Vandalism hits the city of Winnipeg as statue of Dale Hawerchuk is defaced

Dale Hawerchuk is a name that echoes through the streets of Winnipeg, especially for fans of the Winnipeg Jets. Drafted first overall back in 1981, he quickly became a legend for the team and the city. His impact was so profound that a statue was erected in his honor outside Canada Life Centre, a perfect gesture for a true hockey icon.

Sadly, even this meaningful statue wasn't spared from the wave of vandalism sweeping through the city. According to the Winnipeg Free Press, the statue of Dale Hawerchuk, like many other landmarks around Winnipeg, has been defaced. It's disheartening to see such a cherished piece of the city's history and a symbol of pride for Jets fans, treated with such disregard.

Vandalism has been on the rise across the country, and it's particularly painful to see when it targets something so meaningful. The statue isn't just a piece of bronze metal and stone, as it represents a key figure in the Jets' legacy, someone who proudly wore the team's logo from 1981 until 1990 before moving on to the Buffalo Sabres, and later, the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers.

Dale Hawerchuk's battle with cancer, which he found out about in 2019, sadly ended his life in August 2020. His legacy, however, is still very much alive. Often considered the second-best player of the 1980s, just behind the great Wayne Gretzky, Hawerchuk's contributions to the game left a lasting mark. His influence extended far beyond his days as a player, as he continued to be involved in the game as a coach, manager, and even a mentor.

There will never be another Dale Hawerchuk. His impact on the game, the city of Winnipeg, the fans, and the Jets franchise will be felt for generations to come.

Source: House of Hockey
Winnipeg Jets statue of Dale Hawerchuk vandalized by angry fan