John Duncan honoured for contribution to hockey

Congratulations: Brady Bertram hands a special plaque to John Duncan, president.

One of the most revered members of the Senior Hawks family was honoured on Saturday.
John Duncan was presented with a plaque during an intermission in the Hawks’ game against Shaunavon Badgers at the Maple Creek arena.
The award recognized his 40 years and counting as a Senior Hawks hockey executive, including his current role as president.
Past and present Hawks players, spanning generations, gathered by the penalty area for the on-ice ceremony, while spectators in the mezzanine peered down.
A mat had been laid out for Duncan to stand on.
Al Fournier, Hawks manager, took the microphone to announce the award to the crowd, saluting Duncan’s services to local hockey.
Brady Bertram, one of the longest-playing veterans in the 2022 Hawks team, then handed Duncan a special plaque.
Duncan expressed gratitude for the honour, before prompting cheers and applause by declaring: “Go Hawks, go!”
Among those looking on were Len Rodin, former Hawks manager. Two years ago, Rodin surprised Duncan with the Bernie Ford trophy for his outstanding contribution to the White Mud Hockey League and the community of Maple Creek.
After Saturday’s presentation, Duncan resumed his spot by the window in the public seating area in the foyer.
Meanwhile, Barb Sanderson began cutting one of two “40th anniversary” marble cakes that had been made by Howard’s Bakery. Everyone in the arena was invited to have a slice.
At that stage the Hawks were still trailing 1-0. Fortunately, the Hawks upped their performance to tie the game and eventually win 2-1 in overtime, putting a perfect seal on “John Duncan night”.
It also ensured that Duncan enjoyed a slice of his cake a little more.
Duncan’s association with local hockey began in the 1960s when he moved to Maple Creek. For three to five years, he played for the Maple Creek Orioles, who wore yellow tops.
He went on to be instrumental in setting up a recreational hockey league in the 1970s and 80s. Many people around town will also remember him as a pharmacist; with his wife, Joan, he ran Duncan’s Drug Store in Jasper Street.
Joan represented Maple Creek from 1978 to 1991 in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan as a Progressive Conservative.
As hockey fans will know, Duncan has been instrumental in putting together a Senior Hawks team for this season in the White Mud Hockey League. He has also been one of the Hawks’ biggest and most loyal fans, attending each game.
After Saturday’s game, there was a Calcutta shootout. Fans who “bought” players had a chance of a 60 per cent prize payout.

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