Ernie (Punch) McLean, a formidable figure in the world of junior hockey and beloved coach of the New Westminster Bruins, has passed away at the age of 93. His life, marked by both triumphs and trials, ended tragically on May 8 when his vehicle veered off the road near Dease Lake in Northern British Columbia. McLean’s legacy, however, continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of hockey fans and players alike.
A Colourful Life and Coaching Career
Born on November 3, 1932, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, McLean was the second of four sons in a coal-mining family. His upbringing was as tough as the sport he loved, with tales of his birth in a mine shaft highlighting his rugged beginnings. Over the years, he would earn a reputation for his tenacity both on and off the ice. After a brief stint playing junior hockey, he transitioned into coaching, starting with the Estevan Bruins in the 1960s and eventually co-owning the team as it moved to New Westminster in 1971.
Under McLean’s stewardship, the Bruins became a formidable force in junior hockey, clinching four consecutive Presidents Cup titles between 1975 and 1978, along with two Memorial Cup championships. His coaching style, characterised by strict discipline and a fierce commitment to his players, attracted fans to Queen’s Park Arena, where the atmosphere was often electric. “When you walked toward the arena on a Friday night, you’d hear the rumbling energy coming out of the building,” recalled Coquitlam city councillor Craig Hodge.
Memorable Moments and Controversies
McLean was known for his fiery temperament, which often led to unforgettable moments on the ice. One such instance in 1975 saw him famously snatch a linesman’s toupee during a heated game, a testament to his passionate nature. Despite the antics, he was respected for his ability to prepare young athletes for successful careers in the National Hockey League, with players like Barry Beck and Dallas Smith flourishing under his guidance.
His career was not without its dark moments, however. A particularly troubling incident in March 1979 led to the suspension of McLean after a brawl involving his players against the Portland Winter Hawks. The violent confrontation resulted in legal repercussions for several players, forcing McLean to confront the changing landscape of hockey and his own place within it. Reflecting on the event, he admitted, “Maybe the game has gone by me. I’m an old horse who’s been at it 25 years.”
A Lasting Legacy
After stepping away from the Bruins in 1980, McLean briefly returned to coaching in the mid-1980s with another iteration of the team but was unable to replicate his previous successes. Despite the ups and downs of his career, McLean was honoured with the WHL’s Governors Award in 2005 and was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame a year later. His impact on the sport was profound, not just in terms of titles won, but in the lives he touched and the characters he shaped.
In a poignant tribute, Barry Beck spoke of McLean’s influence, stating, “He was bigger than life itself… His key to success was how he managed to get the utmost from every player.” McLean had a unique ability to inspire confidence in his players, a trait that many remember fondly.
The Final Years and Community Commemoration
In later years, McLean took to gold prospecting, displaying the same adventurous spirit that defined his life. He was even featured in National Geographic magazine for his pursuits in the wilderness. Just days before his passing, he was celebrated in New Westminster for his contributions to the community, with plans underway to erect a statue in his honour.
McLean leaves behind his sons, Brian and Brent, alongside three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His legacy is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of hockey.
Why it Matters
Punch McLean’s life story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. His journey from a coal miner’s son to a celebrated hockey coach embodies the spirit of determination and resilience. As fans and players remember him, they are reminded of the values of loyalty and hard work he instilled in his teams, making his legacy not only one of sporting success but also of personal growth and community spirit. His death marks the end of an era, but his influence will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those he inspired.
