BERNIE’S BITS: Canucks Alumni Honoured for Lifelong Contributions to the Game, and the Next Generation Carries the Torch

BERNIE’S BITS

By Bernie Pascall

Canucks Alumni members are heralded on a regular basis for their commitment to various charity endeavours throughout British Columbia. If it isn’t playing exhibition games, it’s supporting charity golf tournaments and making public appearances, visiting schools, hospitals and any other number of community events.

Some well-deserved recognition is due for Alumni members of the Canucks scouting staff over the years, including those from the Canucks family inducted into the Wall of Honour at the recent Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation Banquet in Okotoks, Alberta. The “Wall” recognizes those who’ve made outstanding contributions to their teams, communities and the game in general.

The late Larry Popein was among those in the spotlight. ‘Pope’ was the Canucks Director of Player Development from 1974 through 1986. He was also a pro scout for the Calgary Flames. He passed away on February 7, 2020 and his wife Joyce as well as son Larry, Jr. recently passed. Accepting Popein’s award at the Scouts Foundation gathering was proud daughter Kathie.

Other former Canucks saluted for their dedication to scouting were Dean Malkoc, Glen Cochrane, Tim Lenardon, Ray Payne, Jim Benning and the late George Wood, who scouted for Vancouver over 11 seasons. Mike Penny was named co-winner of the Garnet “Ace’ Bailey award, recognizing outstanding contributions and efforts over the years.

Several Canucks Alumni members are now actively and proudly following the promising hockey careers of their sons.

Kevin Bieksa’s son Cole is with the BCHL Coquitlam Express. A talented forward, Cole was born in Vancouver. He had an impressive 73 points in 55 games last season with Fairmont Prep in Anaheim, California and attended the WHL Vancouver Giants camp this fall.

Kaden Aucoin, an 18-year-old defenceman, is with the OHL Sarnia Sting. He’s the son of Adrian, a Canucks draft pick who played parts of seven seasons with Vancouver.

Jeff Tambellini, former Canucks forward and son of NHL executive Steve, is assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On a closing note, Matt Cooke – a veteran of 17 seasons in the NHL, 10 of which were in Vancouver – has returned to BC as General Manager and Coach of the BCHL Vernon Vipers. Cooke took time before training camp to catch the ‘big one’ with former teammate Brendan Morrison at Nootka Sound Resort.