more with the Jets in the NHL. Concluded his playing career in Switzerland. . . . His father, Frank, won 1921 Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts and 1928 Olympic gold with Canada’s hockey team.

Mondays With Murray: Yogi Berra, the Legend

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1961, SPORTS

Copyright 1961/THE TIMES MIRROR COMPANY

JIM MURRAY

Yogi Berra, the Legend

CINCINNATI – If you turn on your television set this weekend to watch the World Series and suddenly come upon what appears to be a large, shaggy bear in baseball uniform trying to roller-skate up an icy hill, don’t switch channels.

  This will be Lawrence Peter Berra trying to match wits with the left-infield incline in Crosley Field, a ballpark designed either by a man with the sense of humor of an urchin who puts banana peels on sidewalks or one who just hates outfielders as a class.

  The outfield in this ballpark is so steep in places the players should have oxygen and a Sherpa guide to scale it. It has produced more pratfalls than Mack Sennett in his heyday, and the sight of Yogi Berra and this incline coming together in combat should be funnier than watching Jackie Gleason and Elsa Maxwell trying to cha-cha.

  Yogi Berra, it happens, is funny just standing still. In many respects, he is the most famous baseball player the game has had since Babe Ruth.

  He is ageless — and changeless. He came upon the scene so many years ago and looked so old even when he was young there are those who think he was Columbus’ cabin boy.

  The day he leaves baseball 2 million fans may leave it with him. He is as much a part of the legend of America as Paul Bunyan or John Henry. He is the patron saint of three generations of American kids with catchers’ mitts in their hands, and no churchman could seriously object. Yogi Berra is a man who has remained a boy — a rich man who remembered what it was like to be poor.

  The face is sad. It has been said it is ugly but it is not, lit in the center by large, sad and curiously gentle eyes. It is the color of gray paste — a city face. It is a comforting face, the kind one trusts. “Hey, Yogi,” yell people with a chuckle who have never seen him before. A lineman outside the ballpark laughs delightedly when he looks over the fence and sees the familiar face and figure.

  It is a silhouette baseball didn’t know whether to believe or not when they first saw it. This lumpy man, a perfect 50 in measurements — 50-inch chest, middle and two 25-inch calves — with the two protruding ears, the head that seems to grow, neckless, right out of the shoulders, couldn’t possibly be an athlete. Baseball didn’t know whether to turn him over to the minor leagues or Clyde Beatty.

  Yogi, of course, turned out to be one of the most superbly skilled athletes of his time. He came to symbolize the New York Yankees, the haughtiest team in the annals of sports.

  He outlasted derision by his own simple dignity and friendliness. The bench jockeys at first hopped about the dugout on all fours, scratched themselves busily like caged primates, called out “Hey, Berra, what tree did they pull you out of?” and offered him peeled bananas. It was that kind of ridicule that made a Ty Cobb behave forever afterward on the field with insensate rage and vengeance but Yogi ignored — and forgave. His own dignity (and his bat) at first silenced and then made ashamed his ridiculers.

  Yogi was unique. He is probably the only guy in history who wrote a book but never read one. The jokes were endless. But there was no cutting edge to them. Sometimes they even illustrated Yogi’s innate kindness to his fellow man. Like the fellow who rousted him out of bed in the early morning, “Did I wake you up, Yogi?” he chirped. “Oh no,” apologized Yogi. “I had to get up to answer the phone anyway.”

  Then there was the balloon salesman in Washington who had a fistful of dirigible-sized balloons. “Want one, Yogi? For the kids.” “Oh, no,” said Yogi. “I’d never be able to get them in the suitcase.”

  People smile when his name is mentioned. Housewives who are not sure what city Yankee Stadium is in feel a glow of affection for Yogi Berra. Their kids know a cartoon character named “Yogi Bear” who owes his existence to Yogi Berra’s, and they laugh with and love them both.

