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Basketball Celebrates 125 Years in 2016

January 1, 2016, 5:31 pm
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2016 marks the 125th Anniversary of the birth basketball. On December 21st 1891, Canadian Dr. James Naismith, created the sport in Springfield, Massachusetts. Today, basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in Canada and around the world. With thriving national and international programs and events, the game is now being played by millions worldwide.

QUICK FACTS 

  1. Canadian, Dr. James Naismith created the sport of Basketball in Springfield, 
  2. Massachusetts USA at the International Young Men’s Christian Association Training School (YMCA).
  3. The first ever basketball game was played on December 21 1891
  4. Basketball was originally played with a soccer ball and peach baskets until 1906.
  5. In 1930, basketball was officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee.
  6. In 1932, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was founded in Geneva.
  7. Canadian amateur teams have been participating in the sport since the turn of the century.
  8. Canada is home to one of the most storied amateur teams in sport’s history, the Edmonton Grads. The grads swept four consecutive Olympic games from 1924 to 1936 on their way to compiling an insurmountable 96.2 winning-percentage over 35 years.
  9. Toronto, ON played host to the first ever NBA game. On November 1st 1946, the Toronto Huskies took on the New York Knickerbockers. 
  10. Basketball is among the fastest growing sports in Canada 
  11. Since 2010, participation has seen a growth of 16% (ahead of hockey & soccer)
  12. Most popular team sport in Canada among youth aged 12- 17
  13. World’s most popular sport for the age group 14-18, across both genders
  14. Canada has the highest representation of international players in the NBA 
  15. In 2015, the Canadian women’s national program had an historic season, winning 3 gold medals. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BASKETBALL!
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Brandon University Alumni Feature on MBHOF Member Janet Lumsden

January 23, 2017, 3:26 pm
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Janet Lumsden was still weighing her options for the future when she made her first-ever trip to Brandon for a high profile sporting event. It turned out to be the catalyst to bring her to BU where she became a legendary scoring sensation with the women's basketball team.

Lumsden came to the Wheat City in 1979 to represent Nova Scotia at the prestigious Canada Winter Games where she helped her provincial team capture a bronze medal.

READ FULL STORY AT GOBOBCATS.CA

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Todd MacCulloch to be Inducted to Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame

February 14, 2017, 2:37 pm
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Canada Basketball has announced that Manitoban Todd MacCulloch will be inducted into the
Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame this spring!  Joining Todd will be long time basketball coach from Quebec Olga Hrycak .


“Both Olga and Todd have made significant contributions to the sport of basketball,” said Michele O’Keefe, President & CEO of Canada Basketball. “Their positive influences on the development of Canadian basketball can be seen through their professional careers as well as their community involvement. It is with great pride that Canada will witness these two dedicated individuals inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame.”

MacCulloch (Winnipeg, MB), currently recognized by the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame (Class of '09) and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, is one of the greatest centers in our country’s history.   Todd is a graduate of Shaftesbury High School where he led the Titans to two consecutive MHSAA provincial championships in 1993 and 1994.  Representing the Canadian National Team 93 times, including the 2000 Olympic team, the seven-footer challenged many all-time records during his time at the University of Washington. In his final two years in Washington, he was an All Pac-10 First-Team selection. He also led all NCAA Division 1 schools in field-goal percentage in his final three years, only the second player ever to accomplish this feat.

He became a household name in 1999 when he was drafted into the NBA by the Philadelphia 76ers. His career also saw him start for the New Jersey Nets.  He played four seasons in the NBA, with the 76ers and New Jersey Nets.

"I was humbled and honoured when I heard the incredible news that I was going to be inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame,” said MacCulloch. “My ultimate goal as a high school basketball player in Manitoba was merely to make Canada's National Team and compete in the Olympics.  To now be getting inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame is an unbelievable, incredible honour and one that I am immensely proud of.”

MacCulloch’s NBA career was cut short in 2003 after being diagnosed with a medical condition that affected his ability to play basketball professionally. Through this adversity, he continued to dedicate his vast knowledge and passion for the game by starting the Todd MacCulloch Hoop School Program - an initiative designed to teach basic basketball skills to inner city youth.

A short documentary was produced on Todd in 2014 and can be seen HERE or below.

Todd joins four other Manitoba players who have received this individual recognition.  The other three are Martin Riley, Fred Ingaldson and Carl Ridd.

Both of this year's inductees will be honoured at The Sport Gallery in Toronto during a ceremony on May 18, 2017.

Todd (#11) at the 2000 Sydney Olympics with Team Canada

WATCH: TODD'S INDUCTION INTO THE MANITOBA SPORT HALL OF FAME IN 2014



WATCH: TODD MACCULLOCH DOCUMENTARY - BIG MAN FROM MANITOBA

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Where Are they Now? Les Kaehler

March 3, 2017, 7:27 am
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CATCHING UP - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

We are starting a new feature where we try to catch up with some of our past honoured members. We begin with someone who, if you were around in the 1960's, you will remember as one of the best to ever play in Manitoba.


Les Kaehler - Inducted as a player in 1996.

Les or “Lefty” Kaehler as he was called then, was an outstanding player for St. Andrews in the Winnipeg Senior Men’s league, 1964-68, an era when senior men’s basketball was extremely competitive. After playing varsity basketball in high school in Chicago he joined a Catholic congregation of religious men – The Marianists who were his teachers and coaches. That meant giving up playing serious, organized sports and he just played sports for fun with friends and students when he was coaching.

When he was asked to serve in Winnipeg (1964-68), someone invited him to work-out with the Andies basketball team. He did it gladly just to play some organized basketball again. Slowly it evolved into playing full-time. The first year he was asked to play in games against a strong team, he said that he just wanted to play good defense and work within the team. But soon he realized that he could also help the team by scoring points. With St. Andrews, he set seven Greater Senior “A” Men’s records – most points in a league game – 45 ; most field goals made in one game – 30 ; most FG made in a play-off game – 18 ; most free throws attempted in a season – 133 ; most FT made in a game – 16 and most FTA in a game – 21.

