Author: greggdrinnan

Overton to be inducted into Wall of Honour

The calendar tells us that the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation is four months away from inducting the Class of 2025 into its Wall of Honour. . . . The second annual induction dinner is scheduled for July 29 at the Viking Rentals Centre, the home of the Wall of Honour, in Okotoks, Alta. . . . The evening is being billed as A Night With the Sutters and there will be a hot stove session or two involving members of hockey’s first family. . . . Tickets for the dinner are available on the Foundation’s website (hockeyscoutsfoundation.com). . . . In the meantime, we are introducing folks to the next inductees, so here’s a look at Doug Overton Sr. . . . 

DOUG OVERTON SR.

(Dec. 8, 1944 — Sept. 13, 2023)

Born in London, Ont., but grew up in Winnipeg. . . . Was a solid junior player with the MJHL’s St. Boniface Canadians, and had a brief stint in the EHL with the Charlotte Checkers before playing senior with the St. Boniface Mohawks and Warroad Lakers. . . . Later took a turn coaching the junior St. Boniface Saints (1972-74). . . . Started his scouting career with the Philadelphia Flyers in the late ’80s before joining Bob Clarke in moving to the Minnesota North Stars in 1990. . . . Spent 20-plus seasons with the Stars organization in scouting roles spanning from amateur scout to director of pro scouting. Was with the Stars for 1999 Stanley Cup championship.

Malkoc, Wallin, Vrooman to be saluted by Scouts Foundation

OKOTOKS, Alta. (March 25, 2025) — Veteran scouts Dean Malkoc and Jesse Wallin, along with retired broadcaster Dean (Scooter) Vrooman, will be honoured by the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation at its second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner in Okotoks on July 29.

Malkoc and Wallin will be presented with the Two Glens’ Honourarium, while Vrooman is to be given the Bob Ridley Golden Microphone Honourarium. Each of the recipients also will receive a financial award that is to be given to a charity of their choosing.

The Two Glens’ Honourarium was cast in the memories of Glen Cochrane (left, above) and Glen Dirk, two long-time scouts who passed away from cancer in 2024.  It is to be presented annually to a deserving scout, or scouts, who display camaraderie, competitiveness, dedication and humour, all traits that were in ample supply with the much beloved Cochrane and Dirk.

Wallin has been in the scouting game since 2013, first with the St. Louis Blues and now with the Detroit Red Wings. After six seasons as an amateur scout with the Blues, he now is in his sixth season as Detroit’s head amateur scout.

“I was really honoured when I was told I would be receiving this award,” Wallin said. “I had no idea . . . I wasn’t expecting it.”

Wallin had known Dirk and Cochrane for a long time, so this award really carries some meaning with it.

“I met Glen during the draft process in my draft year,” Wallin said, “and when I spent a bit of time with New Jersey. I met Glen Cochrane through Peter Anholt quite a while ago.

“To be associated with them was a real privilege.”

Malkoc was especially close to Dirk, often looking at him as a father figure. 

From Vancouver, Malkoc has been scouting with the Boston Bruins since 2007. After 15 seasons as an amateur scout, he now is in his third season as Boston’s director of amateur scouting.

Meanwhile, Ridley called Medicine Hat Tigers’ games on radio, handling more than 4,000 games over 52 seasons — he also drove the team’s bus for 45 of those seasons — before retiring in August 2022.

The Golden Microphone is to recognize a member of the media or broadcasting profession for their dedicated years of service at the major junior level.

Vrooman, who grew up in Beaverton, Ore., was the play-by-play voice of the Portland Winterhawks for more than 30 seasons. He called games from 1982-2007 and was part of the broadcast team, with his son Todd handling play-by-play, from 2012-19. Dean retired after the 2018-19 season.

“I am honoured to have been selected for the Golden Microphone award,” Vrooman said after Ridley informed him of the honour. “I am just very gratified and appreciative that I am being recognized for my career accomplishments.”

“Dean is a terrific choice as the first recipient of this honour,” said Gregg Drinnan, a member of the selection committee who also is the Foundation’s editor and historian. “He had a whole lot to do with establishing the Winterhawks in Portland and for the success the franchise has had. There was a time when he was as much the face of the franchise as anyone.”