  Yogi was a catcher who was as chatty as a Bronx housewife behind the plate. He’s lonelier now in the outfield. So he chats with the fans.

  The New York Yankees came into Cincinnati on their special train at 9 o’clock in the morning on Friday. Yogi Berra was out at the ballpark at 11:30. He was practising catching fly balls on the left-field incline, a professional to the core even after so many World Series and so many records it takes calculation machines the size of election coverage computers to list them all.

  There was a curiously sad tableau taking place in the park as Yogi arrived. High in the back of the stands as Yogi Berra, a study in perseverance, chased thrown fly balls, a lonely, frightened man stood poised, naked, on the roof’s edge threatening to jump. He didn’t. He was coaxed down. But you wonder, watching Yogi Berra, how a man could give in to despair.

  Yogi Berra thinks he’s lucky to be in baseball. I think it’s the other way around.

——

Jim Murray Memorial Foundation | 25 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326

Meet five more Wall of Honour inductees . . . general public dinner tickets now available

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s inaugural Wall of Honour induction dinner is set to go on July 30 at the Centennial Arena in Okotoks. . . . All told, 45 past and present-day scouts will be inducted into the Wall of Honour, which has its permanent home in the arena foyer. . . . Here’s a look at five of those inductees. For more, check out the Foundation’s website at hockeyscoutsfoundation.com and click on Wall of Honour. . . . Tickets to the dinner for the general public also are available off the website.

CRAIG BUTTON

(Jan. 3, 1963 —)

CRAIG BUTTON

A native of Rochester, N.Y., he was born into a hockey family. His father, Jack, was an executive with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, and his mother, Bridget, was secretary to Punch Imlach, the long-time GM/head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. . . . Jack was hired by the NHL in 1975 to run Central Scouting. . . . Craig’s brother, Tod, is in scouting, too. . . . Craig got his scouting start with the Minnesota North Stars (1988). He was the franchise’s director of scouting (1992-98) and director of player personnel (1998-2000) after it moved to Dallas. . . . Won Stanley Cup with Dallas (1999). . . . Was vice-president and GM of the Calgary Flames (2000-03). . . . Went on to scout for Toronto (2004-07) before joining TSN as director of scouting. . . . Has worked in media since 2008 with TSN, NHL Network, NBC and CBC.

JOHN CHAPMAN

(Aug. 13, 1945 —)

A native of Stettler, Atla., he was a prominent junior coach before going scouting. . . . Began with the New York Rangers, then was with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers for two seasons. . . . Spent remainder of his career (1995-2023) with the Philadelphia Flyers, working at various times as amateur scout, pro scout, director of player development and director of player personnel. . . . Retired prior to 2023-24. . . . Coached three of the six hockey-playing Sutter brothers. Spent six seasons (1980-86) as head coach of the WHL’s Lethbridge Broncos. . . . In April 2009, he rescued a mother and her two-month-old daughter after stroller rolled into a retention pond in Calgary. . . . Has written book — Janny: A Woman of Fortitude and Grace — about battle with breast cancer staged by his late wife of 35 years.

MARSHALL JOHNSTON

(June 6, 1941 —)

MARSHALL JOHNSTON

A native of Birch Hills, Sask., he was an All-American defenceman at the U of Denver before representing Canada at 1964 and 1968 Olympic Winter Games and 1966 and 1967 World Championships. . . . Played in NHL with the Minnesota North Stars and California Golden Seals. . . . Was Golden Seals’ head coach (1973-75) before returning to Denver for six seasons, the last four (1977-81) as head coach. . . . Career as an NHL coach and executive featured stints with the Colorado Rockies/New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks. . . . Concluded his scouting career after 11 seasons as Carolina Hurricanes’ director of professional scouting. . . . Won Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006. . . . Inducted into International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame (1998) and Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame (2002).

