Vance inducted onto Raiders Wall of Honour during pregame ceremony

“I’m overwhelmed and the whole family is too,” said Vance during his first intermission interview. “The outshowing of support and passion from the people of Prince Albert and the hockey community is tremendous and it speaks volumes about this organization. Being a community-owned team is very special and very precious in the Western Hockey League – there’s only four of them and I think tonight you see the community responding to what was a very good run for us when we were involved with the hockey club. It’s a very proud moment.”

Vance spent 14 seasons with the Raiders from 2001-15 while being an influential part in bringing major sporting events to Prince Albert, such as bringing the ADT Challenge Cup to the Art Hauser Centre in 2009 where Team WHL faced off against Team Russia.

Later that year, he helped bring a World Junior pre-tournament game to Prince Albert ahead of the 2010 World Juniors in Saskatoon. He also played a major role for the Raiders in 2007 when the club won the WHL’s marketing award for Vance’s ticket sale ideas and for his home game promotions.

Bruce Vance is forever etched in the Raiders history as this plaque will hang in the Art Hauser Centre forever. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

“Bruce has been such a great person in this community and for the Raider organization,” said Raiders Head Coach Jeff Truitt postgame on Friday. “His innovation, his creativity throughout his years here and I know from being a visiting coach here that we’d always come down and say hello. I worked with Bruce in Lethbridge when he first started and when I first started and we’ve had that relationship from there. I’m proud to call him a friend and it was great to see that honour.”

On Friday before the plaque presentation and the ceremonial puck drop, videos from friends along with former co-workers and ex-Raiders were played on the jumbotron congratulating Vance on his incredible honour.

“Hey bagger, just wanted to congratulate you on being inducted into the Wall of Honour for the Prince Albert Raiders. I was fortunate to have worked with you for five years. [I] always was amazed with your commitment and dedication to the hockey club. I know you’re spending tonight with family and friends and just wanted to wish you all the best and congratulations.” – Peter Anholt, former Raiders Head Coach and Assistant Coach.

“Hello Bruce, congratulations on your induction onto the Wall of Honour. As a member of the Raider organization, I got to witness firsthand the many hats that a business manager has to wear. You attacked each task with the tenacity and passion that coaches love to see in players. Enjoy the evening, Bruce, with Liane, Johnny, Briane, and Jessica as it’s very well deserved.” – Dave Manson, Raiders alumni and former Assistant Coach.

“Hi Bruce, on behalf of Donn and myself, I’m so pleased to have this opportunity to send you congratulations on your induction to the Raiders Wall of Honour. Donn spoke so fondly of those years that he worked with you. He valued you as a co-worker and more importantly, he valued you as a friend. We wish you all the best.” – Betty Clark, wife of former WHL alumni and former Raiders General Manager Donn Clark.

Also sending their congratulations via video were Raider alumni and current NHLer Josh Morrissey, family friend and NHL legend Wendel Clarke, and former Raiders Head Coach and Assistant Coach Wade Klippenstein, among others.

Vance is the 34th person to be inducted onto the Raiders Wall of Honour, the 16th person to be inducted into the builder category.

The Raiders Wall of Honour. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

by Logan Lehmann

Vance inducted onto Raiders Wall of Honour during pregame ceremony

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