Ernie “Punch” McLean, a revered figure in Canadian junior hockey, passed away on May 8 at the age of 93, following a tragic car accident near Dease Lake in British Columbia. The coal miner’s son from Estevan, Saskatchewan, leaves behind a legacy marked by his fiery coaching style and his ability to inspire countless young players to achieve their dreams in the sport.
A Life Well Lived
Punch McLean’s life was anything but ordinary. Known for his spirited approach to coaching, he first made his mark in the junior ranks with the Estevan Bruins before moving on to become a co-owner and head coach of the New Westminster Bruins in what is now the Western Hockey League (WHL). Under his leadership, the Bruins secured four consecutive Presidents Cup titles from 1975 to 1978, along with two Memorial Cup championships in 1977 and 1978, establishing the team as a powerhouse in junior hockey.
In the vibrant atmosphere of Queen’s Park Arena, fans experienced a brand of hockey that was both entertaining and intense. Craig Hodge, a city councillor and former photographer for the local newspaper, remembered the electric energy of game nights: “When you walked toward the arena on a Friday night, you’d hear the rumbling energy coming out of the building,” he recalled. The arena was a venue where emotions ran high, and fights were a regular occurrence, making it a gathering place for passionate hockey enthusiasts.
Controversies and Triumphs
McLean’s coaching career was punctuated by moments of both glory and controversy. One of the more infamous incidents occurred in 1975 when he famously snatched a linesman’s toupee in a fit of rage over a missed offside call. The ensuing hilarity led to a $300 bill from the linesman, who noted, “This was funny at the time.”
Yet, it was not all about the theatrics. McLean mentored many players who would go on to have successful careers in the National Hockey League (NHL), including Dallas Smith and Barry Beck. Beck, who faced early challenges in his life, credited McLean with changing his trajectory. “He asked me what I wanted to be, broke me down into tears, then built me back up again,” Beck reflected. This ability to connect with his players on a personal level was one of McLean’s greatest strengths.
However, his career was not without its dark moments. In 1979, following a violent on-ice brawl involving his players, McLean was suspended and faced criticism from the wider hockey community. The incident led to public outcry and put pressure on the team, forcing McLean to reconsider his approach to coaching. He ultimately stepped down after the Bruins failed to make the playoffs in 1980, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
Legacy of a Hockey Legend
Born on November 3, 1932, in Estevan, McLean’s journey began in a mine shaft where he was born, a fitting metaphor for the toughness he would bring to his coaching career. His early exposure to the game came when he received his first pair of skates at age 12, and by 19, he was already making waves in junior hockey. McLean’s passion for the sport was evident, and he never lost his adventurous spirit, even after surviving a near-fatal plane crash in 1970 that left him with a reconstructed jaw.
Despite his tough exterior and no-nonsense approach, those who knew McLean often spoke of his caring nature. He took pride in not just developing hockey players but also in nurturing them into responsible young men. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame and the WHL’s Governors Award in 2005.
In recent years, McLean was celebrated for his contributions to the community, with plans to erect a statue in his honour. “Punch McLean put New Westminster on the map when it comes to hockey,” commented city councillor Daniel Fontaine.
Why it Matters
Punch McLean’s passing marks the end of an era in Canadian hockey, leaving behind a profound impact on the lives of many players and fans alike. His commitment to the sport and dedication to developing young talent helped shape the future of hockey in Canada. As we reflect on his remarkable life, we are reminded of the power of mentorship and the lasting influence a passionate coach can have on the next generation. McLean’s legacy extends far beyond the ice, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and coaches around the world.
