Queen's Park Arena tribute came just days before death of Ernie Punch McLean
Ernie Punch McLean, the head coach who made New Westminster matter, has passed away at 93.
www.houseofhockey.netHere’s the latest available on Punch McLean.
Direct answer
- Reports indicate Ernie “Punch” McLean, a longtime New Westminster hockey figure, passed away in early May 2026 at age 93. He had recently been featured at a Queen’s Park Arena event in New Westminster before his death. This marks the end of a storied coaching and hockey-legacy era in British Columbia.
Key context
- McLean is best known for his long coaching career with the New Westminster Bruins and his prominence in Western Canadian junior hockey, with a bench record among the league’s all-time leaders. Recent tributes highlighted his lasting impact on the community and local hockey culture. A statue-commissioning event at Queen’s Park Arena had taken place shortly before his passing, underscoring his enduring significance in the region.[1][5]
What this means locally
- The hockey community in British Columbia is recognizing McLean’s contributions as part of the sport’s history in the area, including his influence on player development and junior hockey identity in New Westminster. Expect memorials or tributes from local leagues and alumni in the coming weeks.[5][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent articles from specific outlets (e.g., local Vancouver-area papers or Canadian sports networks) and summarize any additional details or obituaries.