He came to Winnipeg to teach and coached at Provencher High School (now Louis Riel Collegiate). After leaving Winnipeg, he was assigned to other locations around the world - Victoria, Texas (2 years); St. Louis, Missouri (10); Lima, Peru (10); Santiago, Chile (11), Ranchi, Jharkhand India (4); San Antonio, Texas (6); Rome, Italy – The Vatican (5). He did not play organized basketball on any team after leaving Winnipeg as there was no such opportunity except to play among friends or with students he coached on school teams.

He describes his Winnipeg experience as an unexpected gift, coming to know great men like George Fontaine, Jim Bulloch, Glen Torgerson, Cliff Stark and Dave Mills, among others.

“Good coaching and the players made the experience an unforgettable joy. It was a privilege to live in Canada for four years and make good friends there, players, coaches, and the students at Provencher Collegiate where I taught and coached. Their goodness remains with me”.

When asked if there was anything else he would like to add, he said that even though his time in Winnipeg is a half-century ago, he doesn’t feel old yet.

Les is celebrating 60 years of vows in the Society of Mary (Marianists) and says that next year should be his last year in Italy. After that he should be returning to the USA where he will be closer to his family, but he still wants to continue to do something worthwhile for others....so, he says, “we'll see what develops.”

All of Les’ friends at the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame wish him good health and happiness and congratulate him on his 60 years of commitment to his faith. It is great that we have kept in contact and we hope to continue to do so.



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Where Are They Now? Eric Bridgeland

March 4, 2017, 7:00 am
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Eric Bridgeland - Head Men's Basketball Coach Whitman College Blues

Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame inductee in 2007 and, once prolific scorer and All-Canadian for the University of Manitoba Bisons, Eric Bridgeland, is now the head coach of the only undefeated men's team in the NCAA. Bridgeland is leading the Whitman College Blues of Walla Walla, Washington, into the NCAA Division 3 national championship tournament with a record of 27 - 0.

When Gonzaga University lost a game last week, that left Whitman as the only undefeated team in men's college basketball in the United States.

After leaving Manitoba, Bridgeland has had a very successful coaching career with stops in a number of Division 1, 2, and 3 schools as an assistant and a head coach. Since being hired in 2008, he has established Whitman as one of the top D3 programs in the country.

In addition, Bridgeland has now led two separate programs to the NCAA Sweet 16.  He credits this miraculous turnaround of the Whitman College program to focusing on building elite, relationship-based cultures, while emphasizing excellence in both the classroom and on the court.

The success of Bridgeland-led programs after two recruiting classes at both the University of Puget Sound (3 seasons) and Whitman (6 seasons) is staggering:

  • Overall Record: 185 wins, 57 losses (77%)
  • NWC Record: 117 wins, 27 losses (81%)
  • 3 NWC Titles, 5 Runner Up Finishes
  • 4 NCAA ‘Sweet 16’ Appearances
  • 1 NCAA ‘Elite 8’ Appearance

On behalf of all of his friends at Basketball Manitoba and the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame, we wish Eric and his team all the best in the NCAA national tournament!

Read more about the Whitman College Blues at  http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2017/03/02/meet-the-only-unbeaten-mens-team-in-college-basketball-whitman-college/98656274/

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New Basketball Specialty Licence Plate Launched in Manitoba; Available March 20

March 14, 2017, 11:53 am
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The province’s newest specialty licence plate has a distinctive sporting theme with today’s unveiling of the new Basketball Manitoba plate, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

“From medaling at national provincial tournaments to winning university championships, Manitoba’s basketball success runs deep,” said Pallister.  “Basketball is a sport that encourages teamwork, inclusion and sportsmanship – values our government is committed to reflecting in everything we do.”


http://www.basketballmanitoba.ca/2017/03/basketball-licence-plate-silent-auction.html

Basketball Licence Plate Silent Auction Announced - Bidding Closes March 31 CLICK HERE to Bid!



Manitobans wanting to show their support for the sport of basketball in Manitoba are encouraged to purchase a set of these specialty licence plates by completing an application at any of the province’s Autopac outlets. 

The new plates, which are administered by Manitoba Public Insurance, will be available for purchase starting on Monday, March 20.  The cost of each set of plates will be $70, with $30 from every plate purchase going toward the Basketball for Life Fund. 


WATCH THE FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT MADE TODAY WITH PREMIER BRIAN PALLISTER AND MINISTER RON SCHULER ON MARCH 14, 2017


This program provides much-needed support to basketball programming for inner-city children and supports young people in pursuing the sport of basketball at the provincial, national and international levels, the premier noted.  Costs involved in the program include competition and training costs, travel and accommodations, equipment and insurance costs. 

Premier Brian Pallister (left) and Minister Ron Schuler (right) along with Manitoba Provincial Team Members Wyatt Tait and Shemenu Dayassa officially unveil the basketball specialty licence plate

“Basketball Manitoba is honored to have this specialty licence plate that will support our programming initiatives, while at the same time showing Manitobans’ love and passion for the sport on their vehicles the basketball community,” said Adam Wedlake, executive director, Basketball Manitoba. “Basketball in our province and country continues to grow at a fast pace and the more resources we can provide to the children of Manitoba to get and stay involved in an active, healthy and positive environment, the better our communities will be.  The basketball community has shown a great interest in supporting this initiative and we are excited to see the first plates hit the street very soon.”

More information about the Basketball for Life Fund can be found at www.basketballforlife.ca.

Learn more about the basketball specialty licence plate on the Manitoba Public Insurance website. 


