Daniel Fontaine calls for Punch McLean tribute in New Westminster
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Westminster, B.C. (June 7, 2026) — New Westminster mayoral candidate and current councillor Daniel Fontaine is proposing a tribute to honour late hockey icon Ernie “Punch” McLean at Queen’s Park Arena.
At the New Westminster City Council meeting Monday, June 8, Fontaine will present a motion asking city staff to engage with the Punch McLean Foundation to explore a commemorative installation to recognize McLean’s contributions to hockey and to the city.
“During Punch’s era, New Westminster was at the centre of the hockey world,” says Fontaine. “He led local teams to greatness, and helped numerous young people carve a future for themselves. He deserves our thanks, as a local sports icon and community-builder.”
In 1971, McLean brought the Western Hockey League to BC with the New Westminster Bruins. He would go on to coach more than 100 future NHL players. During his tenure as head coach, the Bruins experienced one of the most successful periods in franchise history, capturing league championships and making appearances in the Memorial Cup. The team played its home games at Queen’s Park Arena, a facility that remains an important part of the city’s sporting heritage.
The 93-year-old McLean died in a car crash, in northern B.C., on May 8, 2026.
Fontaine’s motion also asks council to approve a framework for future events of this nature. If approved, city staff would develop a formal policy framework to govern the consideration, approval, installation, and maintenance of commemorative works on city-owned property. The proposed framework will address historical significance, community benefit, funding, maintenance responsibilities, and public consultation requirements.
“As our community continues to grow and evolve, it is important that we have a transparent and thoughtful process in place to guide decisions regarding public commemorations,” says Fontaine.
MEDIA CONTACT
Shawn Hall
604-619-7913
