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Ernie “Punch” McLean, the celebrated B.C. hockey coach, died in a single‑vehicle crash near Dease Lake. His career spanned decades, shaping over a hundred NHL players and earning a lasting legacy in the sport.
Ernie “Punch” McLean, a celebrated coach and prospector, was killed in a single‑vehicle accident near Dease Lake. The article reflects on his impact on hockey, his community ties, and the investigation that followed.
Ernie “Punch” McLean, a revered figure in British Columbia hockey, was killed in a crash south of Dease Lake on May 8, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of over a century of WHL games, two Memorial Cup titles and a reputation that extended far beyond the rink.