Source: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=41070&posted=2017-03-14



  







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WATCH LIVE: 2017 Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees Announced April 25

April 10, 2017, 7:51 am
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WATCH LIVE ONLINE APRIL 25 AT 11:45 AM: The Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum will be hosting a media conference to announce their 2017 honored inductees on Tuesday, April  25th, 2017 at 11:45 am at the Manitoba Basketball Hall Fame and Museum located on the 2nd floor of the Duckworth Centre, University of Winnipeg, 400 Spence Street. A lunch will be served.

The news conference will be live streamed on the Basketball Manitoba YouTube page.  Be sure to refresh the YouTube page at 11:45 AM to see the live feed come through.









The event will also see the official opening of the new Posters and Programs display showcasing over 30 such items reprinted and enlarged from the museum's extensive collection.

 The Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame proudly displays the names of the past inductees and various display cases featuring exhibits reflecting the glorious history of basketball in Manitoba. Manitoba is still the only province in Canada with a permanent space devoted to a basketball hall of fame.

 The official induction dinner is scheduled for Saturday, September 30th at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. Tickets will be available shortly.

 For more information please contact:

 Ross Wedlake, Chairperson, Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame & Museum
(204) 668-9494
rosswedlake@gmail.com

 More information on the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame & Museum can be found at http://www.mbhof.com



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Cook, Steele, Alvestad, Hill, Marquardson, Ruff, Vincent Massey & Team Toba Inducted into MBHOF as Class of '17

April 25, 2017, 1:00 pm
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Pictured left to right is Betty Butler (representing builder Dennis Alvestad), Doug McGregor  (19U Provincial Team coach), builder Wayne Ruff, Dave McNabb (Vincent Massey coach), Marg Cox (Kirstein) (Vincent Massey coach), Larisa Ens (Waschuk) (19U Provincial Team), Arlyn Adam (Filewich) (Vincent Massey) and builder Larry Marquardson  

The Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its Class of 2017. Congratulations to our newest inductees. The official induction will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.

WATCH MEDIA CONFERENCE OF ANNOUNCEMENT




READ STORY IN WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

PLAYERS :
  • John Cook– a native of British Columbia who played at UBC before coming to Winnipeg and playing for St. Andrews Dunlops Sr. Men’s team 1964-67 ; two-time league scoring champion and three-time all-star ; scored 49 points in one game ; member of the Canadian National team for the Pan American Games held in Winnipeg in 1967  
  • Deb Steele-Kretschmer– University of Winnipeg Wesmen 1977-80 ; CIAU/CIS All-Canadian in 1980 ; two-time GPAC All-Star ; set Wesmen records for scoring and rebounding ; member of the Canadian National team, 1976-80 ; won a bronze medal in the World Championships in South Korea in 1979 

BUILDERS :
  • Dennis Alvestad– head coach Dakota Lancers Varsity Girls 1975-1986 ; coached 4 ‘AAAA’ MHSAA Provincial Championship teams ; officiated basketball ; regular clinician providing leadership for younger coaches ; coach / supervisor for elementary school Bee Ball program ; died in 2013 and will be inducted posthumously
  • Michael Hill– co-coach for 23 years at Vincent Massey (Brandon) where they won three ‘AAAA’ provincial championships ; 12 years at Neelin High School and 6 provincial championships ; assistant coach Brandon University Bobcats. Manitoba Bisons women’s teams ; five-time provincial coach-of-the-year ; Mike Spack award winner
  • Larry Marquardson– coached for over 35 years at Sargent Park Jr. High School, Sisler and Earl Grey ; initiated a developmental league for those unable to make school teams ; founding member of the Winnipeg Invitational Tournament (WIT) ; 2012 recipient of the Mike Spack Award ; won over 20 Winnipeg junior and senior girls’ championships ; two-time provincial coach-of-the-year 
  • Wayne Ruff– coached at Elmwood, Glenlawn, John Taylor, Varennes, Minnetonka, George McDowell, University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg ; coached two MHSAA ‘AAAA’ provincial championship teams at Glenlawn ; founding member of the John Taylor Piper Classic and the Golden Boy / Wesmen Classic ; as an administrator led in the development of strong school programs with qualified teacher-coaches   

TEAMS :
  • Team Manitoba 19U Women's Provincial Team– 1991 National Champions 
  • Vincent Massey (Winnipeg) Trojans Varsity Girls– MHSAA Provincial ‘AAAA’ Champions 1982-83, 1986-87 and 1987-88
The event will also saw the official opening of the new Posters and Programs display showcasing over 30 such items reprinted and enlarged from the museum's extensive collection along with the addition of plate BK0001 added to the Hall of Fame collection as part of the new basketball licence plates that are now available to the public in Manitoba.

More information is available from Ross Wedlake, Chair, at (204) 668-9494 or rosswedlake@gmail.com.

For more information on the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum, please go to http://www.mbhof.com






















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Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame Adds new Posters and Programs Display to Museum

May 5, 2017, 7:00 am
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The Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame & Museum currently has a new feature on display at its museum located inside the University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre.  Digital copies and a description of each can also be found below.



A poster promoting the game on November 6, 1948 between the Winnipeg Paulins and the world-famous Harlem Globe Trotters at the Winnipeg Auditorium (now the Manitoba Archives Bldg.) on St. Mary Avenue behind the Hudson Bay retail store. The Trotters won the game 82-80. Doug Gresham led the Paulin’s with 22 points before a crowd of 3500 people.
The program from the 1966 Provincial High School Championships played at Tec Voc High School. Note that the organization sponsoring the championships was then called the Manitoba Secondary Schools Athletic Association which became the MHSAA (Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association) of today. The 1966 champions were Daniel McIntyre (boys) and Glenlawn (girls).
The program from 1970 with the University of Manitoba Bisons and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. This was one of the many programs developed by legendary Bison manager / promoter, John Brown. The programs contained coupons from many of the restaurants on Pembina Hwy. and was one of the reasons for the sell-out crowds of over 2000 at Bison home games in the late 1960's and early 1970's.

