Former NHLer Byron Ritchie heads the Delta Sports Hall of Fame's class of 2012.
The 35-year-old product of the North Delta Minor Hockey Association was selected in the seventh round of the 1995 NHL Draft by the Hartford Whalers. He went on to play three years with the organization after the team moved to Carolina. Ritchie also made stops in Florida, Calgary and Vancouver, playing over 300 games in the NHL. The 5-foot-10 centre finished with 58 points, including 25 goals. He has continued his career in Europe, playing this past season with Bern of the Swiss-A League.
Ritchie is one of eight inductees in this year's class. The list also includes Mike Pistor, longtime manager of the B.C. Junior Baseball League powerhouse Delta Dodgers. Others to be honoured are: Elizabeth Boyd (curling, builder), Dean Bauck (athlete, track and field), Al Nagata (coach, softball, ice hockey), Delta '90 Heat (team, softball), George Koka (pioneer, baseball, softball, soccer) and Steve Krawchuk (sponsor, Ladner and Tsawwassen McDonald's).
The evening will also include the Sports Champions, honouring athletic achievements in the past 12 months. This group features Joy Fera (masters athlete, alpine skiing), Andrew Kavera (youth athlete, field hockey), Jocelyn Cater (youth athlete, softball), Chelsea Buckland (athlete, soccer), Tanya McLean (athlete, softball), Kyle Lotzkar (pro athlete, baseball) and the Burnsview senior girls soccer team.
The Delta Sports Hall of Fame Banquet takes place Saturday, June 16 at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased/reserved through Delta Gymnastics at 604-943-0460.
