On July 12, the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame (BCHHoF) will celebrate the induction of notable figures in hockey, including BCHL alumnus Shawn Horcoff and the 1986-87 Richmond Sockeyes. This event marks a significant recognition of contributions from these individuals to the sport within the province.
Jim Hughson, chair of the BCHHoF, expressed the importance of honoring those who have made a notable impact on hockey in British Columbia, stating, “All of these great hockey people honoured the game in our province and now it’s time to honour them.”
Shawn Horcoff, originally from Trail and raised in Castlegar, had a distinguished NHL career, playing a total of 1,008 regular season games primarily with the Edmonton Oilers, as well as the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Horcoff reached new heights with the Oilers, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. His international experience is equally impressive, as he represented Canada on three occasions at the World Championships, securing a gold medal in both 2003 and 2004, and a silver medal in 2009.
Before entering the NHL, Horcoff showcased his talent in the junior leagues, playing for the Trail Smoke Eaters in the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League and later for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL. During that season in 1995-96, he achieved a remarkable 145 points in just 58 games, earning him the co-winner title for the Vern Dye Memorial Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the BCHL.
Horcoff shared his sentiments about the upcoming induction, saying, “First off, it’s a humongous honour. I grew up in British Columbia, playing all my minor hockey there, and played three years of junior hockey before leaving for college.”
In addition to Horcoff, the induction ceremony will also acknowledge the 1986-87 Richmond Sockeyes, who dominated the BCHL by winning the Fred Page Cup with a 4-0 sweep against the Kelowna Packers, followed by a national championship victory over the Humboldt Broncos, ending the game at 5-3.
Other individuals set to be inducted in 2025 include Dan Hamhuis, Mike Penny, Larry Kwong, and Ted Hargreaves, along with the 1977-78 Kimberley Dynamiters.
The ceremony is scheduled for July 12 at the South Okanagan Events Centre, and tickets are available for those wishing to attend this momentous occasion.