A poster promoting the first outdoor 3-on-3 “StreetBall” tournament played at Grant Park Shopping Centre in July of 1995. Other 3-on-3 events have been played in Winnipeg at Red River Exhibition Park, The Forks, Garden City Shopping Centre and the University of Manitoba under other names – Hoop-It-Up and NBA 3-on-3.




The program from the 1983-84 Brandon University Bobcats. The Bobcat teams were led by future Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, John Carson and Janet Lumsden. The Bobcat men won four CIAU/CIS National Championships in the 1980s and 90s.

The program from 1998-99 season of the Winnipeg Cyclone. The Cyclone was a member of the International Basketball Association,  IBA), a pro league which had teams from Billings, Des Moines, Minot, Bismarck, Fargo, Mansfield (Ohio), Rapid City, Rochester and Neehah (Wisc.) and operated 1995-2001. The Winnipeg team, owned by Earl Barish, was coached by NBA legend, Darryl Dawkins and played all home games at the Winnipeg Convention Centre (known then as the “Wind Tunnel”).

A poster promoting the “End of an Era” with the final games being played at the old University of Manitoba East Gym on February 21, 1998. The original Student Union / Bison East building was built in 1942 as a double hanger for the Commonwealth Training Program. It was purchased from the War Assets Corporation in 1948 and moved from Neepawa to the U. of M. Campus. The first home game was played in February, 1950 against Morehead State Teachers’ College.

The program from 1994, the 35th Fort Garry Invitational Tournament (FGIT), played at Vincent Massey High School, which began in 1960 and was the first major high school tournament in Winnipeg. When a Varsity Girls section was added in 1985, it was co-hosted by Fort Richmond Collegiate. The last FGIT was played in 1999.

A poster promoting an exhibition game and dance between Winnipeg Paulin's and the Sioux City Iowa, “Negro Ghosts” on November 27, 1948 at the old Winnipeg Auditorium (now the Manitoba Archives Bldg. on St. Mary and Memorial). The Winnipeg team won the game 83-36. NOTE : The Iowa team nickname, now considered offensive, is a sign of the times and is reproduced here only as an historical record to reflect and record how our standards of language have changed over the years.

The programs from the first Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame induction dinner, April 23, 1983 and the 30th anniversary dinner in 2013. The original group of inductees included 7 players, 8 builders and 4 teams. Our Hall of Fame was opened in 2001 at its original site at the University of Winnipeg before being re-located there in 2015. Manitoba is the only province in Canada to have a permanent site for a basketball hall of fame.

The program from the 1991 National Junior Championships played at the University of Winnipeg and Tec Voc High School. The Team Manitoba Women won the gold medal and were coached by Brian Kornberger and the Men by Joe DiCurzio. The tournament featured future Hall-of-Famers Terri-Lee Johannesson, Sandra Carroll and Norm Froemel.
The February, 1983 edition of “Hoop Scoop”, a publication of Basketball Manitoba and the Manitoba Basketball Coaches' Association. The cover was promoting the Canadian Senior Men's and women's Championships co-hosted by the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg. The magazine was published for many years and featured articles on all university and high school leagues along with other items of interest to our Manitoba basketball community.



The program from the Canadian Junior Basketball Championships played at the University of Manitoba, March, 1976. Manitoba was represented by the U. of M. Junior Bisons and along with teams from Vancouver, Newfoundland and Windsor. Manitoba won seven National Junior Championships (Stellars in 1950 and 1951, Winnipeg Light Infantry/WLI in 1952 and 1953 and the Jr. Bisons in 1971, 1972 and 1973) in an era when junior basketball was very competitive.

The program from the 1991 National Junior Championships played at the University of Winnipeg and Tec Voc High School. The Team Manitoba Women won the gold medal and were coached by Brian Kornberger and the Men by Joe DiCurzio. The tournament featured future Hall-of-Famers Terri-Lee Johannesson, Sandra Carroll and Norm Froemel.

The program from the Winnipeg Senior Basketball League (circa 1947) with St. Andrews, Rods, Chix and Paulins. Note the prizes offered for a draw - free chicken dinner and a pair of nylon hose.
The program from the 1977 Canadian Senior Men's Championships played at Riddell Hall, University of Winnipeg. Manitoba was represented by the St. Andrew’s Super Saints and Nicolett Inn. Those two teams won six (6) Senior Men’s National championships in the 1970s and early 1980s and featured many future Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame inductees and Canadian National Team members.



The program from the first Naismith Cup NBA exhibition game between the Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies on October 21, 1995 at the old Winnipeg Arena. The cup symbolized supremacy between the two NBA Canadian teams. The Grizzlies re-located to Memphis in 2001.

A 1937-38 National Basketball Committee rulebook as was used at that time in all of North America, including Canada. Note the price of 25 cents. Canada adopted International or FIBA rules in 2007 as part of Canada Basketball’s “Be One” initiative. 

The program from the NBA exhibition game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the old Winnipeg Arena on October 24, 1991. The game featured future Naismith Hall-of-Famer, Dominique Wilkins, shown on the cover
The program from an exhibition game in 1948 played between our Winnipeg Paulins and the NBA Minneapolis Lakers (eventually re-located to Los Angeles). The game featured NBA legend and Naismith Hall-of-Famer George Mikan and Coach Johnny Kundla. The final score was 95-75 for the Lakers with Mikan leading the way with 22 points.



The program from the NBA exhibition game played in Winnipeg at the old Winnipeg Arena in 1957 between the Minneapolis Lakers (now the Los Angeles Lakers) and the Fort Wayne Pistons (now the Detroit Pistons).