Tickets for the second annual induction dinner now are available on the Foundation’s website — hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

For more information, contact:

Garth Malarchuk, WCPHSF Chairman of the Board

gmalarchuk@torontomapleleafs.com

Tim Lenardon, WCPHSF Co-ordinator

timlenardon78@gmail.com

Gregg Drinnan, WCPHSF Editor/Historian

greggdrinnan@gmail.com

Gare headed to WCPHS Foundation’s Wall of Honour

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation will usher 29 past and present-day scouts into its Wall of Honour during the second annual induction dinner in Okotoks on July 29. . . . The Wall of Honour is housed in the Viking Rentals Centre, the home arena of the BCHL’s Okotoks Oilers. . . . The evening is being billed as A Night With the Sutters and there will be a hot stove session or two involving members of hockey’s first family. . . . Tickets for the dinner are available on the Foundation’s website (hockeyscoutsfoundation.com). . . . Between now and then, we are introducing the members of the Class of ’25, so let’s meet Ernie Gare Jr.

ERNIE GARE JR.

(Feb. 14, 1952 —)

Born in Nelson, B.C., he is of a legendary hockey family. . . . Ernie Sr. is a member of the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame. Brothers Danny and Morey had professional playing careers, and brother-in-law Tom Renney was a coach of note. . . . Ernie Jr. got NHL scouting career started with Toronto Maple Leafs (1993-97), then joined Boston Bruins (1997-2000). . . . Finished up with New York Rangers (2000-15). . . . Earlier, he became the first person to win BCHL championship as a player and as a coach. He won BCHL scoring title in 1971-72 as he helped Vernon Essos to the title. . . . As a coach, he guided Vernon Lakers to BCHL championships in 1987-88 and 1988-89. . . . As a player, he won Allan Cup (1976) with Spokane Flyers and Savage Cup with Trail Smoke Eaters (1979).

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Kidney Walk set for June 1; yes, Dorothy is involved, again

Yes, it’s that time of year again.

The 2025 Kamloops Kidney Walk is scheduled for McDonald Park on Sunday, June 1. And, yes, Dorothy doing her part, meaning her fund-raising page is up and running.

This will be her 12th Kidney Walk since her transplant. To date, she has raised $37,366.

If you would like to help her out, you are able to donate right here — https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/BCYWALKS25/p/8d2bd58302e2431090e0248fa108dad7.

Thanks so much for all the support over the years and into the future.

A second Ginnell to be inducted into Wall of Honour

With the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner approaching, we are introducing the 29 members of the Class of ’25 right here. . . . The dinner is scheduled for July 29 in Okotoks, Alta., and is scheduled to feature A Night With the Sutters. . . . Tickets for the dinner are available on the Foundation’s website (hockeyscoutsfoundation.com). . . . The third of our 2025 inductees to be introduced here is Erin Ginnell, who also happens to be the Foundation’s president. His father, the legendary Pat Ginnell, was among the inaugural inductees in 2024.

ERIN GINNELL

(Sept. 9, 1968 —)

Born in Flin Flon, he followed his father, Pat (Paddy), into scouting. . . . Played five seasons of junior (SJHL, WHL) and was fourth-round pick by Washington Capitals in the NHL’s 1986 draft. . . . Spent three seasons (1991-94) with Red Deer College, winning ACAC title in 1994. Also played senior with the Powell River, B.C., Regals, ending career in 2000. . . . The expansion Columbus Blue Jackets added him to their scouting staff in 1999. . . . Moved on to Colorado Avalanche (2001-02), then Florida Panthers (2002-16). Was director of amateur scouting the last five seasons. . . . Joined expansion Vegas Golden Knights (2016) and won Stanley Cup there (2023). . . . Won two Allan Cups (1997, 2000) as Canadian senior champs with Powell River and is in B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame with the Regals. . . . His father also is in the Wall of Honour.

WCPHSF, Igniter Tickets form partnership

(March 12, 2025)

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation has entered into a long-term agreement with Edmonton-based Igniter Tickets to handle online ticket sales to its functions.

The first event to be handled by Igniter Tickets is the Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner. It is scheduled to be held in Okotoks, Alta., the home of the Wall of Honour, on July 29.

