The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner is scheduled for Okotoks on July 29. . . . Okotoks, the home of the BCHL’s Oilers, also is the home of the Wall of Honour. Yes, it’s right here in the Viking Rentals Centre. . . . That also will be the site of induction dinner, tickets for which are available at tickets.hockeyscoutsfoundation.com. . . . As dining time approaches, we are introducing folks to members of the Wall of Honour’s Class of ’25. This time we would like you to meet Brian Gross.
BRIAN GROSS
(Oct. 11, 1942 — )
From Lethbridge, he was raised on a farm, learning to skate on a frozen dugout. . . . Began scouting by working southern Alberta for the Regina Pats (1980-83). Regina hired him full-time (1983-85), and he answered to Glen Dirk and Bob Strumm. . . . When they moved to the Spokane Chiefs, Gross went along (1986-90) as an Alberta and tournament scout. . . . Then it was on to the Tacoma/Kelowna Rockets (1991-95), before a return to Regina (1995-97), this time as director of scouting. . . . San Jose hired him in 1997 and he spent 25 seasons with the Sharks, covering Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, before retiring. . . . Worked 32 years with Alberta Government Telephones until 1993. . . . A highlight was getting undrafted Kelowna D Josh Gorges into San Jose’s camp and watching him go on to 13-season NHL career.
TAKING NOTE 