The ACTIHA was informed on Thursday February 25th of the passing of long time Ice Hockey supporter Max McKowen.
Max and his late wife Joan were fixtures in the ice hockey world both in Victoria and in the ACT. Max was the President of Ice Hockey Victoria back in the 1980's and a true ambassador of the sport. Both Joan and Max were involved with many of the Australian National Teams over the years. Joan passed in 1992 and has been recognised by Ice Hockey Australia with the Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy which was introduced in 1994 representing the Australian National women's hockey championship.
Over the past several years, I would receive an email or call from Max to let me know that he had some more training jerseys he wished to donate to the association, ones that he had obtained from the United States. These jerseys are a regular part of the Midget trainings.
In September of 2009, I had the pleasure of learning more about Max's history in hockey. He emailed me stories of times in which he was involved with the National Team visiting Edmonton during the Gretzky days. The team was training in Edmonton prior to heading off to the World Championships in Denmark. The team was invited to one of the Edmonton Oilers training sessions and had the opportunity to meet with many of the Oilers of that time.
Max also spoke of his involvement with Teen Ranch and hosting visitors Ron Ellis and Dave Burrows who were visiting Victoria in 1985. Both of these NHL greats stayed with Max and Joan during their stay. The Teen Ranch team enjoyed their visit to Victoria and were treated with a trip to an AFL game. In reciprocation, the NST and staff stayed at Teen Ranch (just outside Toronto) and were guests of the Toronto Maple Leafs at an NHL game. The team was welcomed with their name on the scoreboard.
In Max's own words - "all great memories"
Max, you will be missed. The ACTIHA offers its sympathies and condolences to Max's family at this very sad time.
Regards,
Paul Johnston - ACTIHA President