REGINA – Six new inductees are heading into the Regina Sports Hall of Fame (RSHF). This year’s athletic inductees include hockey players Rich Peterson and Larry Wright, and basketball player and golfer Tyler Wright.
Gord Poulton, Marlene Hoffman, and John Hoffman are being inducted as builders for skiing, volleyball, and bowling respectively.
“Growing up in Regina, then playing with the Pats, and going onto the NHL; it’s real special,” said Larry Wright.
Larry played with the Regina Pats from 1967-1969. In 1971 he was drafted eighth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. He spent five seasons in the NHL, playing for the Flyers, California Golden Seals, and the Detroit Red Wings.
Larry Wright is Tyler Wright’s father so this induction is particularly special for the father-son duo.
He says he was ecstatic when he found out he was going into the RSHF, and quickly called his dad to relay the news.
Tyler won the University of Regina President’s Award in 2002 and was named a conference all star for the 2001 and 2002 basketball season. He also was named Golf Saskatchewan Men’s Player of the Year in 2014.
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Another family connection comes with husband and wife John and Marlene Hoffman. They are being recognized for their extensive work in growing their sports.
“It’s something you really don’t work for,” said John. “You go out there and do the things that have to be done and what comes, comes.”
“It’s an honour obviously,” said Marlene. “I’ve been involved with volleyball for over 50 years…I’ve served on the Hall of Fame board so I thought maybe someday but I didn’t expect this year.”
John has been involved in bowling for 49 years and helped create the Bowling Federation of Saskatchewan. Marlene has coached, refereed, and served on numerous volleyball boards over the past half century.
Preston was named rookie of the year for the Pats in the 1969-70 season. He scored 127 goals in his NHL career and racked up 164 assists in 580 games.
After his playing career ended, he was an NHL assistant coach for numerous teams between 1991 and 2009. He took a break from the NHL to coach the Pats from 1995 to 1997.
Poulton has been involved in skiing since the late 60’s. After his son was paralyzed he took over the Regina Ski Club’s adaptive program and set up the annual fundraising event; The SaskTel Challenge Cupan.
He has helped more than 10 athletes advance to provincial and national competition including Para-Olympian Kurt Oatway.
The induction ceremony will be held on October 8th at Evraz Place.
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