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Doug Wickenheiser
The induction of Doug Wickenheiser into the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame recognizes his outstanding major-junior career, NHL tenure, and lasting impact on the sport. His hockey journey began in Regina’s minor hockey system, where he developed into a formidable forward.
Wickenheiser played three seasons with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL), showcasing an incredible progression in his offensive game. In the 1978-79 season, the sophomore recorded 32 goals and 94 points, but it was his veteran performance that cemented his legacy.
During the 1979-80 WHL season, Wickenheiser exploded offensively, leading the league with 89 goals and 170 points. His dominant performance earned him the Bob Brownridge Memorial Trophy, now known as the Bob Clarke Trophy, as the WHL’s regular-season points leader. That season, he captained the Pats to a WHL championship, defeating the Victoria Cougars to claim the President’s Cup, now known as the Ed Chynoweth Cup. His leadership and an additional 45 points in the post-season helped Regina secure a third-place finish at the 1980 Memorial Cup.
Wickenheiser was recognized as the most outstanding player in the Canadian Hockey League that season, receiving the 1980 Player of the Year Award. The Regina Pats would later retire No. 12 in his honour.
The Montreal Canadiens selected Wickenheiser first in the 1980 NHL draft, making him the second Saskatchewan player to be drafted at No. 1 overall, behind Lloydminster’s Barry Gibbs in 1966.
Wickenheiser played 10 seasons (1980-90) in the NHL, suiting up for the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals. Across 597 NHL games, he recorded 115 goals and 287 points. He also played four seasons in minor professional leagues and in Europe before health issues ended his professional playing career in 1994.
He passed away in 1999 following a courageous battle with cancer at age 37.
Wickenheiser’s impact on hockey extended beyond his playing career. His humanitarian efforts were honoured when the WHL renamed its Humanitarian of the Year award the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy in 2001. The Regina hockey community also recognized his contributions by naming the Doug Wickenheiser Arena in his memory.