I never got involved in sport or the community to put myself on any pedestal or take away any limelight from any group, individual or teams) that achieved success or not.

As long as they were playing, having fun and learning that sport never involves race, color, creed or religion, it’s about building a better tomorrow.

This past April I received a call from Vancouver Canadians play by play person Rob Fai indicating that I was to be inducted into their Hall of Fame in the Broadcast side.

The Vancouver Canadians Hall of Fame is for both Broadcasters and Journalists who have contributed to the Vancouver Canadians over the past years.

Over the past years I have had the luxury to work with several great individuals in the broadcast area and while all are extremely important to me in various ways two  stand out, not counting Laird.

It would take me another story to list everyone that has been important to me and I truly don’t want to miss anyone, so please understand.

I have received numerous e-mails,  Facebook posts and calls from both far and wide offering congratulations and I truly appreciate each and every one.

I have worked with Delta TV along with Kevin Adlem, probably since Kevin graduated from High School at NDSS and we have covered numerous sports.

The other individual is Roland Stockli who was a producer at Rogers TV in Surrey where he and others allowed me to not only host, but also produce a weekly sports show called “The Locker Room.”

Both individuals were extremely patient as well as guiding in helping me achieve any goals I set out to find, so to both a special “Thanks” for everything.

Laird and I go back years and he has been with me through thick and thin, both on the ice and off even during the tragedy during a hockey game in Abbotsford.

Laird attended my special night at the “Nat” this past weekend and he took the time to write the following, to which he mentioned “I better post it, or no more photo’s.”

Laird and Jorge Parra covered the induction and to both I appreciate your time and moving forward – it’s going to be fun!!

So below is what he wrote for me and Thanks again for listening to me ramble.

Laird Allan on a special assignment for Sportswave.ca.

Prior to tonight’s ⚾ Vancouver Canadians’ game between the home club and the Boise Hawks, a special ceremony was held.

The Canadians named two 2017 inductees into their Journalism and Broadcaster Hall of Fame.

The Journalism induction was presented to Beverley and Robert Straight posthumously on behalf of their father, the late Mr. Hal Straight.

The Broadcaster induction was presented to Sportswave’s own, Steve Erickson.

Steve started out in the late 60’s as a linesman in the World Hockey Association. When that league was absorbed by the NHL, he moved west to North Delta, BC.

He worked for the Municipality of Delta at the North Delta Arena & the Sungod Recreation Centre and I first met Steve in the BCAHA and PCAHA Referee Programs in the late 1970s.

We soon became friends and colleagues and got to referee together in six (6) different countries around the world.

At this time Steve picked up a notebook? and a mic?️ and started his career in broadcasting and I followed him to document same with my camera?.

Whether it was Delta Cable, Delta TV, Sportswave Productions or Sportswave.ca he has covered the NHL, MLB, NBA, CFL, MLS, NLL, CHL, BCHL, PJHL, MML, ?? Team Canada Hockey, Fastball, Olympic teams, cycling and the numerous amateur sports around the lower mainland.

Whew, I hope I haven’t missed any!!

He loves covering the pros but his passion is for the youth and amateur athletes in their community, our Province and our Country.

Over the past couple of days, I have been thinking of a way to explain Steve’s energy and work ethic.

The Vancouver Canadians’ play by play guy, Rob Fai beat me to it.

Tonight, at Nat Bailey Stadium while Steve was interviewing Rob, Rob stated that Steve, even on his special night had already conducted three interviews.

Steve has taken the next step in the new world and is getting into the live online broadcasts throughout the lower mainland. He never stops!

This is a well-deserved recognition, good on you Steve Erickson.

“Oh, by the way, the Canadians beat the Hawks 3-2.”

… and please remember Steve’s favourite saying:

-“If You Can’t Play Sport – At Least Be One”