Holland among Wall of Honour’s Class of 2025

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. . . . Tickets for the dinner — the evening is being billed as A Night With the Sutters and will include a hot stove session or two with members of hockey’s first family — are available at tickets.hockeyscoutsfoundation.com. . . . In the leadup to the dinner, we are introducing folks to each of the honourees. So let’s meet Dennis Holland. . . .

DENNIS HOLLAND

(Jan. 30, 1969 —)

Born in Vernon, B.C., he is one of those rare scouts who has spent his entire career with one team. . . . Started with the Dallas Stars in 2003 and completed his 22nd season with them in 2024-25. . . . Was third-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings in NHL’s 1987 draft. Older brother Ken was scout with Red Wings at the time. . . . Scored three goals and added two assists in 1985-86 debut as 16-year-old with WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Went on to enjoy 36-, 58- and 82-goal seasons. Is franchise’s all-time leading goal scorer (179). Led WHL in goals (82) and points (167) in 1988-89. . . . Was head coach of ECHL’s Toledo Storm for two seasons (2000-02). . . . A member of the Winterhawks’ inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2010.

WCPHS Foundation joins forces with two partners

The non-profit Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation has entered into two partnerships, both of which will be key to the organization’s future.

HNLIVE now Foundation’s broadcast partner

HNLIVE has signed on as the Foundations official broadcast partner.

The WCPHSF has two banquets scheduled for this summer — its second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner and a banquet Celebrating Indigenous Hockey Legends — and HNLIVE will be live-streaming both events.

HNLIVE, a broadcast, streaming and production company, is Canada’s fastest growing sports streaming platform with partnerships with Hockey Canada and numerous major showcases across Canada. It has a history in HD live-streaming, from top prospect games to regular-season games, championship events, all-star games and beyond. It bills itself as “a one-stop-shop resource.”

“We’re thrilled to become the official broadcast partner of the WCPHSF,” HNLIVE owner Corrie Brough said. “All their events/banquets will now be available on HNLIVE if you are unable to attend. The WCPHSF does tremendous work by giving back to communities across Western Canada and we’re very happy to be involved.”

The Foundation isn’t yet two years old, and the Wall of Honour is its pride and joy. But there’s a lot more to it than that, as it is committed to giving back to Western Canadian communities and charities, and to those in the scouting community who need support. It already has helped out in those areas with organizations as varied as Bear Clan Bow River, the BC and Yukon branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It also has provided financial aid to scouts with medical issues.

The Wall of Honour induction dinner is scheduled for the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks on July 29. On that evening, 29 past and present-day scouts will be honoured. The evening — A Night With the Sutters — also will feature two hot stove sessions involving members of the hockey-playing family from Viking.

“This is exciting news for our foundation in that it allows the general public to observe and partake in our second Wall of Honour induction dinner,” said Garth Malarchuk, the WCPHS Foundation’s chairman of the board.“Viewers not only will be treated to some great stories from hockey’s first family, but also will have the option of bidding on some outstanding silent- and live-auction items and packages.”

The dinner Celebrating Indigenous Hockey Legends is to be held in Regina’s Conexus Art Centre in Wascana Park on Sept. 30. Some of the proceeds from the Regina dinner will go to local charities that deal with Indigenous children — the Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Outdoor Hockey League, Sask Sport, for KidSport Saskatchewan, and the Circle Project.

“This is exciting for us,” said Mark Stiles, the Foundation’s director of donor and stakeholder relations, “as HNLIVE will be streaming both banquets amongst many other things, like creating short videos for our website.”

Tickets for both dinners are available at tickets.hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

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WCPHSF joins up with Harvard Media in Regina

The Foundation also has entered into a promotional agreement with Harvard Media involving the Celebrating Indigenous Hockey Legends banquet that is to be held in Regina.

Earlier, the non-profit foundation partnered with the Regina Hotel Association on the banquet that is scheduled for the Conexus Arts Centre on Sept. 30, which is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Under terms of the agreement, which runs from June 9 through Sept. 30, Harvard Media will be recognized as an event sponsor and will provide on-air and on-line support from its Regina-based radio stations 620 CKRM, play92, and 104.9 The WOLF. The package also includes on-air support from The SportsCage, CKRM’s popular sports talk show.

“The SportsCage has made a commitment to local sports more than ever over the past year,” SportsCage host Barney Shynkaruk said, “and this event will bring Saskatchewan hockey together once again and, more importantly, shine a spotlight on the proud Indigenous hockey culture.

