A local indigenous hockey player who went on to success in the NHL now has his name permanently enshrined in the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame.
Ron Delorme was one of eight inductees into the Hall on Saturday.
Born in North Battleford, Delorme grew up in Cochin and he played his minor hockey in the area before playing junior with Prince Albert of the SJHL and Swift Current of the WHL. He had a long NHL career. He was drafted by Kansas City Scouts, and after the team moved to Denver he spent four seasons with the Colorado Rockies. He then moved to the Vancouver Canucks, where he helped the team go to the1982 Stanley Cup finals. After his playing days ended Delorme stayed with the Canucks organization in scouting capacities.
Delorme went by the nickname “Chief” and was well regarded by aspiring First Nation hockey players. Delorme was well known for mentoring and encouraging First Nation players to pursue the game.
Delorme was inducted in the player category.
Other inductees this year were players William (Bill) Hicke and Hayley Wickenheiser, builder John Kelly Lovering and official Lyle Wilhelm of Moose Jaw. Grassroots inductees were Larry Johnson and Dennis Loeppky and inducted in the team category were the 1987-88 Notre Dame Hounds.
The induction ceremony took place in Swift Current July 7.
