The BC Hockey Hall of Fame welcomes four new inductees for 2007
including, Brett Hull, once of the NHL’s most prolific goal scorers of all
time. Two Former Vancouver Canucks, an executive and defenseman, join a
member of the NHL’s officiating staff as the BCHHF 2007 Inductees.
Dennis Kearns
played ten seasons in the National Hockey League, all
with the Vancouver Canucks. Kearns is the top defenseman on the Canucks
all time list for assists (290), shares the all time lead in total points
for defenseman with 321 points. Dennis played junior in Kingston of the OHA and pro with Portland in the WHL. He was voted to the WHL first
all-star team in 1970. Kearns was claimed by Vancouver In 1971 and enjoyed
a successful NHL career. His mobility and offensive savvy were rewarded by
being selected to play for Canada at the 1977 and 1978 World Hockey
Championships. He was a two-time winner of the Babe Pratt Trophy, awarded
to the Canucks top defenseman.
Brian Burke,
former President and General Manager of the Vancouver
Canucks, is also among the 2007 BC Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees. Burke
first joined the Canucks in 1987 as Vice President and Director of Hockey
Operations. He left the Canucks in 1992 to become General Manager of
Hartford and later was NHL Sr. Vice President and Director of Hockey
Operations for five years before returning to the Canucks as President/GM.
He completed six seasons in that capacity. Burke has supported numerous
charities and The Sporting News named him Executive of the Year. It
recognized his passion for the game, commitment in strengthening the
Canucks financial situation improving the on-ice product and generating
increased fan support. In June 2005, Burke was named General Manager of
the Anaheim Ducks.
Brett Hull
played much of his minor hockey at the North Shore Winter
Club in North Vancouver before playing junior with Penticton of the BCHL.
His final season with Penticton Knights he scored 105 goals and 188 points
in the 1983-84 season. He accepted a scholarship at University of
Minnesota-Duluth and was drafted by the Calgary Flames. Hull played 1269
NHL games and appeared in 9 All Star games. HE was the NHL’s MVP in 1991
and won the Lady Byng in 89-90. He scored 741 NHL goals and 650 assists
over his impressive NHL career with Calgary, St Louis, Dallas, Detroit and
Phoenix. Hull Won Stanley Cups with Dallas (1999) and Detroit (2002)
Bob Hall is presently NHL Officiating Manager. He was born in
Penticton, British Columbia. After playing minor hockey, he started
refereeing in 1973 with Seafair and Richmond Minor Hockey Associations.
His officiating career included assignments in the BCHL, WHL, CHL, AHL,
and the NHL. Hall was a member of the NHL officiating staff from 1979 to
1989. He was referee for the first CHL All-Star Game, officiating AHL
Calder Cup Finals and Stanley Cup Playoffs. He worked closely with the BC
Amateur Hockey Association (BC Hockey) holding referee schools and
instructor clinics.
Voting was conducted by the Selection Committee, comprised of
representatives from the Media, BCHL, WHL, NHL, Hockey Canada and BC
Hockey. Induction ceremonies will be held in Penticton on Friday July 27th.
Further Information:
- Bruce Judd-Executive Director
- BCHHF 250-492-0509
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- Scott Carter-Director
- BCHHF 250-490-0711
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