After 87 years of Junior “A” hockey in Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Blues are honoring the past with the creation of the Winnipeg Blues Hall of Fame. The purpose of creating the Winnipeg Blues Hall of Fame is to honor and recognize the accomplishments of past Players, Coaches and Builders who have made an impact on establishing the Winnipeg Blues as a cornerstone of Junior “A” Hockey in Manitoba.
Today, the Winnipeg Blues announced that Grant Ledyard is their first inductee to their newly created Winnipeg Blues Hall of Fame. Grant played with the Fort Garry Blues, now the Winnipeg Blues, from 1978-80 and 1981-82. In the 1981-82 season Grant was an integral part of the Blues winning the MJHL Championship. Grant went on to play 1028 NHL games recording 90 goals and 276 assists for 366 points on 8 NHL teams. Ledyard, a Winnipeg native growing up in River Heights, now resides in Buffalo, New York with his wife Liza and children Jacob (24) Ryall (22) and Taggart (21). The Induction ceremony will be prior to the Winnipeg Blues game vs. the Dauphin Kings Friday, February 3rd at the MTS Iceplex.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by the team that gave me a chance to play Junior “A”, and come back to Winnipeg and see all my friends and family” says Ledyard. Ledyards jersey #3 will be raised to the rafters of the home of the Winnipeg Blues. Grant will also be dropping the puck after a speech to the Winnipeg Blues faithful.
“The Winnipeg Blues have been a foundational part of Junior ‘A” hockey in Winnipeg for decades” says Billy Keane, the Head Coach and Blues Alumni of the Winnipeg Blues. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to start honoring the history of this storied MJHL franchise”.
Winnipeg Blues Ownership Group, including Dave Morris, Frank Hechter and Tom Kleysen, are thrilled with the excitement of the Winnipeg Blues Alumni Weekend which includes the Induction of Grant Ledyard on Friday night, and the 2nd Annual Winnipeg Blues Alumni Games on the Saturday, February 4th at the MTS Iceplex. The “Wiley Veterans” Alumni Game for players ages 45+ is scheduled for 5:15-6:15pm with the “Young Guns” Alumni Game for players ages 21-45 will be scheduled for 5:30-6:30pm. All Blues Alumni will receive the complimentary icetime, then head upstairs to the Press Box Lounge at MTS Iceplex for a Buffet and Beverage compliments of the Winnipeg Blues.
Media are invited for all of the February 3rd and 4th festivities, and have full access to the ceremony. Both Winnipeg Blues games each night have 7pm start times at the MTS Iceplex.
About the Winnipeg Blues:
The Winnipeg Blues are members of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, and were founded in 1930 as the Winnipeg Monarchs. The Blues have won 7 MJHL Championships, with their last being in 2014.
For Interview requests:
Winnipeg Blues Head Coach
Billy Keane 250-5565
Winnipeg Blues Communications Coordinator
Gus Gottfred 781-5258
gusgottfred@gmail.com