Remembering Dale Hawerchuk one year later
One year ago, the hockey community lost a legend.
Dale Hawerchuk, Hockey Hall of Famer and long-time Barrie Colts coach, lost his battle with cancer on Aug 18, 2020.
He was 57.
His son, Eric Hawerchuk, posted on Twitter Wednesday, "One year ago today we lost our beloved Dale. He was an incredible friend, father, husband, son, brother and teacher but most importantly, a man who cared and always wanted to make this world a better place... We love and miss you. To know him was to love him." #HawerchukStrong."
The outpouring of support was significant for the Colts coach when it was announced in 2019 that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
In April 2020, Hawerchuck celebrated his final round of chemotherapy by ringing the Bell of Hope at Royal Victoria Health Centre.
Three months later, the family announced cancer had returned.
The Toronto-born Hawerchuk played in the NHL for 16 years, having been selected first overall in the 1981 draft by the Winnipeg Jets. He retired from the NHL in 1997 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.
He was the Barrie Colts organization's longest-serving coach.
A memorial to Hawerchuk quickly grew in front of Barrie's Sadlon arena last August as fans dropped by to share their memories and leave their condolences for the Hawerchuck family.
Eric Hawercuck founded HawerchukStrong, an initiative that helps raise money for local groups and raise awareness for cancer.
Barrie council announced in May the entrance to the Sadlon Arena would be renamed Dale Hawerchuk Way and it would be working with the Barrie Colts on a celebration to honour Hawerchucks storied career.
Barrie Colts co-owner Jim Payetta told CTV News last week the details on the event are still in the works and are currently subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Last week the Winnipeg Jets, where Hawerchuk formerly played, announced a statue, honorary street name and hockey tournament would be named after the man they called Ducky.
Eric Hawerchuck said on social media today, "Miss you every day buddy."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.