1932 – May 2026
Canada has lost a true pioneer of the ice. Punch McLean was a man who didn’t just coach hockey; he shaped the character of the young men who played for him. As the architect of the New Westminster Bruins’ dynasty, Punch brought a grit and determination to the rink that became legendary across the Western Hockey League.
To his players, he was a mentor who demanded excellence; to his fans, he was the face of a golden era of junior hockey. Though his journey ended in the heartbreak of a roadside tragedy, his legacy is safely etched into the silver of the Memorial Cup and the memories of the thousands of fans who cheered under his leadership. Rest in peace, Punch; the sirens have sounded, and you’ve coached a hell of a game.
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