Start-Up Banquet
September 30th, 2023 – Foothills Centennial Centre
The WCPHSF Start-Up Banquet (The Roast of Ron MacLean) was an amazing success. Attendees enjoyed a dinner, a live auction, and, of course, the roast. Our “roasters” included:
- Elliot Friedman: Insider, report and Broadcaster for Sportsnet’s national NHL coverage and Hockey Night in Canada. Host of 32 thoughts podcast.
- Dennis Beyak: Former WHL & NHL Sportscaster – the last 11 yrs with the Winnipeg Jets.
- Peter Maher: Retired Calgary Flames Sportscaster – Hockey Hall of Fame Award Winner.
- John Shannon: Sports Emmy Award-winning Broadcaster.
- Tim Hunter: Former NHL player and Coach, Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee (2023)
- Kevin Lowe: Former NHL player, Coach and Executive. Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
Order of Hockey in Canada Recipient (2021), 6-time Stanley Cup Champion
The silent auction included trip packages and NHL memorabilia with autographed sweaters from elite players at both the Junior and NHL levels.
“Thanks again for organizing such a fantastic event. Already looking forward to next year.” – Paul Graham, VP and Executive Producer, Live Events, TSN
“It was such a great two days. A hockey Thanksgiving before Canadian Thanksgiving is how I’d describe the event itself. As I mentioned, these are the folks who clear the runway allowing careers to take off. And honouring their work on the eve of another winter in rinks was a perfect windup to summer. The town of Okotoks is a perfect stage for the Wall of Honour. It’s an oasis, a symbol of a scout’s hope of finding something great hidden away.” – Ron MacLean, Hockey Night in Canada host
“I want to thank the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation for inviting me to be part of their startup banquet and fund-raiser. Being part of the Celebrity Roast of Ron MacLean as a roaster was a true honour. Ron is a Canadian icon and to be among other Canadian media icons along with Kevin Lowe was a thrill for me. You and your fellow scout’s recognition is long overdue and very much needed. Thanks for having me” – Tim Hunter, former NHL player and coach
“The scouts throughout the NHL are the backbone of all 32 hockey operations groups. It was great to see the Western Scouts giving back…and it was great to be part of their inaugural dinner. That Saturday night, and the people in that room, was why we all remain such special friends and our loyalty to the game of hockey grows.” – John Shannon, Sports Emmy Award-winning broadcaster
“A great night for a great cause. Scouts don’t go unappreciated, but certainly go unnoticed. So to have this idea of recognizing scouts become a reality is a job well done. And the night in Okotoks was special. Great stories and lots of laughs. Outstanding beginning for this foundation.” – Dennis Beyak, former WHL GM and retired NHL broadcaster
“A very special thank you to the Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation for having us as their chosen cause for their Foundation start-up dinner on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. $3,400 was raised that will go directly to the work we do on the frontlines on the streets of downtown Calgary during the silent auction. Ensuring our work will continue for the next 12 months. Thank you to everyone last night who came up to discuss with us the important of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the work that we do.” – Kit Richards and Jasmine Stonechild, Bison Clan Bow River