IAN McKENZIE

(May 15, 1938 — May 31, 2022)

IAN McKENZIE

Born in Lyalta, Alta., he served 15 years in the RCMP before going into scouting, starting with St. Louis Blues. . . . He made his name with the Flames, first in Atlanta and and then Calgary. . . . Began a 25-year association with the Flames when he joined Atlanta. After one season there, he made the move to Calgary with the franchise in 1980. . . . Concluded his scouting career with the Phoenix Coyotes. . . . In 2000, he estimated that he would spend 200,000 miles on the road in one season. . . . Won the 1989 Stanley Cup with the Flames. . . . Had a lengthy involvement with Alf Cadman and the junior Red Deer Rustlers when they got into the AJHL. That turned out to be McKenzie’s connection to Cliff Fletcher and the Flames.

BOB OWEN

(Sept. 29, 1949 —)

A native of Winnipeg, he began his scouting career in 1980 as a part-timer with NHL Central Scouting. . . . In April 1984, he moved to the Los Angeles Kings and was there for 10 years. . . . For the next three-plus years, he operated RHO Hockey, an independent scouting service. . . . In August 1998, he joined the Atlanta Thrashers and stayed for 13 years. . . . He completed his scouting career with the Winnipeg Jets, starting in October 2011 and lasting until he retired nine years later. . . . As a player, he spent three seasons (1966-69) with the Regina Pats. . . . He later coached the midget AAA Regina Pat Canadians for five seasons (1973-78) and the SJHL’s Regina Pat Blues for two (1978-80).

Hockey world, Foundation in mourning

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation and its members are mourning the loss of veteran scout Glen Dirk, who died on April 17 after a battle with cancer. He was 85.

A native of Loon Lake, Sask., he had been in hospice in Sechelt, B.C.

A memorial service is scheduled for Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home (45865 Hocking Ave.) in Chilliwack, B.C., on Monday, June 10 at 1 p.m.

Dirk had been with the New Jersey Devils since 1994-95, having joined them after spending one season with the Washington Capitals. He was actively scouting for the Devils until two weeks before his death.

In his early scouting days, he worked in the WHL, with the Regina Pats, Spokane Chiefs and Kamloops Blazers.

In 1990, Dirk was a part-timer with New Jersey while working with Kamloops and pushed hard for the Devils to draft Kamloops D Dean Malkoc, which they did in the fifth round.

“Thank you to the man who trusted in my ability and forever changed my life,” Malkoc wrote in tribute. “Dirky started out as the scout who drafted me but turned into a life-long friend and mentor. His friendship was genuine, full of jokes and laughter, and I always looked forward to sharing time with him.

“His success in hockey equaled his love for his family, including his children, grandchildren and, maybe his best friend of all, Sam. He was a great scout, incredibly witty and intelligent and I will miss being the centre of his jokes.”

Glen Sanders, who will be one of the inaugural inductees into the Foundation’s Wall of Honour in Okotoks, Alta., on July 30, noted: “We are all going to miss Glen and his great stories. RIP Buddy.”

Dirk was recognized with a Recognition and Dedication Service Award at the Foundation’s startup banquet on Sept. 30 and is to be recognized at the inaugural Wall of Honour dinner in Okotoks. He was presented with his commemorative belt buckle on the night before he died.

Dirk won two Memorial Cup titles with Kamloops (1992, 1994) and three Stanley Cups with New Jersey (1995, 2000, 2003).

“Success followed Dirk wherever he went,” wrote Gabriel Foley of Pro Hockey Rumors. “He played a key role in building a Kamloops Blazers squad that would win both the 1992 and 1994 Memorial Cup. His championship-winning traditions quickly transferred to the NHL, with Dirk’s first season with the Devils being their 1995 Stanley Cup-winning season. He’d go on to play a role in the 2000 and 2003 Cup wins, as well as the 2001 and 2012 runner-up seasons.”

