The Life and Legacy of Ernie “Punch” McLean

There are figures in hockey who leave a mark on the game—and then there are those who leave a mark on people. Ernie “Punch” McLean was undeniably both.

Beginnings: Love, Life, and Character

Long before the arenas, championships, and larger-than-life reputation, Punch McLean’s story truly began the day he met his wife, Fran during their school days.

I asked him how he met Fran and he mentioned that they went to school together and she was actually a track star which he gave a smile continuing to say that he was sitting on the side of a hill and she was running the track.

He was chatting with his buddies and he leisurely mentioned to them “you see her running the track –  well I’m going to marry her one day” and the rest is history which would never happen in today’s world. 

Their relationship became the foundation of everything that followed—a steady presence through the highs of hockey glory and the challenges that life would bring. 

Friends often said Fran was the quiet strength behind Punch’s fiery, passionate personality.

I asked her what it was like after one of the games when he came home and she simply mentioned “Oh Stevie – I was his sounding board and when he was done we just sat and watched TV.”

Building a Hockey Legacy

Punch’s coaching career would go on to define an era of junior hockey.

With the Estevan Bruins, he built a reputation as a demanding but deeply respected coach. His teams were tough, disciplined, and relentless—mirroring his own personality.

But it was with the New Westminster Bruins where his legend truly grew and under his leadership, the Bruins became one of the most dominant and feared teams in junior hockey during the 1970s. 

Punch wasn’t just coaching hockey—he was shaping young men, pushing them to their limits and beyond.

Players who came through his system often spoke about the life lessons they carried long after their playing days were over.

A Life Beyond the Bench

Hockey was only one chapter of Punch McLean’s life but when not behind the bench at one point in the late 70ties he was the President of the BCJHL which took an interesting turn when I was working with the BC Amateur Hockey Associating working in the development of officials.

One game we had that was played in the interior there was a quite the altercations which involved player suspensions which the referee took far too long to send in the report for Punch to make suspension decision.

When he finally spoke with the referee wanting to know why it took far too long the explanation seemed as he mentioned “false and made up” so Punch simply suspended the referee for not taking his job serious – and that was Punch!!

Away from the rink, he ventured into mining exploration—an entirely different world that still reflected his fearless and determined spirit. 

Whether behind a bench or out in the field, Punch was never one to shy away from risk or hard work.

Tragedy and Resilience

One of the most defining moments of his life came with a devastating plane accident. It was the kind of घटना that changes a person forever. 

For many, it might have marked the end of a public life—but for Punch, it became another chapter in a story defined by perseverance.

He carried on with the same grit that had defined his coaching career, earning even greater respect from those who knew him.

Community, Friendship, and Legacy

In later years, Punch remained deeply connected to the hockey community and the people around him.

His friendship with Steve Erickson became an important part of his story as they both shared a passion for the game and for keeping its spirit alive at the grassroots level sharing many a laugh at various games.

That spirit is perhaps best reflected in the Punch McLean Hockey Tournament—an event that celebrates not just competition, but camaraderie, history, and respect for the game.

A Simple Gesture, A Lasting Memory

One of the more personal and meaningful moments came when Steve Erickson presented Punch with a new 2026 Sportswave calendar. 

It was a simple gesture—but like many things in Punch’s life, it carried deeper meaning to him which symbolized recognition and the enduring connection between hockey, the community and their friendship.

A few years back Mark O’Neill and I put on a U18 hockey tournament which was in recognition for Punch which he and Fran spent hours watching the young players going in the dressing room talking to the players before the game.

For many if not all of the young players it was an experience they will never forget spending time with a Q&A session with the young players which they took to heart listening and learning.

The one year Mark and I hosted the U18 tournament which was held at the LEC which they donated a Gold Nugget as a winning prize which was from his mine which he actually mined when they were at the mine up north.

The Man Behind the Name

To many, Ernie “Punch” McLean was a coach, a competitor, and a legend.

But to those who knew him best, he was also a husband, a friend, and a man who lived life with intensity, loyalty, and heart.

His story isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about impact. 

The kind that echoes through locker rooms, communities, and generations of players who were lucky enough to be part of his world.

I could go on and on about what it was like to get to know the man behind the bench and the legend who has done more to grow hockey in BC than anyone I know but for me I’ll cherish my time with him and keep the memories forever alive!

RIP Punch – YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED!!!!!!