The program from the Western Canada Senior Men's finals between Winnipeg St. Andrews and the Victoria Dominoes played in 1946 at the Winnipeg Auditorium (now the Manitoba Archives building). The St. Andrews basketball club was in existence from 1931 to 1985, won three national senior men’s championships and had many Hall-of-Famers on their rosters over the years.

The program from the Greater Winnipeg Senior Men's League, 1960-61. The league had four teams, Labatt's (which was composed on many Winnipeg Blue Bombers including Bud Grant and Kenny Ploen), Carling's (with Fred Ingaldson, Grant Alfonso and Dick Bevan), CKRC and St. Andrew's (with Glen Torgerson). All games were played at the old Winnipeg Auditorium on St. Mary and Memorial (now the Manitoba Archives Bldg.). The Red Cross Trophy, emblematic of the Senior League Champions, was first presented in 1922-23.


The program from the Canadian Junior Basketball Championships played at the University of Manitoba, March, 1976. Manitoba was represented by the U. of M. Junior Bisons and along with teams from Vancouver, Newfoundland and Windsor. Manitoba won seven National Junior Championships (Stellars in 1950 and 1951, Winnipeg Light Infantry/WLI in 1952 and 1953 and the Jr. Bisons in 1971, 1972 and 1973) in an era when junior basketball was very competitive.

The program from the 1969-70 Golden Boy Classic (now called the Wesmen Classic). The university section was won by the host Wesmen while the high school section was won by the Dakota Lancers. The invitational tournament was played in the old Riddell Hall, home of the Wesmen before the Duckworth Centre which was opened in 1984. 

The program from the 49th Annual Wesmen Classic played in 2015. The cover features a reproduction of all past program covers. The Wesmen Classic (originally called the Golden Boy Tournament) began in 1967 and has been played at four venues, Riddell Hall, the old Winnipeg Arena, the Winnipeg Convention Centre and the Duckworth Centre.

The program from the Western Canada Senior Men's finals between Winnipeg St. Andrews and the Victoria Dominoes played in 1946 at the Winnipeg Auditorium (now the Manitoba Archives building). The St. Andrews basketball club was in existence from 1931 to 1985, won three national senior men’s championships and had many Hall-of-Famers on their rosters over the years.

The program from the first Winnipeg Invitational Tournament (WIT) played in 1976 at Tec Voc High School. The tournament became one of the top in Canada attracting teams from many other provinces and the United States. The first edition of the tournament was won by the Fargo North Spartans (North Dakota).

The program from the CIS Women's Basketball National Championships hosted by the University of Winnipeg in March of 2005. The championship was won by Simon Fraser. The Wesmen Women were led by Nan Copp CIAU/CIS Player of the Year winner, JoAnne Wells.

The program from an exhibition game in 1948 played between our Winnipeg Paulins and the NBA Minneapolis Lakers (eventually re-located to Los Angeles). The game featured NBA legend and Naismith Hall-of-Famer George Mikan and Coach Johnny Kundla. The final score was 95-75 for the Lakers with Mikan leading the way with 22 points.

The program from the 1992 Winnipeg Thunder season. The Thunder was a member of the World Basketball League (WBL) which included teams from Calgary, Dayton, Erie, Boca Raton, Halifax, Jacksonville, Saskatoon and Youngstown. The Thunder had Tom Nissalke as head coach and Vic Pruden as an assistant and Hall-of-Famers Joey Vickery, Terry Garrow, Eric Bridgeland and Dan Becker on their roster.  All games were played at the old Winnipeg Arena. The WBL existed for two years, 1992-94.

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Basketball Hall of Famer Joe Ogoms to be Honoured by Daniel McIntrye Collegiate

May 16, 2017, 9:27 am
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On May 18, Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute is honouring two former students for outstanding achievements in arts and sports at its second AACE Awards dinner.  Among them is Joe Ogoms (MBHOF Class of '03) will receive the AACE Award for Athletic Achievement in honour of his long and successful basketball career, while Christian Miranda is receiving the AACE Youth Award for his artistic achievements, which have been recognized nationally and internationally.

READ FULL STORY BY ALANA TRACHENKO IN CANSTAR COMMUNITY NEWS


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Canada Basketball Inducts Todd MacCulloch into Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame

May 19, 2017, 5:27 pm
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Todd with former 2000 Olympic Team members John Lee (manager),
coach Jay Triano and players Greg Francis and Mike Meeks

TORONTO, ON (May 19, 2017)- Joined by friends and family in the basketball community, Manitoba's Todd MacCulloch along with Olga Hrycak were honoured at The Sport Gallery in Toronto's Distillery. Thursday night's event was emceed by CTV's Marci Ien.

Todd with Olga Hrycak
"It is my pleasure to welcome Olga and Todd as we celebrate their contributions to Canadian basketball as a builder and player of the game," said Michele O'Keefe, President and CEO of Canada Basketball.

MacCulloch and Hrycak have made significant contributions to the sport of basketball through their professional careers and community involvement.

"I had hall of fame teammates and coaches," said Todd MacCulloch. "I have a hall of fame wife and family and without them I would not be here. I am proud to be Canadian and I'm thankful for this award."

"I have coached for 48 years and still love it," said Olga Hrycak. "I am grateful for the players, coaches and teams I've worked with and this award is the biggest honour of my entire career."

The event was sponsored by Bell and inductee gifts were provided by Tissot.

WATCH TODD'S SPEECH AT INDUCTION CEREMONY 



Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame 
Since 1978, The Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame has honoured and celebrated those who have contributed to the development and enhancement of basketball both in Canada and internationally. Each year, any person is eligible for election as an Honoured Member of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame who has achieved an outstanding record of excellence in the following categories: athletes, teams, coaches, officials and builders. 

