Published 2024-01-31 18.12
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The jersey is hoisted to the ceiling.
But now the tribute to NHL profile John Vanbiesbrouck is to be taken down.
– Now I don’t have to look up and relive one of the worst moments of my life, says former player Trevor Daley.
John “Beezer” Vanbiesbrouck spent 20 seasons in the NHL.
He was also the one guarding the American net when Kenta Nilsson scored the classic World Cup goal in the Globe in 1989.
But it is on the roof of the Soo Greyhounds, in the North American junior league OHL, that his jersey sits aloft.
The goalkeeper had his breakthrough at the club during the 80s – and was active as both owner and head coach after his career.
He is an icon at the club and has therefore had his shirt hoisted to the roof of the Memorial Gardens arena. So now it’s going down.
“Right thing to do”
The reason is that he is accused of racism by one of the former players Trevor Daley.
It has caused the club to act.
– We try not to make a big deal out of it, but we thought it was the right thing to do. We want a welcoming environment for everyone, says owner Tim Lukenda Sault Star.
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full screen Kenta Nilsson’s classic goal in 1989. Photo: Jan Collsiöö / TT
Daley: “Avoid reliving”
The announcement was well received by Trevor Daley.
– The next time I return to the Gardens and look up, I won’t have to relive one of the worst moments of my career, he says in a statement.
However, Vanbiesbrouck’s jersey number, 1, will remain retired.
The 60-year-old American was most recently in the spotlight as general manager of the American JVM team that won gold in Gothenburg.
The Soo Greyhounds have also hoisted the jerseys of Wayne Gretzky, Ron Francis and Craig Hartsburg.
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full screen John Vanbiesbrouck stops Wayne Gretzky in 1998. Photo: Lennox Mclendon / Ap