“The WCPHSF group has been doing some great work for community groups across Western Canada and we’re excited to have an opportunity to showcase that.”

The dinner is to be emceed by Dennis Beyak, an associate director with the Foundation. The retired TSN hockey play-by-play voice handles the emcee duties at all Foundation events. Beyak will guide everyone through an evening that will feature two hot stove sessions including some of the Indigenous legends like Kalley Armstrong, Ron Delorme, the King brothers, D.J. and Dwight, Jon (Nasty) Mirasty, Rich Pilon, Jordin Tootoo and Hall-of-Famer Bryan Trottier.

Some of the proceeds will go to Regina-area organizations that deal with Indigenous youths — the Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Outdoor Hockey League; Sask Sport, for KidSport Saskatchewan; and the Circle Project.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Harvard Media on board with us,” said Foundation vice-president Ross Mahoney, a Regina resident who is the NHL-Washington Capitals’ assistant general manager. “The folks there have a wide following in Regina and in Saskatchewan so this agreement is a real positive for us.”

Tickets for the dinner are available at tickets.hockeyscoutsfoundation.com.

Walker will be entering Wall of Honour

On July 29, the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation will induct 29 past and present-day scouts into its Wall of Honour that is located in the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks, Alta. That will all be part of the second annual induction dinner that also will be A Night With the Sutters. Yes, members of the Sutter family will be on hand and they will take part in a hot stove session or two. . . . Tickets for the dinner are available at tickets.hockeyscoutsfoundation.com. . . . Meanwhile, we are introducing the inductees right here, so let’s meet Jimmy Walker.

JIMMY WALKER

(Aug. 10, 1930 — Aug. 17, 2015)

A native of Winnipeg, he started his scouting career with the junior Winnipeg Jets of what was then the Western Canada Hockey League. Was named the club’s chief scout in July 1970. . . . Was director of player personnel when he signed with the Chicago Black Hawks as assistant chief scout in April 1972. Would spend more than 20 years with Chicago. . . . In his earlier years was prominent minor hockey coach in Winnipeg, especially at Isaac Brock Community Centre in the late-1950s and early-’60s. He and good friend Tom Paterson coached same core group to city or provincial titles for six straight seasons. . . . Coached the MJHL’s St. James Canadians to league title in 1967-68 when he was named coach of the year. . . . Was also a fine golfer and frequently competed in Manitoba senior events.

Sears among 2025 Wall of Honour inductees

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 at hockeyscoutsfoundation.com. . . . As the big night draws closer, we are introducing the 2025 inductees, like Carter Sears. . . .

CARTER SEARS

(Aug. 17, 1953 — )

Born in Estevan, Sask., he has had a scouting career of more than 30 years split between major junior and the NHL. . . . Spent 14 seasons (1990-2004) as director of player personnel with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels, winning a Memorial Cup in 2001. . . . Served as a scouting consultant with the WHL’s Kootenay Ice (2005-17), winning a WHL championship in 2011. At the same time, he worked as a part-time pro scout with the New York Rangers, starting in 2004. . . . Was a pro scout with the Winnipeg Jets for six seasons (2010-16). . . . Joined the Medicine Hat Tigers as director of player personnel for 2017-18. . . . Added to the St. Louis Blues’ scouting staff in November 2019.

Tuer to join father as Wall of Honour inductee

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. . . . Tickets for the dinner — the evening is being billed as A Night With the Sutters and will include a hot stove session or two with members of hockey’s first family — are available at hockeyscoutsfoundation.com. . . . In the leadup to the dinner, we are introducing folks to each of the honourees. So let’s meet Al Tuer. . . .

AL TUER

(July 19, 1963 —)

Born in North Battleford, Sask., he began his scouting career (1999-2000) with NHL Central Scouting. . . . He joined the Calgary Flames as an amateur scout (2001-10). . . . Followed that with 11 seasons with the Florida Panthers as a pro scout, then head pro scout and director of professional scouting. . . . Has been a pro scout with the New York Rangers since 2021. . . . As a player, spent two-plus seasons with the WHL’s Regina Pats, racking up 486 penalty minutes in 1981-82. . . . A 12-season professional playing career included one goal in 57 games split between Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars and Hartford Whalers. . . . After retiring as player, spent five seasons (1993-98) as GM/head coach of Moose Jaw Warriors and one with Tri-City Americans. . . . His father, the late Graham Tuer, was a 2024 Wall of Honour inductee.

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.

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.

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.”

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