Source: http://www.basketball.ca/en/news-article/canada-basketball-inducts-olga-hrycak-and-todd-macculloch-into-t
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In Memory of Russ Roney: 1930-2017

June 5, 2017, 7:08 am
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It is with great sadness that the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Basketball Manitoba share the news of the passing of Hall of Fame member (Class of '13) Russ Roney on June 1, 2017.  Russ was a basketball legend in the Westman region. His years of involvement as a player, coach, administrator, volunteer, and official began in 1955 when he coached the Brandon Y Queens.

His real mark was in the area of officiating, as he spent 43 years (1946-89) as a basketball referee in southwestern Manitoba. In 1968, he founded the Westman Basketball Officials Association and was a member of the International Association of Basketball Officials (IABO) for 22 years.

In addition to this, he acted as the Westman officials assignor and head clinician from 1968 to 1989. He officiated at many of the biggest CIAU/CIS and high school games in and around Brandon for many years.

In 1984 he was presented with the prestigious J.A. 'Wink' Willox Award of Merit for this longtime contribution to basketball officiating in Canada. In 1996 he was recognized by the Manitoba High School Athletics Association (MHSAA) with a Certificate of Recognition for his contributions to high school sport.

Russ has also been very active in the Mike Spack Youth League in Brandon, the Brandon YMCA, and the Royal Canadian Legion.  Russ was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame as a Builder in 2013.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday June 6 at 1:30 pm at Knox United Church, 451-18th Street in Brandon, MB.

Our thoughts are with the Roney family.

READ OBITUARY

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New 'Half a Century of Canada Games' Exhibit Opens at Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame

June 6, 2017, 7:40 am
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The 50 Years of Canada Games Exhibit 1967-2017,  is presented by MLT Aikins and it will take you on a journey through time as you explore significant photos and artifacts from every province and territory in the nation. Highlights include medals, artifacts, uniforms and more from the first Games in 1967 all the way to the most recent Games in 2015.
  • Including Montreal Canadiens’ legend Bob Gainey’s 1971 Games jersey from Team Ontario
  • 1976 Olympic medalist Nancy Garapick’s swim suit and medals; Garapick competed for Team Nova Scotia in the 1973 Canada Games
  • Paul Kariya’s 1996 Team Canada jersey; Kariya competed for Team BC in the 1991 Canada Games…
  • 3-time Olympic sprinter Bruny Surin’s track suit; Surin competed for Team Quebec at the 1985 Canada Games

Desiree Scott, Todd MacCulloch, Corey Koskie, Toller Cranston and so much more, all Canada Games’ alumni and on all on exhibit at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame!

View the exhibit now at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, located in the Sport Manitoba Sport for Life Centre at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg's Exchange District.

Source: http://www.sportmanitoba.ca/hall-of-fame/feature-exhibit

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2017 Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Dinner Tickets Available for Sept 30 Event

June 9, 2017, 7:30 am
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The Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame has announced that tickets for its upcoming 2017 Induction Dinner are now available for sale.  The 16th Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2017.

That evening will see the induction of two players (John Cook and Deb Steele-Kretschmer), four builders (Dennis Alvestad, Michael Hill, Larry Marquardson and Wayne Ruff), and two groups of teams (1991 Team Manitoba 19U Women's Provincial Team, Vincent Massey (Winnipeg) Trojans Varsity Girls 1982-83, 1986-87 and 1987-88).

VIEW FULL ANNOUNCEMENT.

Arrangements are well underway to make this another very special evening, not only for those being inducted, but for all Hall of Fame members, and the basketball community, in general. The details are as follows :
  • The induction dinner will be held at the Victoria Inn, 1808 Wellington Avenue, Saturday, September 30 with the bar opening at 5:30 pm and dinner being served at about 7:00 pm ; the induction ceremonies will follow at about 8:00 pm.
  • Tickets are $80.00 each; reserved tables of eight (8) are $600.00 each; tables will be designated and reserved for groups so you can sit with those you know
  • You can purchase tickets by completing the below form or from Basketball Manitoba at 145 Pacific Avenue, phone 204-925-5775 or from Ross Wedlake at 204-668-9494 or e-mail at rosswedlake@gmail.com 
  • A Silent Auction will be part of the evening.  
  • An informal wine and cheese gathering for all of our newest inductees and all other members and friends will take place on that Saturday afternoon at 1:00 - 2:30 pm at the Hall of Fame and Museum (University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre – 2nd floor)

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MUSEUM RECEPTION - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30 AT 12:30 - 2:30 PM




INDUCTION DINNER LOCATION - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30 AT 6:00 PM



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Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame 2016-17 Year in Review

June 14, 2017, 9:48 am
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This was another eventful year for the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum (MBHOFM). The continued development of our site in the Duckworth Centre at the University of Winnipeg has been a huge success. Manitoba is still the only province in Canada that has a permanent site for a basketball hall of fame. The following were the highlights :

  • from April 1, 2016 to April 29, 2017, we recorded 18,402 visitors ; this number continues to increase each year
  • the continued inventory of our holdings labeling and recording more photographs
  • the development and display of 32 posters and programs representing basketball in our province from 1946 to 2010
  • the organization of all printed materials and photographs in our collection with the use of labeled  hanging folders and vertical magazine racks
  • we continued to get great support in our on-going fundraising campaign with donations from our honoured members and friends through the National Sports Trust Fund (NSTF)
  • we continued as a Level 1 Museum by the Community Museum Grants Program which results in financial support of $1350.00


Our MBHOFM is open every day during the year with the exception of statutory holidays. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. The members of our organizing committee are : Ross Wedlake (Chair), Janet McMahon (Treasurer), Vic Pruden (Past Chair), Jerry Ilchyna, Wes Crymble, Gerry Ilchyna, Morris Glimcher, Jerry Hemmings, Irv Hanec, Carol Ploen-Hosegood, Ken Opalko and Adam Wedlake (Recording Secretary - Ex-Officio).

