News release from the Barrie Colts
The Barrie Colts are excited to announce that on October 8th, 2022 the organization will
be honouring our late friend and former Head Coach, Dale Hawerchuk.
Dale was an icon in the world of hockey and our communities. More than that, he was a
great father, son, husband, friend, mentor and an all-around great man, who always had
time for anyone who asked him of it.
He touched the lives of millions of people through his love of the game, his skill at
playing it, and his passion for giving back.
A hall of fame player, Dale was the head coach of our Barrie Colts for 10 years. We are truly honoured to have had him as part of our family and a key member of our community. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered and loved by us all.
Dale Hawerchuk first joined the Colts in the 2010-11 season and left a lasting
impression on the organization from players, fans, and colleagues.
Dale helped many Colts players from the first time they walked into the organization as
16-year-olds and helped develop many players into stars in the NHL. Players who have had success in the NHL that were coached by Dale include Mark Scheifele, Andrew Mangiapane, Mackenzie Blackwood, Aaron Ekblad, Tanner Pearson, Kevin Labanc, Andrei Svechnikov, and many more.
Dale finished his Colts Coaching Career with 305 wins, one Eastern Conference Championship (2013) and four division championships (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018), and is the most winning coach in franchise history.
On our October 8th home game vs the Peterborough Petes, there will be a special pregame ceremony honouring Dale. In addition to special guest speakers and video presentations, the Barrie Colts will be revealing an honourary Dale Hawerchuk banner that will forever hang in the home arena of the Barrie Colts. Every Colts player will be wearing a special Hawerchuk #10 jersey, signed by the entire team, for the game warm-up. The warm-up worn jerseys will be available for sale at the game.
“It’s with heavy hearts but fond memories that will be paying tribute to Dale Hawerchuk on October 8th. I not only had the pleasure of working with Dale in the sport of hockey but had the privilege of becoming one of his friends. He was a very special person who touched the lives of so many people. This will be a very special night for all Colts fans and I look forward to the night. If you haven’t yet got a ticket to the game I encourage our fans not to miss this one”, said Howie Campbell, President and Owner of the Barrie
Colts.
“Hockey fans around the globe know the name Dale Hawerchuk. He was one of the best players to have ever played the game. The fact that he was right here in Barrie coaching the Barrie Colts was amazing for the team and the community. Looking at the list of players that he coached here in Barrie that went on to play the game professionally, that alone speaks to the kind of coach he was and the man that he was," said Colts current Head Coach and GM Marty Williamson.
