Jason LaBarbera was 13 years-old when he moved with his family to Prince George.
That meant long bus trips to and from road games and hockey tournaments.
Those road trips made him more responsible and built long-lasting friendships.
Those road trips were also part of a long, rewarding journey for LaBarbera, who was inducted into the latest class, the 10th, of the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony Saturday night at the Hart Community Centre.
LaBarbera, a professional goaltender currently tending the crease for the Rockford IceHogs, the Chicago Blackhawks AHL team, couldn't attend Saturday's ceremony to receive his award. His dad Tony accepted it on his behalf.
Jason was a standout player in Prince George's rep hockey system and spent four seasons playing goal for the Portland Winter Hawks of the WHL. He had his best year in the 1997-98 season, posting a 18-4 record. That summer, he was drafted by the National Hockey League's New York Rangers in the third round, 66th overall.
He has since made stops for five other NHL teams and their affiliate AHL teams, earning accolades along the way.
Proud day Tony read a letter Jason wrote for his induction speech.
"You need a solid foundation of support and I can't thank my parents Tony and Debbie enough... they never once complained and as kid I didn't realize the commitment it takes," the letter said. "Never in a million years would I think I'd be drafted by the Rangers... I am truly honoured and humbled to be inducted into something like this."
LaBarbera, inducted under the professional athlete category, was among seven others who entered the Sports Hall of Fame Saturday.
Gibby Chasse pressed to provincial and national championships and records in powerlifting. He was inducted under the athlete category.
Ed Day, in his prime, was one of the top cross-country skiers in B.C., Canada and the world. He too was inducted under the athlete category.
Pat Harris, as a player, builder, and coach has been the driving force behind wheelchair basketball in B.C. for more than 35 years. He was inducted under the coach category.
Bjorger Pettersen became one of cross-country skiing's most influential builders in B.C. and Canada that spanned decades. He was inducted under the pioneer athlete category.
Bjorger's late father, John, was always known in Prince George as Mr. Cross-Country, pioneering the sport of cross-country skiing not only locally, but in B.C. and Canada. Founding the Hickory Wing Ski Club, he was involved in every aspect of the sport for almost 30 years. John Pettersen was inducted under the builder/administrator category.
Glen "Moose" Scott has worked tirelessly for more than 25 years so others can take up a stick and enjoy Canada's national summer sport, lacrosse. He has contributed to the betterment of lacrosse on local, provincial and national levels. Scott was inducted under the builder/administrator category.
As a coach, Dave Wood led Canada's national cross-country ski team to its highest pinnacle and greatest successes during the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics, guiding the team to three medals.
Wood was inducted under the coach category.
The eight inductees were selected from more than 33 nominations for the years 2012 - 2013.
For information on how to nominate a person for induction in 2016, go online to www.pgsportshalloffame.org
