The second annual Ernie “Punch” McLean hockey tournament kicked off at the Langley Events Center April 2nd with many on hand to get a chance to “chat” with Punch himself.

As usual he was on hand and loves to talk hockey with anyone and everyone and never leaves until the last person has left.

If ever there was a true ambassador to the game it clearly in Ernie whose untold story speaks volumes in the hockey world and not just in the lower mainland.

A couple of years back Mark Oneill and I were looking at advancing one of his events and together we came up with the concept of holding this event, as long as “Punch” was on-side.

He was and we are now in the second season with the Delta Ice Hawks winning the first initial tournament, but unable to compete due to a late round in the play-offs that saw them lose to the Kodiak’s.

Way back when he was one of the original founding fathers of what is now known as the Western Hockey League, then called the Western Canada Junior Hockey League dating back to the early 60ties

The story goes that they were in a meeting and at that time the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) and the WCJHL were in turmoil over a specific ruling, but you have to get the facts from Punch himself.

They left the one meeting and walked across the hall and not only discussed forming another league – they did it to the shock of those in control of the hockey program.

History speaks for itself and Ernie “Punch” eventually ended up in the lower mainland with the New West Bruins and from there the rest is history.

The tournament began last season and plays host to several up and coming young talented players with each team permitted overage players or what some call “half shield” players on the squad.

Ernie attends all the games unless he is called away for work and yes he still works in the mining industry in the northern part of BC.

The event runs all week at the Langley Events Center with two games each evening starting at 6:30 followed by a second game at 8:30 pm.

Catch some great action and stop by for the final this Sunday April 9th at 1 pm and catch up with Ernie “Punch” McLean himself.

Photo is of Laird and the one he has much respect for and our official photographer – Laird Allan.