Even if you are only just mildly interested in the game of hockey there is a very good chance that you know who Ron MacLean is.
MacLean joined “Hockey Night in Canada” during the 1986–87 season, taking over hosting duties in Calgary and Toronto after Dave Hodge’s move to Vancouver. When Hodge was later suspended and resigned over an on-air protest of a CBC programming decision, MacLean stepped in to host his first Stanley Cup Final that spring. He has been the early game host ever since, including his longtime role co-hosting “Coach’s Corner” with Don Cherry.
MacLean is a self professed “army brat” born overseas to parents who both served in the Military. The MacLean family moved to Nova Scotia when he was 14 months old and Canada has been his home ever since.
Fast forward many years to Thursday when MacLean addressed an audience at Algonquin College as one of the keynote speakers at the 11th Annual Business & Leadership Conference. MacLean regaled the audience with anecdotes of his countless experiences in the hockey and broadcasting world and inevitably the discussion came around to his good friend and one of Hockey Town’s favorite sons Jamie Bramburger.
MacLean was at The PMC on the night prior to the Conference signing autographs and telling stories as only he can do and the subject of this Saturday’s “Fall Classic” came up and he had this to say about one of his old cohorts and a guy who will be gracing The PMC with his presence again after many years:
MacLean regrets that he will not be able to attend the game due to his long standing obligations to the game of professional hockey but he did leave with a final word of remembrance for his friends Barb and Jamie:
Head on down to The PMC this Saturday night October 25th for a very special evening of Lumber Kings Alumni taking on Algonquin College featuring PJ Stock and the recently added Shean Donovan.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for students, and free for children 12 and under. Proceeds from the game and merch sales will go to the Jamie Bramburger Memorial Fund and The Grind Pembroke, helping carry on Jamie’s legacy of giving back to the community.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
