Hawerchuk ‘always did what he could for community’

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This article was published 23/07/2023 (780 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Eric and Ben Hawerchuk had nothing left to do but wrap their arms around each other after honouring their father the best way they know how.

The sons of legendary Winnipeg Jets centre Dale Hawerchuk hosted another successful charity golf tournament recently at Elmhurst.

The 12th edition of the Dale Hawerchuk Classic — the second since the death of the NHL Hall of Fame member— welcomed community members and former NHLers from across the country for a sunny day on the links.

“We’ve done it here at Elmhurst… everyone’s so welcoming and Winnipeg is a special place to our family,” said Eric, 34, who was born in Winnipeg but now resides in Scottsdale, Ariz. “My dad loved playing here and I always laugh because he always went to bat for Winnipeg.

“If anyone says anything bad about Winnipeg, you better watch out. So, we still do the same and, honestly, I love it here.”

Hawerchuk died of stomach cancer in August 2020 at the age of 57.

Dale’s charity, Hawerchuk Strong, which hosted its first tournament in 2002 at Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, Ont., is projected to donate $80,000 to the True North Youth Foundation this year.

“To be able to support the charities in this area — we couldn’t do it without everyone coming out to support,” Eric said. “Sometimes, it feels like it’s us raising the money, but it’s not, it’s everyone coming together and putting it together for a really good cause.”

Added younger brother Ben, 25: “We had an awesome day. It’s so nice to see everybody, so many familiar faces, so many of my dad’s friends that I’ve grown to know through the years and that’s what it’s all about. And it’s for such a good cause, and me and Eric doing this together, it means a lot to me.”

Dale started his foundation while living in Toronto and eventually began hosting the annual tournament in Muskoka, Ont., where it’s still held today. Some uncertainty around the future of the tournament floated after Dale died, but Eric said the family, sponsors and family friends banded together to keep things going.

The yearly event not only marks an occasion to honour the charitable efforts of one of the Manitoba’s most popular athletes, but a chance for former teammates to reconnect and reminisce about the good ol’ days.

“We always have fun,” said Dave Babych, a hulking defenceman in his day who spent six seasons in Winnipeg (1980-86). “It’d be a lot better if Dale was around because when he was around, he was basically the life of the party or the life of the tournament. He always did what he could for the community, whether he was a player or a non-player, and he never forgot his Winnipeg roots — obviously, his wife (Crystal) was from (Arborg).

“It says a lot because players don’t have to do that, and when you do, there’s certainly an attachment and he certainly felt that. But that was just the kind of guy (Dale) was.”

Babych was quick to credit Dale’s sons for stepping up to the plate after losing their father.

“You know what’s so special, too, is I don’t know if they were old enough to really see him play in his prime, but you know that they really appreciate what he did,” he said. “Playing is one thing, but when you respect your dad enough to continue some of the beliefs he had and the things he wanted to do in communities and for people, that’s a good thing. That’s something I think every father wants their kids to inherit, the way of thinking…

“Unfortunately, Dale’s gone but they’re both here, they’re both playing, they’re both involved — carrying on the name and they’re proud to do it.”

Montreal Canadiens great Serge Savard spent the final two seasons of his career in Winnipeg, mentoring many of the young guns that made up the Jets roster at the time, including Dale.

“Dale was a dear friend of mine and I spent a couple of years here in Winnipeg and I really enjoyed my stay here,” said Savard, 77. “I was very close to Dale. He called me a couple of days before he died just to tell me that he was going — that was the toughest call I (ever) had.”

Savard was on hand with many Jets 1.0 alumni last October when a statue of Dale was unveiled at True North Square.

“(Hawerchuk Strong) is not something that started when he passed away, it’s something he started when he was still alive,” Savard added. “He was just a good person and a very generous person and that’s why so many guys have come to this thing and are happy to come to this thing from all over the place.”

jfreysam@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jfreysam