For 2017 the following are planned  :

  • our 16th Induction Dinner on September 30, 2017 where our newest inductees will be honoured John Cook and Deb Steele-Kretschmer (players), Dennis Alvestad, Mike Hill, Larry Marquardson and Wayne Ruff (builders) and the 1991 Team Manitoba 19U Women's Provincial Team and the 1983, 1987 and 1988 Vincent Massey Trojans Varsity Girls (teams)
  • the development of a financial plan to replace the five display cabinets which are original dating back to 2001
  • to continue the video interviews of all honoured members

In conclusion, we need to mention the tremendous continuing support we get from the University of Winnipeg. Our Hall of Fame and Museum would not exist without this support and the support of our extended basketball community through Basketball Manitoba.

Respectfully submitted by
Ross Wedlake, Chair, MBHOFM

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WMBA Founder Mike Ruta Honoured by Governor General with Meritorious Service Medal

June 22, 2017, 7:15 am
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The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will present the Meritorious Service Decorations (Civil Division) to 49 recipients from various sectors across the country on Friday, June 23, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., during a ceremony at Rideau Hall. Included with this year's honourees is WMBA Founder Mike Ruta of Winnipeg.  Mike is part of the presentation of 13 Meritorious Service Crosses and 36 Meritorious Service Medals.

Image result for mike ruta wmba
Mike Ruta, 3rd from left, pictured with the Class of '11
The Meritorious Service Decorations were established to recognize the extraordinary people who make Canada proud. Their acts are often innovative, set an example or model for others to follow, or respond to a particular challenge faced by a community. The best candidates are those who inspire others through their motivation to find solutions to specific and pressing needs or provide an important service to their community or country.

Considered the “Father of the WMBA”, Mike led in the formation of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association and became the league’s first president. His vision was to provide a structured basketball league for Winnipeg area youth, outside the school system, and open for all to participate. The league tipped off on November 29, 1997 with 40 teams, based out of 12 community centers. In its second season, it had grown to 97 teams out of 25 centers and added its first Spring League in April, 1998. The Spring League of 2008 saw a record high of 310 teams. With its Fair Play Policy, it has given many more young people an opportunity to play basketball and now includes a Rising Stars Elite division, Steve Nash Youth Basketball, a Senior Spring League, and a section of the Wesmen Classic. Furthermore, the WMBA Foundation has built outdoor basketball courts, awards scholarships to graduating players, and provides subsidies for players and community clubs in need. Mike was also named the Sport Manitoba Volunteer of the Year in 1997.
Image result for wmba basketballmanitoba.ca
In recognition of his contributions to the sport of basketball in Manitoba, Mike was inducted into the Manitoba Basketball of Fame as a Builder in 2011.

See the full list of Governor General honourees at...

http://news.morningstar.com/all/canada-news-wire/20170621C5821/media-advisory-governor-general-to-present-49-meritorious-service-decorations-civil-division.aspx



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Basketball's Sandra Carroll and Coleen Dufresne to be Inducted into Manitoba Sport Hall of Fame

June 28, 2017, 11:02 am
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Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame members Sandra Carroll (Class of '07) and Coleen Dufresne (Class of '15) have been announced as Class of '17 inductees into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.  


A graduate of John Taylor Collegiate, Sandra played her university basketball at the University of Winnipeg. A prolific scorer and skillful play maker,Sandra was instrumental in the Wesmen winning 3 consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championships. Sandra was a 4-time CIS All-Canadian in 1992, ’93, ’94, and ’95 and a 3-time CIS Player of the Year in 1993, ’94, and ’95. In 1994 and 1995, she was the CIS championship MVP.

Since graduating, Sandra has been playing professional basketball in Germany, where she is consistently a top scorer in the league. At the end of the 2007 season, she was the leading scorer in the German 1st Bundesliga.


Coleen Dufresne came to Manitoba after a successful career as a player at the University of Ottawa and with Canada’s National Team. After coaching the University of New Brunswick, she accepted the head coaching position with the University of Manitoba Bisons Women’s team in 1984, a position she held for 17 years. In those years, she established the Bison women’s program as one of the best in Canada, winning three CIAU/CIS National Championships - 1988, 1996 and 1997 and two silver and two bronze medals. She was twice named National Coach of the Year in 1983 and 1998 and conference all-star coach seven times. 

In 2001 she became Athletic Director at the University of Manitoba and has provided strong leadership in all Bison sports. In addition, she was a coach for various National Teams
in the Pan-Am Games, World Championships and Student Games and our Team Manitoba provincial teams. In 2005 she was a recipient of a YMCA/YWCA Woman of Distinction award. She has been, and continues to be, a strong role model for women in sport. 

On November 4, 2017 a total of five athletes, three builders and one team will be inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame at the 38th Annual Induction Ceremony at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. The 2017 inductees are:

Sandra CARROLL               
Basketball, Athlete

Image result for maniotba sport hall of fame mbhof.comJaimie DAWSON                
Badminton, Athlete

Coleen DUFRESNE
All Round, Builder 

Wayne HILDAHL                 
Sport Medicine/Special Olympics, Builder
                        
 *Arthur (Art) JOHNSTON            
Golf, Builder

Jamie (HANCHARYK) JONES        
All Round, Athlete

Cindy KLASSEN                
Speed Skating, Athlete

Bob KRAEMER                
All Round, Athlete

1995 Kelly MacKenzie Team         
Curling, Team

*Posthumous

“These eight individuals and one team join an exclusive club of Manitoba’s finest in sport,” says Jamie Kraemer, Chair of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. “We strive to collect, preserve, celebrate and showcase the history and heritage of sport excellence and achievement and these eight recipients and one team have earned their place in Manitoba’s sport history. Collectively with those we honoured back in April at Sport Manitoba’s Night of Champions in our Veteran Induction, 2017 is an exceptional slate!”

