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.

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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)

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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 with Cypress County Fire Services in Dunmore, Alta., 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

WCPHSF adds five more to Hot Stove roster for Wall of Honour dinner

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation has added five more Hot Stove participants to the roster for its inaugural Wall of Honour induction dinner — Tales From The Road — in Okotoks, Alta., on July 30.

The latest group is led by John Davidson, president of hockey operations, alternate governor and interim general manager of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, and also features Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, a seven-time World champion who is an assistant general manager with the Toronto Maple Leafs and a practising physician.

Rounding out those taking part in the Hot Stove sessions are Mike Penny, who has scouted for more than 50 years; Brian Skrudland, a former NHL player who turned to scouting; and Al Tuer, who got into scouting in 2000.

Earlier, it was announced that Ken Holland, the Edmonton Oilers’ president of hockey operations and general manager; Craig Button, a former NHL executive who now is TSN’s director of scouting; long-time scout Archie Henderson, who retired in 2022; and former NHL player, coach and general manager Craig MacTavish would be involved in Hot Stove conversations.

The inaugural dinner also will include the induction of 45 past and present scouts into the Wall of Honour, which will feature three video screens and is to be unveiled in its permanent home in the the foyer of the Okotoks Centennial Arena.

Individual tickets and tables of eight will go on sale off the Foundation’s website (hockeyscoutsfoundation.com) on May 1.

JOHN DAVIDSON

A goaltender in his playing days, Davidson played eight-plus seasons in the NHL, split between the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. The Blues selected him fifth overall in the NHL’s 1973 draft, from the WCHL’s Calgary Centennials, and he became the first goaltender in NHL history to make the jump directly from major junior hockey to the NHL. After his playing career, he turned to broadcasting, a career that included a 30-year stint with the MSG Network as the analyst on Rangers’ telecasts. He was awarded the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his contributions in 2009.

Davidson is in his second stint in the Blue Jackets’ front office, and also has been president of the Blues and Rangers.

DR. HAYLEY WICKENHEISER

As a player, Dr. Wickenheiser, a native of Shaunavon, Sask., won seven World titles with Canada’s national women’s hockey team. She also played in five Olympic Winter Games, winning four golds and a silver, and twice was named the tournament’s most valuable player. In 2019, she was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame.

After retiring in 2017, Dr. Wickenheiser earned a degree in kinesiology from the U of Calgary and then went to medical school there. She has done a residency in the department of family and community medicine at the U of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. She continues her career in medicine, while working for the Maple Leafs.

A native of Montreal, Penny is one of the true legends in the scouting game. He got his start in 1969 by working for the NHL’s New York Rangers and their junior affiliate, the Kitchener Rangers, at the same time. He moved to the Vancouver Canucks in 1980 — he was responsible for their drafting Pavel Bure 113th overall in 1989 — before signing on with the Maple Leafs as their director of player personnel in 2000. He still is with the Maple Leafs, now as a pro scout.

Skrudland, a native of Peace River, Alta., who holds the NHL record for the fastest playoff overtime goal, retired as a player after the 1999-2000 season. He later spent six seasons with the Florida Panthers, five as director of player development and one as an assistant coach. He won two Stanley Cups as a player, with the 1985-86 Montreal Canadiens and the 1998-99 Dallas Stars.

Tuer, who was born in North Battleford, Sask., has been scouting since 2001, following a lengthy career as a player, coach and general manager. As a scout, he has worked with the Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers and New York Rangers. He is in his third season as a pro scout with the Rangers. His late father, Graham, will be inducted into the Foundation’s Wall of Honour on July 30.

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The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation is a non-profit organization comprising NHL scouts from Western Canada and a group of committed individuals from the hockey community. It feels a strong obligation to honour scouts, past and present, and a commitment to give back to charities, communities and individuals who could benefit from the support and financial assistance.

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Gregg Drinnan, WCPHSF editor and historian

greggdrinnan@gmail.com

Three more Wall of Honour inductees . . .

Meet three more scouts who will be part of the class of 45 inductees into the Wall of Honour when the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation holds its inaugural dinner in Okotoks, Alta., on July 30 . . .

BARRY FRASER

(Feb. 10, 1940 — Dec. 4, 2022)

BARRY FRASER

From Kirkland Lake, Ont., he spent 21 seasons scouring for the Edmonton Oilers. . . . When knee injuries brought a premature end to his playing career, he turned to scouting in order to stay involved in the game. . . . The Oilers signed him as their director of scouting in 1979. . . . Was part of five Stanley Cup championships with the Oilers — 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990. . . . Under Fraser’s guidance, the Oilers’ scouting staff had perhaps the greatest three-year run (1979-81) in NHL draft history, selecting the likes of Kevin Lowe, Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, Paul Coffey, Jari Kurri, Andy Moog, Grant Fuhr and Steve Smith.

