2007 Dunc Jamieson Award winner

Eight years ago, the BCHHF special awards committee determined that it was about time that a special award should be created that would be presented annually to a person whose contributions to the game of hockey in British Columbia were significant, of lasting impact and, generally, above and beyond the call of duty.

 Since then, the award has taken on a highly prestigious profile, as evidenced by the list of extremely qualified recipients. Those hockey fans in the communities where they lived and served throughout B.C. will undoubtedly recognize the names and recall the contributions to our beloved sport…. Hockey in our province would be much poorer had these gentlemen not made lasting impressions.

 Our 2007 recipient richly deserves to join this elite group. For when it comes to contributions to hockey of lasting impact no other person has given of himself so unselfishly and for such a length of time as Ernie Dougherty.

 Born and raised in Vancouver, Ernie turned pro with the Vancouver Canucks in their inaugural season (1945-46). During his playing career, Dougherty was always quick to lend a hand in team affairs both on and off the ice and eventually joining a prominent group to form the original B.C. Hockey Benevolent Association, forerunner of the Canuck Alumni playing old-timers hockey games and raising funds for charities, these guys were more than “slightly ahead of the times” and is still active as a referee in the charity games.

 Ernie is known for always been there for the guys, quietly devoting his time and energy and never asking anything in return.

 Over the years, he’s really been a hockey legend in Vancouver but never received the recognition he deserves. Behind every successful organization, there are good people, and Ernie’s one of them.

 He began honing his golf game while continuing his very active involvement with the Canuck Old-timers. He still plays a mean defence despite a rapidly approaching his 83^rd birthday.