Tickets for the Induction Dinner go on sale June 27, 2017. Ticket and event information can be found at: manitobahalloffame.ca or by calling Rick Brownlee at 204-925-5736.


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In Memory of Jerry Abernathy

July 11, 2017, 1:37 pm
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By Jude Kelly, Class of '05

It’s with profound sadness that I announce the death of one of the greatest players who ever suited up for a Canadian university, my friend, Jerry Abernathy, (Class of '09) who passed away in New York City on Monday, July 10 from lung cancer. He was 62, 63 or 65 years old. He never told anyone his real age.

‘Big Ab’ or ‘The Eraser’, as he was known, was a dynamic 6-10 centre who led the country in rebounding and blocked shots while he played with Brandon University Bobcats in the late 70s and early 80s.

A larger than life character, Big Ab had an easy laugh and was an engaging story-teller. The Brooklyn, NY native had an inquisitive, curious nature and was always willing to try new things and experiences. After each season, he would give away his size 19 sneakers to local fans, where they wound up as flower pots, conversation pieces, door stops, or in one case as a burglar deterrent.
True story: One woman in Brandon put his sneakers just outside her front door every evening, thinking that no robber is his right mind would dare to step inside this house – after all, there’s a giant inside. She was right.

During his three years with Brandon, from 1978-81, Jerry was a three-time All-Canadian, and three-time conference all-star. He was a CIAU/CIS tournament all-star in 1980, helping the Bobcats to the national championship game, where they lost to the University of Victoria. Big Ab led the Bobcats to their first-ever Great Plains Athletic Conference title in 1980.

He was inducted into the Brandon University Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

“Abernathy’s defensive play and shot blocking was regarded as legendary in the late 1970s and early 80’s,” said former Bobcats head coach Jerry Hemmings. “(He) was the beginning of the foundation of great Bobcat teams.”

During the 1978-79 season, Abernathy averaged 17.3 points, 16 rebounds and five blocked shots per game. He still holds the Brandon record for most rebounds in a game with 29.

Big Ab has quietly departed for his new home in the sky, that heavenly hard-court where he’s probably playing one-on-one with the angels – and blocking their shots too.


Inductee Information
NameJerry Abernathy








Inducted2009
Induction CategoryPlayer
UniversityBrandon University
Team1977-1981 Bobcats

Biography


A member of the Brandon University Bobcats from 1977–1981, Jerry was a proficient scorer and high percentage shooter, but made a name for himself as an exceptional shot-blocker and a strong rebounder. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Eraser” throughout the Great Plains Athletic Conference. His presence and intimidation on defense ranked second to none in the country. Abernathy was a CIAU /CIS All-Canadian in 1980 and 1981. He was also a three-time Conference All-Star in 1979, ’80, and ’81 and a CIAU /CIS National Tournament All-Star in 1980. He also provided strong veteran leadership to some young Bobcat teams.
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UPDATED SERVICE INFO: In Memory of Irv Hanec

August 15, 2017, 4:07 pm
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It is with profound sadness that Basketball Manitoba and the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame announce the passing of Irv Hanec. Irv died in St. Boniface Hospital early Tuesday morning surrounded by his family. Irv was well-known in the basketball community as a player, longtime coach, official and administrator. He started as  player at St. John's High school where he was coached by the legendary Russ Pastuck. Following that he played four years with the University of Manitoba Bisons and graduated with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree with that university's second ever BPEd class.

During his career as a teacher, he coached for 45 years at Elmwood High School, St. John's and Daniel McIntyre. After his retirement, he continued his coaching at College Jean Sauve and Dakota Collegiate. He was the coach of the MHSAA 'AAAA' championship Jean Sauve Varsity Boys in 2005 and the recipient of the Mike Spack Award in 1996 which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of basketball in Manitoba over a sustained period of time. In addition, he refereed basketball in the Winnipeg School Division from 1972-1990.

Irv also coached and played for the St. Andrews Super Saints Senior Men's team and was inducted, as a member of those teams, into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. He was the Executive Director of Basketball Manitoba 2005-06 and volunteered at the Manitoba Games, the Western Canada Summer Games, the Pan American Games and the North American Indigenous Games. He served on the Board of Directors of Basketball Manitoba 1998-2005 and the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame committee 2006 to the present.

He is survived by his mother, age 100, his wife, Cec, two children, Jon and Kyla, granddaughter, Sara and brother, Harvey. Irv's dedication to kids, basketball his sense of humour and laugh will be sorely missed. The sympathies of the entire Manitoba basketball community are extended to his family and his many friends. In his honour, new basketball mesh/nets were hung on the hoops at the Luxton School outdoor court, a special place for Irv and his friends where many memories were made.


A celebration of Irv’s life will be held on Wednesday August 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caboto Centre, 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg.
To honour the life of Irv Hanec, gifts in his name can be made to the Irv Hanec Legacy Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350-One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, MB  R3B0X3  (204) 944-9474 https://wpgfdn.mycharitytools.com/?pageId=d_fund&fundId=675
VIEW OBITUARY
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Hall of Fame Member Keith Vassell Named New Head Coach of London Lightning

September 7, 2017, 3:47 pm
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The final judgment will come some eight months from now when the 2017-18 National Basketball League season has come to a close.  But after a short conversation, Keith Vassell, the newly announced coach of the London Lightning, comes off as an impressive guy. Not only does he have a strong basketball playing and coaching resume, but also the way he handles himself will give Lightning fans, players and ownership sends the clear message he’s realistic yet confident about what he wants to do.

Vassell is clear-spoken, articulate and focused.

The Lightning should be in good shape.

Vassell, whose latest additions to his resume include being head coach of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Niagara College Knights and interim coach for half a season of the NBL Niagara River Lions, was named the successor to Kyle Julius as the head man for the Lightning.

READ FULL ARTICLE IN THE LONDON FREE PRESS
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