Catch You On The Rebound: Legacy on Ice
The Stewart Family and the Heart of Fort McMurray’s Sports Culture
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Dale Unruh Jr. talks on behalf of the 1988-1989 Fort McMurray Midget Barons
Fort McMurray has a rich sports culture, highlighted by the notable contributions of local families who have made an impact.
Surnames’ Pratt, Ewashko, Campbell, Altares, Frank, Vigilance, Harpe, Stokes, Dawson and Versfeld to name a few.
However, one surname that garnered recognition recently is the Stewart family, whose three brothers—Bobby, Danny, and Jay—being inducted into the 2024 Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (WBSHF) for their hockey careers.
Bobby, born in 1974, began his junior hockey career with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. His impressive performance as a left winger earned him the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year title in the 1992-1993 season.
Following his success in junior hockey, Bobby played for the University of Maine Black Bears, where he helped secure the 1998-1999 NCAA Division I hockey championship. His professional journey spanned 14 years, during which he attained all-star status and won championships in several semi-professional leagues.
Danny, who was born in 1979, is renowned for his international hockey career. After spending some time in the NCAA and North American semi-professional leagues, he took his talents to the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) in the United Kingdom.
He has gained legendary status in the EIHL with an 18-year career and still counting, in the role of player and/or coach. He holds the record for the most games played by an international player with 802.
Jay, born in 1977, also made significant contributions during his time at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he helped lead the NCAA Division III Yellowjackets to four consecutive Frozen Final Four appearances, culminating in a 2001-2002 title.
All of the WBSHF inductees in the Class of 2024 were given rings and framed paintings.
Unfortunately, Bobby and Danny were unable to attend the ceremony due to work commitments, but Danny’s ring and painting were hand-delivered a few days later at the Nottingham Panthers’ home rink in England where he is head coach.
Interestingly, Diane Phillips, this columnist’s wife, was in England to support her brother, one of the owners of the Cardiff Devils, during their EIHL game against the host Nottingham Panthers.
Diane had also showcased her musical talents by providing piano entertainment at the WBSHF remony which was held in conjunction with the Wood Buffalo Sports Connection awards.
In addition to the Stewart brothers, the Class of 2024 also honoured boxer Danny Lindstrom (posthumously), wrestler Trish Leibel and the 1988-1989 Fort McMurray Midget Barons.
Receiving the award for Lindstrom was his daughter Poppy De’l, “With his victories they weren’t just for him but for our community, our family and for Fort McMurray as well and Fort McMurray 468 First Nation. I feel like he stood tall when he won. When he won, so did everyone else. “
Speaking on behalf of the 1988-1989 Fort McMurray Midget Barons was Dale Unruh Jr. taking to the crowded podium with the rest of his teammates.
“To be quite frank with you...it changed my life. I know it was a long time ago and we are old men up here. But we went out last night and it was like we were 15 again.
“We had some guys that were misfits and liked trouble and we got lots of penalties. (Coach) Dave Tease brought us together and taught us that discipline was key and I learned a life lesson from that.”
Unruh then turned and looked at his teammates and said, “I love you guys!”
The Joy of Sport. That is what it is all about.
Catch you on the rebound!
Photo 1: Poppy De’l unveils the plaque of her father Danny Lindstrom (Stonewalker).
Photo 2: Painting by Kelvin Sawatzky for WBSHF Class of 2014
Photo 3: Dale Unruh Jr. talks on behalf of the 1988-1989 Fort McMurray Midget Barons
Photo 4: Diane Phillips (right) presents Danny Stewart with a WBSHF Class of 2024 ring and framed photo.
About the author
Curtis J. Phillips
Honoured with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022, Phillips has been a Founding Father of various sports events and organizations, including the high school Challenge Cup (1984) and Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (2000). He has been inducted into three Sports Halls of Fame to date and was the inaugural recipient of two national tributes recognizing community involvement.