The first ever Ernie “Punch” McLean tournament was played at the Langley Events Centre and concluded having the game go to an extra period to determine the eventual winner.
The tournament consisted of six teams playing a format that saw each team play each other once, prior to advancing to the final.
It took a year in the making and working along side Mark O’Neil of OCM Hockey several meeting were held to get the correct format for the event.
At times we had several meeting with “Punch” to make sure we were headed in the right direction, which included including the “Bruins” logo of yesteryear.
As one can understand, getting anything off the ground floor isn’t an easy task, but sheer perseverance eventually paid off.
Oh sure we had the odd oversight, but simply asking for help or assistance from Family and Friends pay’s dividends.
The teams registered were Richmond Warriors, Euro Elite, Delta Ice Hawks, Snake Bite, Canadians and OCM.
Games were played beginning Monday April 4th and concluded Sunday April 10th, with no games on Saturday April 11th due to a prior ice booking at LEC.
Scouts were on hand from the BCHL, PJHL and a couple from the WHL clubs and all promised to return for the 2017 Tournament.
Prior to the opening face-off for the final a pre-game presentation took place with players of his New West Bruins Team on hand to recognize “Punch” for what he means to the game and their personal career – hockey or business.
In the photo are (left to right) Delta player, Harold Phillipoff, Mark Lofthouse, “Punch”, Brent Hughes and Warrior player.
On hand were Mark Lofthouse, Brent Hughes and Harold Phillipoff and having those in attendance meant something special to “Punch”.
Sunday saw the final game take place between the Delta Ice Hawks and the Richmond Warriors finishing in a 2-2 deadlock after three periods.
The game format for the tournament had a 15 minute first period; 20 minute second and third, with a clean as close to the half way portion of the second as possible, but the final was a regulation three 20 minute period game.
Up next was the O/T period with both teams having numerous chances, but considering the period began with the Warriors being one man down due to a minor penalty, one could sense an early finish.
Such was the case as Delta popped one past a shocked “tender” for the Warriors who gave it their-all from start to finish.
Ernie “Punch” McLean handed out the trophy to Delta and took the time for a photo-op with the players as well.
He (Ernie) went to the dressing rooms of the teams earlier in the week to “chat” with the players telling them what to expect and should they need any help and/or advice he passed out his phone number. How many would do this in today’s age – only “Punch”.
On a rating of 1 to 10 the tournament would be rated 10 considering what it offered to players, fans and parents alike.
Stay tuned for info on the 2017 Ernie “Punch” McLean tournament details in the next short while.
Thanks to Laird Allen (photographer), Annette Lebus (game announcer), Stephanie Lebus (singer) as well as the unsung hero’s of the tournament that were around when needed.
It should be noted that Ernie helped 41 players advance to either the NHL or other leagues, but of the 41 players in the NHL the games played total over 5,400.
Not bad for a coach that the Canucks passed up on!! Ask “Punch” about this – it’s a gem!!!!