In a statement, the Devils said: “Affectionately known as ‘Dirky,’ his family wanted us to know that he passed away early Wednesday morning (April 17) surrounded by his two daughters, their spouses and his grandchildren. Recently in hospice, he cherished the calls and messages that came his way and passed along his good wishes to many. He loved his hockey family like he loved his family — fiercely loyal, generous, and truthful.”

Joe Ferras, a Devils’ scout for the past seven seasons, was a dear friend. Ferris wrote: “He was an amazing man, mentor, father and great friend, and we have all been better people for having had him in our lives.”

Ron Delorme, one of the Foundation’s directors, is among those whose career has Dirk’s fingerprints on it.

“He was without a doubt the most quick-witted, humble and by far the funniest man I have known,” Delorme said. “When I broke in 38 years ago, he represented the man I wished to be . . . He turned heads every time he talked.

“I’d like to believe that all scouts, young and old reading this, know exactly who I am talking about, and I am fairly certain most of the veteran scouts from previous years know, too.

“I’ve worked in the same field and have known Dirky for 38 years, and I had the opportunity to give him a heartfelt thanks for what I have learned from such a great man.

“RIP Dirky.”

Craig Demetrick, a former NHL scout, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Like for many of us that came into the scouting game on the West Coast,  Dirky was a huge influence and mentor for me. He was a larger-than-life character with his classic one-liners that always made me laugh! Sad to hear this news!

“Rest in Peace my friend!”

Milan Dragicevic, a former Regina Pats defenceman who is well known in the hockey circles of B.C.’s Lower Mainland, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “What a great sense of humour, one of the best  in the game, Dirky listed me in 1982 when he was scouting for the Regina Pats, stayed in touch over 40 years, he will be missed, one of my favourite hockey people.”

There is a complete obituary right here.

——

Ed Chadwick, a former NHL goaltender who began his scouting career in 1968 with the Pittsburgh Penguins, died in Fort Erie, Ont., on April 23. He was 90. . . . Chadwick is the last Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender to have played every game in a single season. He actually played the entire schedule twice, in 1956-57 and 1957-58 when a regular season comprised 70 games. . . . He totalled 184 regular-season games between Toronto and the Boston Bruins, then spent six seasons in the AHL before retiring. . . . After scouting with Pittsburgh for one season, he moved on to the Oakland/California Golden Seals (1969-72), New York Islanders (1972-79), Buffalo Sabres (1979-82) and Edmonton Oilers (1982-2001). . . . He was with the Oilers for five Stanley Cup titles (1984-85-87-88-90) and his name is on the Stanley Cup three times (1985-87-90)

——

The scouting world also has lost Mike Leier, who spent a few seasons scouting for the Kamloops Blazers about 10 years ago. Leier died early in March in Saskatoon. He was 62. . . . Matt Recchi, then the Blazers’ director of player personnel, hired Leier about 10 years ago. “He worked with me for four or five years,” Recchi said, “. . . then left as he was busy with his Cob’s Bread store. . . . Mike never scouted before I hired him, but he was an excellent scout, and a great family man.” . . . There is a complete obituary right here.

——

Greg Meachem, who covered the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels for more than 40 years, died in a Red Deer hospital on April 18. He was 71. . . . The Rebels announced his death on social media, saying he died “after a brief illness.” . . . He spent 35 years in the sports department at the Red Deer Advocate, before joining the Rebels as the writer for their website in 2016.

Meet another trio of Wall of Honour inductees; dinner set for July 30

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation has its inaugural Wall of Honour induction dinner scheduled for Okotoks on July 30. As part of the evening’s activities, 45 past and present-day scouts will be honoured. . . . Here’s a quick look at three more of the inductees. . . . For more bios, visit hockeyscoutsfoundation.com and click on Wall of Honour. . . . BTW, tickets to the dinner for the general public are to become available on May 1 off the website.

