Among the hockey memorabilia being auctioned off at Friday’s B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame banquet is a goaltender’s blocker that is likely to catch the attention of Vancouver Canuck fans.
“It’s got the colors of the old Canucks,” said executive director of the B.C. HHoF Bruce Judd, of the blocker. “It’s got a Hockey Hall of Fame logo on it. He’s going to sign it.”
Judd said it was the idea of former Penticton Vees owner Scott Carter.
“I think it will do pretty good with him (Kirk McLean) being in the house,” said Judd. “It’s quite interesting. It is a nice blocker. It’s a hell of an idea. Some lucky person is going to get it.”
McLean is being inducted with retired NHLer Pat Price, administrator Bill Ennos and the Kelowna Rockets 2004 Memorial Cup winning team.
He said the night is going to be very good with the inductees, who are considered good speakers. Among the notable hockey guests attending are former Hockey Canada boss Bob Nicholson, who is now working with the Edmonton Oilers Entertainment Group, Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke and Canucks president of hockey operations Trevor Linden.
“You get an opportunity to meet and get autographs and sometimes buy some nice stuff on silent auction and live auction,” said Judd of what excites him about the evening. “It’s just hockey people getting together with hockey people.”
McLean is the centre piece of the induction class. He played 11 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. The native of Willowdale, Ont., still holds Canuck records for games played (516), playoffs games (68) and playoff wins (34), two ahead of Roberto Luongo. A Vezina Trophy finalist twice, McLean won 245 of his 612 NHL games and collected 22 shutouts with the New Jersey Devils, Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and New York Rangers. McLean is remembered for his play in the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which included a season-saving stop against the Calgary Flames in the first round and leading the Canucks to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Rangers.
Price was a standout defenceman with the Saskatoon Blades drafted 11th overall by the New York Islanders in 1975. Instead of joining the Islanders, he chose to sign with the World Hockey Association’s Vancouver Blazers for $1.3 million. He eventually joined the Islanders and also played for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Quebec Nordiques, New York Rangers and Minnesota, dressing in 726 games.
The Rockets, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their championship, are being inducted in the team category. They captured the Memorial Cup under coach Marc Habscheid and general Manager Bruce Hamilton. They won the regular season championship and went undefeated in the Memorial Cup winning four straight. Defenceman Shea Weber was a tournament all-star, goalie Kelly Guard was most valuable player and hometown product Josh Gorges, who was traded by the Montreal Canadiens to the Buffalo Sabres, was winner of the most sportsmanlike award.
Ennos has been part of Amateur Hockey development in British Columbia for many years. He joined BC Amateur Hockey Association (now BC Hockey) as program co-ordinator in 1980. Later in 1989, he succeeded Bob Nicholson as development co-ordinator. He is presently associate director-programs. He was a leader in developing the B.C. Junior Olympic Program and its transition into the Best Ever Program of Excellence. Ennos also played hockey with the UBC Thunderbirds. He has received many awards including the BC Hockey Life Member’s Award for his outstanding contribution to the development and growth of amateur hockey.
Judd said Ennos was instrumental with the rules and regulations now in place.
“He’s very deserving of it,” said Judd, who praised Ennos’ work at the grass roots level of hockey.
During the ceremony held July 25 at the South Okanagan Events Centre, the first Bernie Pascall Award for Officiating will be handed out.
For tickets to the event, contact Judd at brucejudd@shaw.ca or call 250-488-8695.
