Latest news indicates Ernie “Punch” McLean, the longtime BC junior hockey coach, has died at age 93 in May 2026 after a single-vehicle accident near Dease Lake, British Columbia. He is remembered for leading the New Westminster Bruins to multiple championships and for his influential role in Canadian junior hockey.[3][5][7]
Key notes:
If you’d like, I can pull together a concise timeline of his coaching career and a short bio for quick reference. I can also provide a summary of major tributes and statements from teams and hockey figures as reported in May 2026.
punch mclean died Friday in a single-vehicle accident, ending the life of one of New Westminster hockey’s defining figures. He was 93 years old and living in Coquitlam when he died.Patrick Singh, who had hosted McLean and other local dignitaries at Queen’s Park Arena on Wednesday to launch a statue …
www.el-balad.comWatch Remembering B.C. hockey legend Ernie ‘Punch’ McLean Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
globalnews.caErnie Punch McLean, the head coach who made New Westminster matter, has passed away at 93.
www.houseofhockey.netDease Lake RCMP and Provincial Emergency Program are searching for 77-year-old Ernie "Punch" McLean.
globalnews.caWayne Gretzky's former coach killed in car accident.
www.hockeyfeed.com