LOU JANKOWSKI

(June 27, 1931 — March 21, 2010)

LOU JANKOWSKI

Born in Regina, he moved with his family to Hamilton as a youngster. . . . Playing career got him to the NHL for 127 regular-season games split between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Black Hawks. A head injury with Chicago in 1954-55 cut short his NHL career. . . . Spent most of the rest of his playing career in the WHL. . . . As a junior, he won the OHL’s 1950-51 scoring title with the Oshawa Generals. . . . Turned to scouting in 1972 and worked with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, NHL Central Scouting and New York Rangers. After 15 seasons with the Rangers, he retired in 1993. . . . His son, Ryan, has worked as an NHL scout, while grandson Mark played in the NHL.

GERRY MELNYK

(Sept. 16, 1934 — June 14, 2001)

GERRY MELNYK

He retired as a player in 1968 and immediately signed on as a scout with the Philadelphia Flyers. He scouted for the Flyers until retiring in 1997. . . . The Flyers won two Stanley Cup titles (1974 and 1975) with Melnyk on their scouting staff. . . . A native of Edmonton, he played nine seasons in his hometown — four with the junior Oil Kings and five with the Flyers of the old WHL. . . . Split 269 regular-season NHL games between the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks and St. Louis Blues. Played in the Stanley Cup final with Detroit in 1956 and St. Louis in 1968. . . . The Blues traded him to the Flyers, but a heart condition forced him into retirement, so he turned to scouting.

Circumstances result in Foundation changing date of induction dinner

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation has had to change the date of its inaugural Wall of Honour induction dinner.

Originally scheduled for July 29, the gala affair has been moved to Tuesday, July 30. It will be held in the Centennial Arena in Okotoks, Alta.

The Foundation scheduled the dinner in conjunction with Hockey Canada’s Under-18 camp that is to be held in Calgary, July 27-30. The Foundation was of the understanding that the evening of July 29 would be clear of camp events, but it turns out there is a Red/White game scheduled for that window. That game will tie up a number of scouts who otherwise would be in attendance at the dinner.

ROSS MAHONEY

“Unfortunately, we have had to move our banquet to July 30,” said Ross Mahoney, the Foundation’s vice-president who is the Washington Capitals’ assistant general manager. “Out of respect for Hockey Canada and the U18 Gretzky/Hlinka summer camp, we will move it from July 29 to July 30. A number of scouts including some of our honourees will be in attendance at the camp.”

The Wall of Honour, which is to be permanently located in the arena’s foyer, will be unveiled prior to the dinner. The first class of inductees is to include 45 past and present scouts.

The evening also will include a couple of Hot Stove sessions featuring the likes of Ken Holland, the Edmonton Oilers’ president of hockey operations and general manager; John Davidson, president of hockey operations and interim general manager with the Columbus Blue Jackets; Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, an assistant general manager with the Toronto Maple Leafs; and Craig Button, TSN’s director of scouting.

Ticket information, including prices for singles and tables, and how to acquire them, will be announced on our website in the near future: hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

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The complete list of inductees (* — denotes deceased):

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: *-Garnet (Ace) Bailey.

PIONEERS (Prior to 1967): *-George Agar, *-Frank Currie, *-Murray (Torchy) Schell, *-Danny Summers, *-Cecil (Tiny) Thompson.

EARLY ERA (1968-80): *-Elmer Benning, *-Bart Bradley, *-Lorne Davis, *-Gerry Ehman, *-Barry Fraser, *-Pat (Paddy) Ginnell, Ted Hampson, *-Charlie Hodge, Earl Ingarfield Sr., *-Lou Jankowski, Marshall Johnston, Bill Lesuk, *-Ian McKenzie, *-Gerry Melnyk, Bob Owen, *-Clare Rothermel, *-Del Wilson.

MODERN ERA (1981-present): Scott Bradley, Craig Button, John Chapman, George Fargher, Tony Feltrin, Bruce Franklin, Bruce Haralson, Archie Henderson, Les Jackson, Vaughn Karpan, Ross Mahoney, Bert Marshall, Wayne Meier, Al Murray, Gerry O’Flaherty, Kevin Prendergast, Blair Reid, Glen Sanders, Peter Sullivan, Barry Trapp.

MAJOR JUNIOR: Lorne Frey, *-Graham Tuer.

As well, five scouts from Western Canada were honoured with the Recognition and Dedication Service Award at the Foundation’s startup banquet in Okotoks on Sept. 30. Those five are Ron Delorme, Glen Dirk, Garth Malarchuk, Don Paarup and Mike Penny.

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The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation is a non-profit organization comprising NHL scouts from Western Canada and a group of committed individuals from the hockey community. It feels a strong obligation to honour scouts, past and present, and a commitment to give back to charities, communities and individuals who could benefit from the support and financial assistance.

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Gregg Drinnan, WCPHSF editor and historian

greggdrinnan@gmail.com