ELMER BENNING

(Dec. 17, 1940 — Dec. 27, 2018)

ELMER BENNING

Born in Humboldt, he spent 47 years with the Montreal Canadiens as an amateur scout, starting in 1970. . . . Moved to Edmonton after his wife, Liz, got a nursing job there. Was a firefighter in Edmonton when the Canadiens hired him. . . . It’s true that his 1985 Toyota Camry had more than one million kilometres on it, mostly from scouting trips across the Prairies. . . . Health concerns forced him into retirement after 2016-17 season. . . . Two of his sons, Brian and Jim, played in the NHL, with Jim going on to scout and work as an NHL executive. . . . A grandson, Matt, who is Brian’s son, also played in the NHL.

GEORGE FARGHER

(Feb. 12, 1952 —)

GEORGE FARGHER

From Nelson, B.C., he began a lengthy relationship with the Ottawa Senators when he joined their scouting staff in 1996. . . . Started scouting career with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans in 1994, then spent the next season with the New York Islanders. . . . Was in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the junior A Vernon Lakers in November 1989 when head coach Ernie Gare was fired. Fargher resigned because he didn’t agree with the decision. . . . In summer of 1995, Gare, a scout with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recommended Fargher to the Islanders, who were looking for a western scout. . . . Was Gare’s assistant as the Lakers won BCHL titles in 1988 and 1989. They went on to the Centennial Cup in 1989. . . . Won 1971-72 BCHL championship with Gare as a teammate on the Vernon Essos.

GRAHAM TUER

(May 23, 1930 — Aug. 29, 2017)

GRAHAM TUER

Born in North Battleford, Sask., he spent more than 35 years with the Saskatchewan government, primarily in the Department of Highways, before retiring in 1987 and getting into scouting. . . . Went on to work with the Regina Pats, Moose Jaw Warriors, Kelowna Rockets and NHL Central Scouting. . . . His son, Al, is a former WHL/NHL player and coach, and a long-time NHL scout. . . . Graham was inducted into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, as builder, on July 22, 2017, a month before his death. . . . The Graham Tuer U15 Challenge hockey tournament is held annually in Regina.

Ace Award to honour Bailey; meet two more Wall of Honour inductees . . .

The non-profit Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation will hold its inaugural Wall of Honour induction dinner in Okotoks on July 30. During the evening, The Ace Award, in honour of the late Garnet (Ace) Bailey will be handed out for the first time, while 45 past and present-day scouts will be honoured. . . . Here’s a quick look at Bailey and two of the scouts who will be saluted. . . . For more bios, visit hockeyscoutsfoundation.com and click on Wall of Honour.

GARNET (ACE) BAILEY

(June 13, 1948 — Sept. 11, 2001)

ACE BAILEY

Born in Lloydminster, Alta., he had a 20-year career as a pro scout. . . . Was Los Angeles Kings’ director of pro scouting, and was en route to training camp when he died aboard the plane that crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. . . . The Kings’ mascot, Bailey, is named in his memory. . . . Began scouting with Edmonton Oilers in 1981. Moved to Kings in 1994. . . . Played 568 regular-season NHL games over 10 seasons split between Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals. Also played one season with WHA’s Oilers. . . . Won two Stanley Cups as a player (Bruins, 1970, ’72) and five while scouting with the Oilers (1984-85-87-88-90). . . . Was a key player with the 1966 Memorial Cup-champion Edmonton Oil Kings. . . .

Bailey’s untimely passing left a profound void throughout the scouting fraternity, but his legacy as a dedicated and committed scout lives on through the Ace Award that serves as a testament to his remarkable contributions towards the game of hockey. . . . The Ace Award is a prestigious accolade bestowed upon individuals affiliated with the NHL scouting profession to recognize their outstanding contributions and efforts throughout their years of service.

EARL INGARFIELD SR.

