Guelph native Bill McCreary is a deserving choice for induction in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
From the GuelphMercury.com
McCreary compiled an incredible career as a National Hockey League referee. In 26 years, he worked 1,737 regular season games, a record 297 more in the playoffs and was a regular selection to work the Stanley Cup finals. In fact, at one point, he was selected to referee 13 consecutive league finals — an assignment issued to the best and most respected at his former craft.
McCreary also worked three Olympic competitions and skated with generations of hockey superstars spanning Guy Lafleur to Sidney Crosby.
Despite all those high-pressure situations, McCreary is not associated with any big blown call or any situation that got away from him, either emotionally or otherwise. That says legions about the level he refereed at, and the professional manner with which he officiated during years of intense competition by the most fierce and skilled of rivals, with all sorts of things at stake.
Guelph also knows McCreary as an honourable, respectful and hardworking citizen.
He has brought pride to his hometown not just through his accomplishments and the humility he has maintained in achieving them, but through maintaining contact with the community in many ways, and in paying tribute to those who supported him professionally and otherwise.
He was a sportsman who encouraged sportsmanship and appreciated the behind-the-scenes people who made sports happen — even at the most amateur level. That’s much appreciated here as well.
We extend our congratulations to McCreary and his family on Monday’s announcement that he will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the 2014 class of inductees.
McCreary will go into the hall with a great class, and that’s fitting. Along with him, Dominik Hasek, Peter Forsberg, Mike Modano, Rob Blake and the late Pat Burns will also be inducted in November.
This caps an incredible career for McCreary, and it’s a well-earned and well-deserved honour.
Original and full article:
http://www.guelphmercury.com/opinion-story/4597585-hall-s-call-fitting-for-bill-mccreary