“We are really pleased to have been able to strike up a partnership with Igniter Tickets,” Erin Ginnell, the Foundation’s president, said. “This will provide us with some stability in the area of ticket sales, which is of utmost importance to us.”

Garth Malarchuk, the chairman of the Foundation’s board of directors, pointed out that “we did our due diligence and received nothing but positive reviews about Igniter, and entering into a partnership with a Canadian firm was a no-brainer.”

The non-profit WCPHSF is about more than its Wall of Honour. It is “appreciative and indebted to the game of hockey and all that it has provided to our life’s experiences,” as its Vision statement reads. “Because of that we feel a strong obligation and commitment to give back to charities, communities and individuals who could benefit from our support and financial assistance.”

As such, the Foundation is committed to providing financial help to scouts with medical issues and to various charities.

Igniter (ignitertickets.com) is a premier provider of ticketing solutions, offering unmatched product depth and hands-on expertise to sports teams and venues. Backed by proven technology and a track record of delivering effective solutions with measurable success, the company takes a creative, specialized approach to every partnership. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation,” said Igniter partner Daniel Giroux, “providing ticketing solutions for their events that celebrate the contributions of those so integral to the sport. It’s an honour to support their mission of recognizing the dedication and expertise of hockey scouts and all they do.”

Igniter also ensures every ticketing portal is customized to reflect the unique identity of each client, putting their brand front and centre to create a memorable and engaging experience for every event attendee.

Tickets for the WCPHSF’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner are available on the Foundation’s website — hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

For more information, please contact: 

WCPHSF

Garth Malarchuk, Chairman of the Board

gmalarchuk@torontomapleleafs.com

Tim Lenardon, Co-ordinator

timlenardon78@gmail.com

IGNITER TICKETS

Thommy Hutson, Communications

thommy@ignitertickets.com

1.800.403.5508 ext. 114

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Meet another member of Wall of Honour’s class of 2025

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner is scheduled for July 29 in Okotoks, Alta. . . . It’s being billed as A Night With the Sutters — there will be hot stove sessions involving the hockey-playing brothers — and will feature the induction of 29 past and present-day scouts into the Wall of Honour. Tickets for the dinner are available on the Foundation’s website. . . . As the big night draws closer, we are introducing the 2025 inductees right here on our website. . . . So, without further ado, meet Dennis McIvor.

DENNIS McIVOR

(Oct. 18, 1938 — )

Born in Carman, Man., he worked with four NHL teams before retiring in 2000. . . . Got his scouting start with the WHL’s Calgary Wranglers under Doug Sauter in 1977. Also was part-time with Buffalo until the Sabres hired him full-time in 1983. Left Buffalo in 1987 — he had been chief Western scout — and split two seasons with the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators. . . . Moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning with Ottawa GM Rick Dudley for 1999-2000. . . . Health issues forced his retirement in 2000. . . . Joined the Calgary Fire Department on Aug. 14, 1967, and retired in March 1981 as a rescue and safety officer. . . . Has battled leukemia and once was hospitalized with necrotizing fasciitis. “I am in remission now,” he says of leukemia. “I am very careful with diet and exercise. Also, no thick books or green bananas.”

WCPHSF to honour veteran scouts with Ace Award

Two veteran scouts — Mike Penny and the late Barry Fraser — will be saluted at the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner in Okotoks on July 29.

The Foundation announced today that the two will be presented with its most-prestigious honour, the Ace Award. In honour of the late Garnet (Ace) Bailey, the award is given annually to a member of the scouting fraternity or someone involved with the scouting community for contributions above and beyond what might have been expected.

Bailey, an incredibly popular member of the scouting family, was the Los Angeles Kings’ director of pro scouting 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. He was 53.

After ending his playing career, Bailey split a 20-year scouting career between the Edmonton Oilers and the Kings. He was on the Oilers’ scouting staff for 12 seasons under Fraser.

Fraser, a native of Kirkland Lake, Ont., passed away on Dec. 4, 2022. He was 82. Fraser spent two seasons scouting for the WHA’s Houston Aeros before joining the Oilers as director of scouting in 1978. He retired in 2000.