(Oct. 25, 1934 —)

Born in Lethbridge, he was prolific scorer with junior Lethbridge Native Sons (1952-55) before pro career that included nine seasons with New York Rangers (1958-67). . . . Also played with expansion Pittsburgh Penguins and Oakland/California Golden Seals. . . . Went from coaching WHL’s Regina Pats (1971-72) to New York Islanders as a scout (1972-73) and ended up head coach 48 games into inaugural season. Was back scouting in 1973-74. . . . Returned to WHL for two seasons (1974-76) as assistant GM/head coach of Lethbridge Broncos. . . . Returned to Islanders as consultant in 1980. Was back scouting in 1982 and continued into the mid-2000s. Was there for four straight Stanley Cups (1980-81-82-83). . . . Inducted into Lethbridge and Southern Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (1985), Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (2007) and Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame (2023).

LES JACKSON

(Dec. 21, 1952 —)

LES JACKSON

A native of Manning, Alta., he joined Minnesota North Stars as an assistant coach in 1985 and spent 33 of the next 35 seasons with the organization. . . . Moved into the front office after two seasons on the coaching staff and spent time as scout, director of amateur scouting, director of player personnel, director of hockey operations, assistant general manager, co-general manager, director of player development and senior advisor to the GM. . . . Made move to Dallas with the franchise in 1993. . . . The two seasons he wasn’t with the Stars (1998-2000), he worked as the Atlanta Thrashers’ assistant GM. . . . Joined Florida Panthers as pro scout when Dallas didn’t renew his contract due to COVID-related cuts in 2020. Three seasons later, he was named senior advisor. 

We remember . . . six years later . . .

The boys played a hockey game last night. Yes, they shook off the rust and away they went.

They did pretty well, too, getting 37 saves from goaltender Parker Tobin in posting an 8-0 victory before a world-wide audience.

Tobin was making his first appearance with his new team, having been acquired from the junior A Humboldt Broncos in exchange for defenceman Xavier Labelle earlier in the day.

“We were fortunate we got a great performance from Tobin and our top scorers scored,” said general manager/head coach Darcy Haugan.

The boys were led by the line of Jaxon Joseph, Logan Schatz and Evan Thomas, who combined for 12 points, including six goals.

There was a scary moment early in the second period when Schatz appeared to catch an edge as he cut behind Tobin’s net. Schatz crumpled to the ice and for a moment it looked as though he had suffered a knee injury. Athletic therapist Dayna Brons, the only girl on the boys team, was quick to the scene. She helped Schatz to the dressing room and was able to get him back to the bench before too much time had elapsed.

“She’s got magic fingers and she’s great with tape,” said Schatz, who also is the team captain. “If there’s an MVP on this team, she’s it. I don’t know where we’d be without her.”

Haugan was thrilled when Schatz returned to the bench and Brons signalled that the captain was OK to go.

“That allowed us to keep our lines intact and to execute our game plan to a T,” Haugan said. “We wanted our power play to obviously be big. We didn’t expect it to be that big so we’re very fortunate. You need your top guys to be your best guys and they were.”

The boys counted five times on eight power-play opportunities and that really was huge.

Joseph finished with three goals and an assist, with Schatz chipping in two of each, and Thomas putting up a goal and three helpers.

Defenceman Adam Herold, the youngest player on the team, and forward Conner Lukan also scored. Lukan was skating alongside Jacob Leicht and Logan Hunter, and that threesome easily could have had four or five more goals. Hunter recorded two assists, with Leicht getting one. Defenceman Stephen Wack also had one assist.

As for the opposition, Haugan said, they “stepped up all night, they were relentless. Obviously our guys did a good job of keeping everything to the outside and didn’t allow them to penetrate to the middle of the ice. We did get a couple of breaks so we did get lucky but all-in-all to escape with a 1-0 lead after one, we’ll gladly take it.”

Defenceman Logan Boulet showed a lot of heart and leadership in earning six assists for the boys.

“I felt great out there,” Boulet said. “I was using a Brad McCrimmon model stick and, man, I really was able to throw some great saucer passes out there. And I don’t know that the stick had anything to do with it, but I never wanted to leave the ice.”

