In Prince George Cougars lore, it's known simply as "the hit."
Cory Sarich of the Seattle Thunderbirds was on the giving end and Quinn Hancock of the Cats was on the painful-looking receiving end.
"The hit" happened on Prince George Multiplex ice during the 1997-98 Western Hockey League season and was later shown to a national audience on Hockey Night In Canada's Coach's Corner.
Hancock, a 20-year-old forward who was in the midst of a record-setting season, was striding across his own blueline while taking an ill-advised pass from inside his zone. As soon as he got the puck and turned to head up ice, he was crushed shoulder-to-chest by Sarich. The devastating impact sent Hancock into a full backwards/sideways cartwheel, in the manner of a drunken rag doll.
The coach himself, Don Cherry, proudly pointed out to his viewers that not only did Hancock get up, he went on to score a pair of goals that night. Cherry included the Sarich-Hancock collision on his Rock 'Em Sock 'Em 10 video. Meanwhile, on YouTube -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MKtA_nJLbc -- the clip has been viewed more than four million times.
Why the trip down memory lane? Because Hancock will be back in Prince George Aug. 15-16 for the second annual Prince George Cougars Alumni Hospital Charity Golf Tournament and will no doubt be sharing old stories with those in attendance. Some will be former teammates -- guys like Blair Betts, Trent Hunter, Justin Cox, Tyler Brough, Ronald Petrovicky and Brad Mehalko. Others will be folks who have registered to swing their clubs in the very worthwhile event, which will raise money for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.
The whole thing will get going with a meet-and-greet and silent auction at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club on the Thursday night. Among the "items" up for grabs will be Cougars alumni. Winning bidders will play 18 holes on the Friday with the bought-and-paid-for Cat as part of their group. The day of golf will end with a catered barbecue dinner and prize giveaways.
For old-time Cougars fans, what a sweet opportunity. Cost is $250 per player, while extra dinner tickets can be purchased for $50. People must register by July 31 and can do so by going to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation website and looking under 'Third Party Events.'
Hancock, by the way, did much more as a player than make Sarich's greatest hits package. In that 97-98 WHL campaign, he set Cougar records for goals (54), assists (58), and points (112), all of which still stand today. He turned his huge offensive potential into an opportunity with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League and ended up playing minor pro in North America until 2000-01. After that, he headed overseas and carved out a nice career in Europe.
Who are some of the other ex-Cats who will be teeing up in the name of charity? While the list is subject to change, it includes Dan Hamhuis, Brett Connolly, Nick Drazenovic, Eric Hunter, Dan Gibb, Ty Wishart, Brock Hirsche and Spencer Asuchak.
Hamhuis, of course, is a core defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks and Connolly is fresh off a run to the Calder Cup championship series with the American Hockey League's Syracuse Crunch. Drazenovic is coming off his own stellar year with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL, while Eric Hunter and Gibb helped the Stockton Thunder advance to the ECHL's Kelly Cup playoff final against the Reading Royals.
So yeah, there will be plenty of tales to be told and the golf course will be in its best shape of the year.
Hockey and golf have always meshed together beautifully and when you throw in the charity angle, this will be a can't-miss event.
Even if there are a few wayward tee shots.
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