Ernie (Punch) McLean, a formidable force in Canadian junior hockey and a beloved figure in the sport, passed away on May 8, following a tragic car accident near Dease Lake, British Columbia. He was 93 years old. Known for his passionate coaching style and unwavering commitment to his players, McLean’s legacy in the hockey world remains indelible, particularly through his tenure with the New Westminster Bruins.
A Coaching Legend
McLean’s coaching career took off in the 1960s, beginning with the Estevan Bruins in Saskatchewan, where he secured a league title in 1968. As a co-owner and head coach of the New Westminster Bruins, he led the team to extraordinary success, clinching four consecutive Presidents Cup titles from 1975 to 1978 and winning the prestigious Memorial Cup in 1977 and 1978. His teams were renowned for their gritty, hard-hitting style, drawing crowds to Queen’s Park Arena and leaving an indelible mark on junior hockey during a vibrant era.
Craig Hodge, a city councillor in Coquitlam, reminisced about the electric atmosphere at the arena on game nights. “You’d hear the rumbling energy coming out of the building,” he recalled, “and on a cold night, you could see the steam rising off the roof.” This unique environment was a hallmark of McLean’s coaching, which drew fans eager for fast-paced, entertaining hockey.
Memorable Moments and Challenges
McLean was not only known for his coaching prowess but also for his fiery temperament. One infamous incident occurred in 1975 when he became so enraged over a missed offside call that he snatched the toupee off a linesman’s head, leading to a humorous yet costly $300 bill. “This was funny at the time,” the linesman noted in a letter to McLean.
However, his career was not without controversy. In March 1979, his team was involved in a notorious brawl against the Portland Winter Hawks, leading to the suspension of several players and a significant dent in McLean’s reputation. Reflecting on this moment, he acknowledged the changing landscape of hockey, stating, “Maybe the game has gone by me. It’s tough to change your thinking.”
A Lasting Impact on Players
Beyond accolades, McLean’s true legacy lies in his ability to mentor young players. He fostered the development of numerous athletes who progressed to the NHL, including notable names such as Dallas Smith and Barry Beck. Beck, who faced personal challenges early in his career, credited McLean with helping him rediscover his passion for the game. “He broke me down into tears, then built me back up again,” Beck remembered. This sentiment was echoed by many former players, who described McLean as a father figure and a source of inspiration.
In 2005, McLean received the WHL Governors Award, and in 2006, he was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame, recognising his profound influence on the sport and his commitment to nurturing talent.
A Life Beyond Hockey
Born in Estevan, Saskatchewan, on November 3, 1932, McLean’s early life was as colourful as his later years. He grew up as the son of coal miners and faced numerous challenges, including a near-fatal plane crash that left him with a reconstructed jaw and a glass eye. Despite these obstacles, he maintained a spirit of adventure, later becoming a gold prospector.
In the days leading up to his death, McLean was honoured in New Westminster as part of an initiative to erect a statue in his memory, a testament to the profound impact he had on the community and the sport. As city councillor Daniel Fontaine remarked, “Punch McLean put New Westminster on the map when it comes to hockey.”
McLean is survived by his sons, Brian and Brent, along with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
Why it Matters
Punch McLean’s contributions to hockey extend beyond his impressive coaching record; he embodied the spirit of mentorship and resilience. In a sport often defined by statistics and accolades, McLean’s true triumph lay in his ability to connect with young players and instil in them the belief they needed to succeed. His influence will continue to resonate in the lives of those he touched, making him a cherished figure in Canadian hockey history.