Haugan added: “(Boulet) was a beast out there.”

Ahh, yes, the sticks.

Haugan said one of the toughest tasks he and assistant coach Mark Cross faced was getting the players to pick out the sticks they wanted to use.

“I have never seen or heard of a team having such a wide selection to choose from,” Haugan said. “There were sticks everywhere. We may have to build some kind of stick warehouse to house them all.”

After the game, the boys admitted to being quite excited about having been able to replace one of their travelling staples.

“One of the boys picked up a copy of Slap Shot,” Haugan said. “He got it from somewhere in Portland, I think. You can’t be on the road without Reggie Dunlop and Slap Shot, but our original DVD got broken somehow and, let me tell you, there were some broken hearts when that happened.

“But all’s well that ends well.”

It’s worth pointing out that the boys led 1-0 after the first period, which was played in Chicago Stadium. They were up 4-0 after the second, which was played in Maple Leaf Gardens. The teams played the final period in the Montreal Forum. The travel arrangements were all under the control of Glen Doerksen, the team’s travelling secretary.

So . . . what’s next for the boys?

Well, Haugan said, the coaches are well aware that focusing on one sport isn’t the way to go.

“The guys are talking about wanting to play some baseball,” Haugan said. “Apparently, some guy in Iowa built a ball diamond in a cornfield. So I think we’re wanting to give that a try.

“But we’ll have to scrounge some bats, balls and gloves first.”

JUST NOTES: There was a third man behind the bench with Haugan and Cross, and Haugan later revealed that he has added Brock Hirsche to his coaching staff. Hirsche played in the WHL with the Prince George Cougars, then returned to his hometown to play with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns. . . .

Also joining the boys is Jonathan Pitre, who is incredibly popular with the media and will handle public and media relations. . . .

Tyler Bieber, an up-and-coming play-by-play voice, called last night’s game on 107.5 FM (aka The Prayer), with sports fanatic Brody Hinz handling the analysis and statistics, including zone entries and Corsi. . . .

(Christopher Lee of the Humboldt Journal may recognize some of the quotes here. Thanks for loaning them to me.)

——

Meet three more scouts headed for the Wall of Honour . . .

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation will induct 45 past and present-day scouts into its Wall of Honour during its inaugural dinner in Okotoks, Alta., on July 30. . . . Meet three of the honourees . . .

GERRY (TEX) EHMAN

(Nov. 3, 1932 — March 21, 2006)

GERRY EHMAN

A native of Cudworth, Sask., he was one of the architects of the four-time Stanley Cup-champion New York Islanders (1980-81-82-83). . . . Served as director of player personnel before being promoted to assistant GM and director of scouting in September 1982. . . . Scouted for St. Louis Blues for four seasons (1971-75) before joining the Islanders with whom he would spend 23 seasons on a full-time basis. . . . His 19-season playing career included 429 regular-season NHL games split between Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Oakland/California Golden Seals. . . . Was part of Stanley Cup winner with Toronto in 1963-64, then captained the AHL’s Rochester Americans to back-to-back titles (1964-65, 1965-66). . . . Inducted into AHL Hall of Fame in 2024.

\

LORNE FREY

(April 17, 1950 —)

LORNE FREY

A native of Swift Current, he got seriously into scouting as assistant GM and assistant coach with the Swift Current Broncos (1986-91), before beginning a long association with the Tacoma/Kelowna Rockets in 1991. . . . Was assistant GM/director of player personnel through 2019-20 when he retired and was named senior advisor. . . . Won Memorial Cup titles with Broncos (1989) and Rockets (2004). . . . Tried his hand at coaching, working with SJHL’s Estevan Bruins as head coach for two seasons and spending two seasons with Saskatoon Blades, before getting into scouting. . . .Inducted in Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (1994) and Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame (2004) as a member of the 1988-89 Broncos.

