Local legend, McLelland, set to carry Canada Winter Games torch
Former Vees goalie will get honour in Kelowna on Friday
Ivan McLelland carried the torch for the 1955 World Hockey Champion Penticton Vees and he’ll be lugging another this Friday in Kelowna.
The legendary 87-year-old goaltender, who still resides in Penticton and remains actively involved in the community, will be carrying the Canada Winter Games torch in Kelowna on Friday afternoon.
The torch is in the midst of a 17-day journey across B.C. and will make Okanagan stops in Kelowna and Vernon ahead of the 2019 Winter Games that start Feb. 15 in Red Deer, Alta.
Along with politicians and other dignitaries, McLelland is one of three area athletes who will carry the torch. The others are former world curling champion Renee Simons and speed skating coach Christina Acton.
The festivities will be held starting at 3 p.m. at Stuart Park on Water Street in Kelowna.
McLelland said he was “surprised” when called upon to carry the torch.
He was selected from a group of more than 100 nominees.
“It’s nice to have Penticton and the South Okanagan recognized in such a high-profile event,” said McLelland.
McLelland said he accepted the honour on behalf of the current Penticton Vees JuniorA team, of which he is an ambassador, and also because of his tireless community work with dementia care.
McLelland said he will not have to be on foot for the entire distance of the torch route in Kelowna.
“As the elder statesman, I will just be doing the final leg to the area where the ceremonies will be conducted,” said McLelland.
McLelland, a native of South Porcupine, Ont., is one of just three players still alive from the legendary Vees team that captured the Allan Cup national senior hockey title in 1954 and the World Championship in 1955 in Germany.
An original member of the Vees in 1951 and their go-to goalie for several years, McLelland recently penned his hit autobiography “From Gold Mine to Gold Medal . . . and Beyond.”