Dean (Vrooman) was back in the friendly confines of Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Tuesday (April 1) night. Sure, he was there to watch the Winterhawks and Prince George Cougars in Game 3 of their first-round WHL playoff series. But the now-retired long-time radio voice of the Winterhawks also was there to be honoured by the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation.

Erin Ginnell, the Foundation’s president, was on hand — he’s a scout with the NHL’s Vegan Golden Knights — to present Vrooman with the Bob Ridley ‘Golden Microphone’ Honourarium.

The presentation took place during a first-period timeout, with Ginnell giving Vrooman a Foundation belt buckle, which is the organization’s award of choice. A specially engraved buckle is presented to all Wall of Honour inductees and award winners. Prior to the presentation, a video was played on the scoreboard that included a clip of Ridley congratulating Vrooman.

The award was struck by the Foundation in honour of Ridley, who called more than 4,000 games involving the Medicine Hat Tigers. The Golden Microphone is to recognize a member of the media or broadcasting profession for their dedicated years of service at the major junior level.

The honourarium also carries with it a cash award that will go to a charity of Vrooman’s choosing.

BTW, to round out Vrooman’s evening, the Winterhawks beat the Cougars, 6-3, to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.