Wray, McIlhargey Amongst 2011 BC Hockey Hall Of Fame Inductee Class:

Wray, McIlhargey amongst 2011 BC Hockey Hall of Fame inductee class

Saturday, July 23, 2011 - Submitted by BCHL Media

Their contributions to the game of hockey come from different realms but the impact each made has been lasting and in front of a packed house at Penticton's South Okanagan Events Centre, Duncan Wray and Jack McIlhargey were recognized for their efforts.

Wray, owner since 1992 of the six-time national champion Vernon Vipers and Jack McIlhargey, a BCJHL defenceman with the New Westminster Royals in the 1970-71 season and later an NHLer with Vancouver, Philadelphia and Hartford, were inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame along with the 1986 Penticton Knights, retired NHL official Rob Schick and former NHL superstar Joe Sakic.

Each inductee and club representatives from the Knights spoke to the crowd of nearly 700 including such hockey luminaries as Brian Burke, Pat Quinn, Stan Smyl, Harold Snespts, Andy Moog, Laurence Gilman, Darcy Rota and Bob Nicholson.

"People always ask, 'What is the secret to the success of the Vernon Vipers,'" said Wray, who also said a bit about each of the national champion clubs he's been part of. "I just hire the right people and let them do their jobs.

"It's a very humbling experience; I may not be the most talented person to be inducted, but I'm certainly the most appreciative."

McIlhargey played 393 games in the NHL, amassing over 1100 penalty minutes. He reminisced on more than 40 years in hockey.

"For me, it was a great experience to come back to Vancouver as a player, being from Burnaby; it was a thrill and something I'll always remember," he said. "In this business, it's the people you meet that make the difference."

Addressing Quinn and Burke directly, "Jack Mac" had some heartfelt and humourous words.

"I want to thank Pat Quinn. You coached me (in Philadelphia) and I learned so much from you. Burkie, you were my boss for a long time, I like working for you - I wouldn't mind doing it again."

Each inductee shared plenty of hockey tales and garnered big laughs from the audience. A silent and live auction, hosted by Okanagan resident and former MP Stockwell Day, were held as well to raise funds for the BC Hockey Hall of Fame.