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)
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 —)
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.
TAKING NOTE 