It had taken 46 years, but 78-year-old Gus Collins of Deka Lake was inducted into the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 25, 2014.
In 1968, the Canadian Armed Forces decided to hold a hockey tournament.
Gus’ regiment, 3 Field Squadron R.C.E., from Chilliwack, had to play three other British Columbia teams for the right to represent Western Canada. They then went to Ontario, to play three other Canadian Division winners.
Gus’ team won all six games and the championship in spite of the fact that most of the other divisions were much larger with many more people from whom to choose.
When the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame was built three years ago, someone thought these men worthy. Out of the original 16 players on Gus’ team, only seven were still alive to receive their certificates and trophies.
“It was very nice that someone thought it was Hall of Fame worthy after 46 years, and my thanks go to the directors and personnel responsible,” says Gus.
Diana Forster is the Interlakes correspondent.