BLAIR REID

(April 24, 1947—)

BLAIR REID

Born in Kinistino, Sask., he got into scouting in 1982 when Russ Farwell added him to Medicine Hat Tigers’ staff. . . . Blair’s son Brent was on Tigers’ list but died in car accident. Farwell brought in Blair to keep him involved. . . . Won two Memorial Cups (1987, 1988) with Tigers. . . . Spent three years with Seattle Thunderbirds before moving on as part-timer with Philadelphia Flyers (1991-2000). . . . Hired full-time by Phoenix Coyotes in 2000. Moved to Calgary Flames in 2007 for six seasons. . . . Retired in 2021 after seven seasons with Boston Bruins. . . . Spent 35 years as a firefighter for the Canadian government at CFB Suffield, retiring in 2001. . . . After volunteering with Medicine Hat Stampede at age 11 grew up to be rancher and founder of Dunmore Equestrian Society.

Meet three more Wall of Honour inductees . . .

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation will be inducting 45 past and present-day scouts into its Wall of Honour at its inaugural dinner at the Centennial Arena in Okotoks, Alta., on July 30. Meet three three of the inductees . . .

LORNE DAVIS

(July 20, 1930 — Dec. 20, 2007)

LORNE DAVIS

From Regina, he is mostly recognized for 29 seasons on the Edmonton Oilers’ scouting staff. Started with 10 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, beginning in 1966. Also worked with the WHA’s Houston Aeros and the NHL’s New York Rangers. . . . Joined the Oilers for 1979-80 and stayed until his death. Was on their staff for five Stanley Cup titles — 1984-85-87-88-90. . . . Had 15-season pro career as a player, winning a Stanley Cup with the 1952-53 Montreal Canadiens. Also played with the Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins. . . . Won bronze medal playing with Canada at the 1966 World championship and was one of Canada’s co-coaches at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. . . . Inducted into Regina Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

CHARLIE HODGE

(July 28, 1933 — April 16, 2016)

CHARLIE HODGE

A native of Lachine, Que., he was an NHL goaltender for 17 seasons, split between the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks and Oakland Seals. . . . Won the Stanley Cup eight times — six with Montreal and two as a scout with the Pittsburgh Penguins. . . . Went into real estate once playing career concluded. That ended after 10 years when Winnipeg general manager John Ferguson hired him to scout Western Canada for the Jets, a stint that lasted six seasons. . . . Later spent 16 years with the Penguins and five with the Tampa Bay Lightning. . . . A seat in Pacific Coliseum, former home of the Canucks and the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, carries this plaque: “Reserved for Charlie Hodge, Canucks Alumni and NHL scout.” . . . In his younger days, he was a world-class canoe racer.

BARRY TRAPP

(Aug. 14, 1941 —)

BARRY TRAPP

Born in Balcarres, Sask., he is known throughout the hockey community as Trapper. . . . After spending 10 seasons with NHL Central Scouting, five as chief scout, he left in 1996 to take over as Hockey Canada’s director of scouting. That relationship lasted six seasons. Won one gold medal, two silver and two bronze with Canada’s national junior team and six straight titles with Canada’s U18 summer team. . . . Left Hockey Canada to take over as director of amateur scouting with the Toronto Maple Leafs and spent four seasons there. . . . Also was with the Phoenix Coyotes for one season. . . . Finished up scouting for the WHL’s Regina Pats, a team with which he had a long association. . . . Retired in 2023 after more than 60 years in hockey.

Dorothy is kidney walking for an 11th time . . . Join her team

The Kamloops Kidney Walk is scheduled for June 2 and, yes, Dorothy will be taking part for an 11th time. This is one of the things that is important to her as a way of giving back. She will celebrate 11 years post-transplant in September. . . . If you would like to be part of her team and donate to the cause, you are able to do so by clicking right here:

https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/BCWALKS2024