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. 91Ƶ 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.
91ƵIt was a tremendous experience. Any time you91Ƶre representing your country is a very proud moment,91Ƶ he said.
Paterson found out less than two weeks ago that he would be one of this year91Ƶs 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.
They91Ƶd caught up about what each had been up to and chatted about their grandchildren, when Hughson let him know the purpose of the call.
91ƵI91Ƶm calling you as good friend and chair of the (BCHHF) board advising you that you91Ƶre being inducted into the BCHHF,91Ƶ Hughson told Paterson.
91ƵIt91Ƶs very, very humbling. I91Ƶm very proud and very reflective, based on what it represents 91Ƶ 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.91Ƶ
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Back in 1980, Olympic hockey teams were comprised of college and junior (amateur) players, he noted, which meant 91Ƶ as a 23-year-old goaltender for the UBC Thunderbirds 91Ƶ 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 91Ƶ at locales all over the globe 91Ƶ but served as the team91Ƶs third goaltender at the tournament, which meant he wasn91Ƶt 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, 91ƵDo you believe in miracles?!91Ƶ when the U.S. won the semifinal game.
The U.S. eventually got the gold medal with a win over Finland in the final.
91ƵIt wasn91Ƶt optimal 91Ƶ I really wanted to play 91Ƶ but it was still pretty cool,91Ƶ said Paterson, who was in the building for the famous game, and called it 91Ƶincredible.91Ƶ
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.
91ƵI91Ƶm 591Ƶ691Ƶ nowadays you have to be 691Ƶ591Ƶ,91Ƶ he pointed out.
91ƵThe goaltending was more angles and reactionary and quickness,91Ƶ Paterson said.
91ƵThe position has changed a lot 91Ƶ and, I think, for the better 91Ƶ I really marvel at these goaltenders today at how they stop the puck. It91Ƶs been fun to watch the transition. It was certainly a lot different then then it was today91Ƶ I remember we would practise for the Olympics twice a day and the pads would be soaking wet and heavy afterward.91Ƶ
Still, he 91Ƶhas nothing but fond memories91Ƶ of those days and enjoys the 91Ƶrich experiences and friendships that remain very special.91Ƶ
PATERSON INTO THE HALL!
91Ƶ 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 91Ƶ a major sponsor of the national program 91Ƶ 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.
91ƵThey91Ƶve always been involved in the game as well and the family business91Ƶ I91Ƶm very honoured to see them grow and develop it. Hockey and hospitality have been a big part of my life,91Ƶ he said.
As owner of the White Rock Whalers, now in their fifth year 91Ƶ and up 3-1 in a playoff series against the Richmond Sockeyes (as of Thursday morning, March 2) 91Ƶ 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.
91ƵWe try to offer them not only good hockey experiences but good life experiences as well. To be competitive and to win is important, but it91Ƶs about finding that balance,91Ƶ he said.
He91Ƶs 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.
91ƵI know the sacrifices she made just to allow us as young children to play the game91Ƶ that wasn91Ƶt easy for her,91Ƶ he said.
91ƵShe really gave us a foundation to work from in terms of sacrifice and commitment.91Ƶ
91Ƶ with Peace Arch News files
tricia.weel@peacearchnews.com
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