Hockey has changed quite a lot since Ronnie Paterson was chosen to join Team Canada for a chance at Olympic gold.
That was in 1980, at Lake Placid, N.Y. 91裸聊视频� the same year a U.S. team of young college players defeated the powerhouse Soviet Union squad in the semifinals.
Now a proud parent and grandparent, Paterson reflects back on those days with fondness.
91裸聊视频淚t was a tremendous experience. Any time you91裸聊视频檙e representing your country is a very proud moment,91裸聊视频� he said.
Paterson found out less than two weeks ago that he would be one of this year91裸聊视频檚 B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame (BCHHF) Class of 2023 inductees, when his longtime friend (and retired Canadian sportscaster well-known for his play-by-play National Hockey League commentary) Jim Hughson gave him a call.
They91裸聊视频檇 caught up about what each had been up to and chatted about their grandchildren, when Hughson let him know the purpose of the call.
91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 calling you as good friend and chair of the (BCHHF) board advising you that you91裸聊视频檙e being inducted into the BCHHF,91裸聊视频� Hughson told Paterson.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 very, very humbling. I91裸聊视频檓 very proud and very reflective, based on what it represents 91裸聊视频� I know how many special athletes have historically been inducted into the hall and then to learn who else was going in this year was also an extremely proud moment for me.91裸聊视频�
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Back in 1980, Olympic hockey teams were comprised of college and junior (amateur) players, he noted, which meant 91裸聊视频� as a 23-year-old goaltender for the UBC Thunderbirds 91裸聊视频� he had the chance to try out for the Olympic team.
He joined the national program under famed Canadian coach Father David Bauer in the late 1970s and trained for a year and a half in Calgary, and ended up being one of three goaltenders who went to Lake Placid.
The White Rock Whalers (Pacific Junior Hockey League) owner and former Surrey Eagles (BC Hockey League) co-owner played plenty of games for Canada in the run-up to the Olympics 91裸聊视频� at locales all over the globe 91裸聊视频� but served as the team91裸聊视频檚 third goaltender at the tournament, which meant he wasn91裸聊视频檛 in uniform for the games.
He did, however, get to spend some time with the broadcast crew, which included NHL legend Ken Dryden and play-by-play man Al Michaels, the latter of whom voiced the famous line, 91裸聊视频淒o you believe in miracles?!91裸聊视频� when the U.S. won the semifinal game.
The U.S. eventually got the gold medal with a win over Finland in the final.
91裸聊视频淚t wasn91裸聊视频檛 optimal 91裸聊视频� I really wanted to play 91裸聊视频� but it was still pretty cool,91裸聊视频� said Paterson, who was in the building for the famous game, and called it 91裸聊视频渋ncredible.91裸聊视频�
Canada finished out of the medals, in fifth, at Lake Placid, though Paterson said they certainly had the skill to compete with teams that finished on the podium.
Goaltending was much different in 1980, he recalled.
91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 591裸聊视频�691裸聊视频� nowadays you have to be 691裸聊视频�591裸聊视频�,91裸聊视频� he pointed out.
91裸聊视频淭he goaltending was more angles and reactionary and quickness,91裸聊视频� Paterson said.
91裸聊视频淭he position has changed a lot 91裸聊视频� and, I think, for the better 91裸聊视频� I really marvel at these goaltenders today at how they stop the puck. It91裸聊视频檚 been fun to watch the transition. It was certainly a lot different then then it was today91裸聊视频� I remember we would practise for the Olympics twice a day and the pads would be soaking wet and heavy afterward.91裸聊视频�
Still, he 91裸聊视频渉as nothing but fond memories91裸聊视频� of those days and enjoys the 91裸聊视频渞ich experiences and friendships that remain very special.91裸聊视频�
PATERSON INTO THE HALL!
91裸聊视频� WhiteRockWhalers (@WRWhalersHockey)
Congratulations to our leader Ronnie Paterson for being inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame under the Builders category. Ronnie has made a significant impact and contribution to the game of Hockey.
Congrats Ronnie and the rest of the Class of 2023
While he briefly entertained the idea of playing professionally in Europe after the Olympics, Paterson returned to UBC and completed his degree in education.
When Molson Breweries 91裸聊视频� a major sponsor of the national program 91裸聊视频� offered him a job at their brewery, and he spent 25 years there, working in sales.
Now, he and his family own several successful pubs and liquor stores, which his two sons are involved with.
91裸聊视频淭hey91裸聊视频檝e always been involved in the game as well and the family business91裸聊视频� I91裸聊视频檓 very honoured to see them grow and develop it. Hockey and hospitality have been a big part of my life,91裸聊视频� he said.
As owner of the White Rock Whalers, now in their fifth year 91裸聊视频� and up 3-1 in a playoff series against the Richmond Sockeyes (as of Thursday morning, March 2) 91裸聊视频� Paterson is proud of how the club allows players to continue to play hockey at a competitive level, but also, helps prepare them for life after the arena.
91裸聊视频淲e try to offer them not only good hockey experiences but good life experiences as well. To be competitive and to win is important, but it91裸聊视频檚 about finding that balance,91裸聊视频� he said.
He91裸聊视频檚 also involved with a hockey skills camp that happens in Port Alberni for four weeks every summer, so hockey is still an integral part of his life.
He remembers everything his mom, who was a single parent after his father died when he was quite young, did to make it possible for he and his siblings to enjoy the sport.
91裸聊视频淚 know the sacrifices she made just to allow us as young children to play the game91裸聊视频� that wasn91裸聊视频檛 easy for her,91裸聊视频� he said.
91裸聊视频淪he really gave us a foundation to work from in terms of sacrifice and commitment.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频� with Peace Arch News files
tricia.weel@peacearchnews.com
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