“Barry Fraser was a legend and an icon in the world of the NHL scouting community,” Archie Henderson, a member of the selection committee, said. “He set the gold standard for ALL scouts at ALL levels of the game of hockey with his unrivalled scouting contributions to the Edmonton Oilers leading to five Stanley Cups.

“His resume of identifying talent is among the best in the history of the game.”

Penny, who was born in Montreal, has been scouting at one level or another since 1969. He went to work for the Vancouver Canucks in 1980 and spent time with them as a scout, director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager. He moved on to the Toronto Maple Leafs as director of player personnel in 2002 and now is a member of their pro scouting department.

“Mike Penny has worn many hats in the game of hockey over his long career,” said Henderson, a long-time scout who retired in 2022. “He has been a mentor to many of the present-day NHL scouts. His experience and gentle hand in so many roles at different levels of hockey has provided a template for the modern-day scouts to follow.

“He is a true gentleman and a professional at his craft, and is someone other scouts have always looked to for advice and guidance.”

Fraser and Penny both were included in the 2024 Wall of Honour induction class. Penny, 77, is to be inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame in Penticton on July 12.

The first recipients of the Ace Award were Dennis Beyak and Gregg Drinnan. Beyak, best known as a long-time play-by-play voice with TSN, is an associate director with the Foundation and also emcee of its dinners. Drinnan is the Foundation’s editor and historian.

Tickets for the second annual induction dinner are available on the Foundation’s website — hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

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For more information, contact:

Garth Malarchuk, Chairman of the Board

gmalarchuk@torontomapleleafs.com

Tim Lenardon, Foundation Co-ordinator

timlenardon78@gmail.com

Gregg Drinnan, Editor/Historian

greggdrinnan@gmail.com

Tickets to 2025 Wall of Honour induction dinner now on sale

There’s good news if you are wanting to attend the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner.

It is to be held in Okotoks, Alta., on July 29 — in the Event Hall at the Viking Rentals Centre — with the theme of A Night With the Sutters, featuring hockey-playing members of the game’s first family from Viking.

Yes, tickets and tables now are available off the Foundation’s website — hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

Tickets to the general public are available at a cost of $250 each, with standard tables of eight going for $1,600.

With emcee Dennis Beyak in charge of the agenda, the evening also will include the induction of 29 past and present-day scouts into the Wall of Honour, along with auctions featuring various autographed sweaters and event packages.

If you have any questions, please contact Tim Lenardon or Garth Malarchuk.

Tim Lenardon, WCPHSF co-ordinator

250-764-2630

timlenardon78@gmail.com

Garth Malarchuk, WCPHSF chairman of the board

250-717-7505

gmalarchuk@torontomapleleafs.com

Denis Ball on list of 2025 Wall of Honour inductees

The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation is to hold its second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner in Okotoks, Alta., on July 29. On that evening, we will honour 29 scouts, from past and present — three Pioneers of Scouting, seven from the Early Era (1968-80), 17 from the Modern Era (1981-Present) and two from the world of junior hockey.

In the leadup to the dinner, we will be introducing each of the honourees.

Let’s get started by meeting the late Denis Ball, who had a lengthy career as an NHL scout.

BTW, we haven’t been able to locate any of Denis’s family members to let them know of his impending induction and to invite them to the induction dinner. If you are related to Denis or know someone who is, please contact Garth Malarchuk, the Foundation’s chairman of the board, at gmalarchuk@torontomapleleafs.com.

DENIS BALL

(June 24, 1926 — April 22, 2003)

A native of Winnipeg, he split 34 years between the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues. . . . Started part-time with the Rangers in 1949 and was hired on a full-time basis in 1953. The Rangers promoted him from scout to assistant general manager and farm director in 1969. . . . Signed with the Blues as general manager and vice-president of hockey operations in 1975. Then was assistant GM and VP of hockey ops from 1976-83. Retired later in 1983 as assistant to the president. . . . Founded and owned the junior Winnipeg Rangers for 11 years before selling to Ben Hatskin in 1966. The Rangers won the MJHL title in 1961 and 1966. . . . Inducted in Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame (builder) in 1990. . . . As his obituary noted: “Denis knew everyone in hockey and his friends were legion.”