Jan. 17 - Last Tuesday at the Fairmont Hotel, Bison Hockey held its 2000-2001 Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony. This year's inductee was former Bison player/Coach and the current Head Coach of the Nashville Predators Barry Trotz.

McKee with Chris and Mike Ridley. Click for larger image.

Shortly after the dinner, Athletic Director Walt McKee presented Chris and Mike Ridley with a token of appreciation in recognition of the Ridleys' ongoing support of Bison men's and women's hockey. McKee also announced the establishment of a Bison Hockey endowment fund supporting the Bison Hockey scholarship fund, due in large part to the Ridleys' generosity. Mike Ridley is a former Bison standout who went on to have a very successful career in the NHL, playing for the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks before retiring a couple of seasons ago.

The Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation Studies, Dennis Hrycaiko, came up next to recognize three Bison players who achieved Academic All-Canadian status last year. Dean Hrycaiko presented Marc Gaudet, Jamie Brewster, and Gord Woodhall with their Academic All-Canadian diplomas signifying a grade point average of 3.5 or better during the 1999-2000 school year.

Sirant with Barry Trotz. Click for larger image.

Following these presentations, an emotional Trotz stated how honored and pleased he was to be chosen as this year's inductee and spoke to the captive audience about the importance of hard work, maintaining roots and sticking to what you believe in. Trotz also challenged the current edition of the Bison hockey team to continue what has been a special season thus far, and to take it as far as possible, stating that a team does not get the opportunity to win a championship very often.

Sirant with Wayne Fleming. Click for larger image.

Following Trotz, former Bison Head Coach and current Vice President of the Canadian Hockey Association Wayne Fleming, took the podium. Fleming who is widely regarded as being responsible for elevating the status of the Bison hockey program in the 1980's, reflected upon Trotz's career as a player and coach with the Bisons. Fleming related the story of the first time he saw Trotz on the ice as a member of the Dauphin Kings, noting his ability to play the game, but also the obvious desire, dedication, passion and leadership he exuded on the ice. Fleming also went on to relate a story that took place in New York a few years ago. He was in the press box rapping with several members of the New York media when the subject of the University of Manitoba came up in relation to Mike Ridley. The media wanted to know where the place was and what it was all about. Fleming took the opportunity to relate to the media that it was not just Ridley who had ties to the Bison program, but also Stu Grimson (L.A. Kings), Vaughan Karpan (current director of player personnel for the Phoenix Coyotes), and the above mentioned Barry Trotz.

Hats off to Head Coach Mike Sirant for an outstanding job of organizing and preparing the event. It was certainly a great night for all involved, with a lot of great memories and stories shared.