2025 VETERANS INDUCTION LUNCHEON
On December 17, 2025 the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame held its Veterans Induction ceremony at the Press Box Restaurant at The Hockey For All Centre Iceplex.
The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame’s inaugural Class of 1985 included a large list of Inductees. 11 Builders, 70 Players, 32 Championship teams. The names were initially put forth by a committee made up of local players, sportswriters and hockey historians. Over the past 40 years, the Hall has added hundreds of Inductees in all categories.
In 1985, research on potential Inductees came from word-of-mouth, oral histories or laborious micro-fiche searches through newspaper archives at the local library. Today, the Internet has changed all that and its become apparent to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame that there were many names of deserving Inductees whose accomplishments have been overlooked over time.
In 2015, a Veterans Committee was formed and tasked with searching out individuals and teams that excelled at the sport over 50 years ago. Two to three Inductees would be recognized at our bi-annual gala dinners. In 2023, the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame hosted the first Veterans Luncheon dedicated solely to Inductees put forth by the Veterans Committee.
Four Players, a Builder and a Team were inducted this year and the 2025 Veterans Inductees are all worthy recipients of this honour. The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame is proud to welcome them all!
The 2025 Veteran Inductees are;
JD Pratt (BUILDER)
John Downing (JD) Pratt was instrumental in shaping organized hockey in Manitoba. In 1914, he co-founded the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) and triggered the creation of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA). As the sport grew, Pratt recognized the need for structure and fairness, ensuring the Allan Cup would remain an amateur prize despite the rising influence of money in the sport. His leadership laid the foundation for standardized rules and fair competition, bridging regional divides across Canada. Pratt’s efforts ensured that hockey remained true to its amateur roots, fostering the growth of the sport across the nation. His lasting legacy remains in the values of sportsmanship and fair play that he championed throughout his career.
The Winnipeg Olympics (TEAM)
The Winnipeg Olympics joined the Winnipeg Ladies Senior Hockey League (WLSHL) in 1933. Between 1936 and 1939, the team dominated regional competition, winning multiple titles and representing the West in national championships. The Olympics built a fierce rivalry with the Preston Rivulettes of Ontario, with notable matchups including a memorable 1937 Dominion Championship series. Despite narrow losses, the Olympics showcased Western Canada's talent, earning praise for their skill and determination. The outbreak of WWII in 1939 halted the championships, but the Olympics' legacy as Western champions and their role in elevating women's hockey in Canada endures.
Al Millar (PLAYER)
Al Millar, had a nomadic 20-year hockey career with 21 teams in 11 leagues. Starting with the Winnipeg Canadians, he played across various leagues, including the AHL, USHL, and Western Hockey League (WHL). In 1957, he briefly played in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, marking a highlight in a career that spanned from 1947 to 1970. Millar earned multiple all-star selections and top goalie honors during his time in the WHL, especially with the Seattle Totems and Denver Invaders. After retiring, he left behind a legacy as one of the most respected goalies in professional hockey. Millar passed away in 1987.
Helge Bostrom (PLAYER)
Helge Bostrom, born in Winnipeg in 1894, made his NHL debut at age 36 after a varied career in military leagues and Western Canada. A tough defenseman with a booming shot, he helped Edmonton win the WCHL title in 1923 before joining the NHL with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1930. Bostrom became a fan favorite known for his physical style, and despite a severe ankle injury in 1931, he returned to the game and was named team captain. After retiring, he served as a player-coach and later assistant coach for Chicago. Bostrom's resilience and leadership left a lasting impact on the Black Hawks and the NHL. He passed away in 1977.
Ron Matthews (PLAYER)
Ron Matthews, a durable and reliable defenseman, had a standout 19-season career in the minor professional leagues, primarily in the PCHL/WHL. Born in Winnipeg in 1927, Matthews excelled in both hockey and baseball before making his professional debut in 1947. He became known for his smart play and offensive contributions, especially with the New Westminster Royals, where he earned multiple 40-point seasons.
In 1959, Matthews joined the Victoria Cougars for one season before moving to the Portland Buckaroos in 1960. Between 1960 and 1962, Matthews scored 29 goals and added 76 assists for 105 points in 140 games. His stellar play helped lead Portland to a Patrick Cup championship in 1960/61. That same season, he chipped in nine points in 14 playoff games.
Following his time in Portland, Matthews spent four more seasons with the Vancouver Canucks (WHL), providing veteran leadership and solid two-way play well into his late 30s. Even as the league became faster and more competitive, he remained a reliable presence, producing a 50-point season in 1964/65. Matthews’ consistent excellence earned him four WHL All-Star selections.
Ron Matthews passed away in 2014 at the age of 87.
Harry Bueckert (PLAYER)
Harry Bueckert, was a prolific scorer in Manitoba's Intermediate and Senior hockey leagues. After a standout junior career with the MJHL Winnipeg Rangers, he became a prolific scorer with Altona Maroons in the South East Manitoba Hockey League (SEMHL), where he set scoring records and won two league scoring titles. Bueckert also played for the Warroad Lakers and Flin Flon Warriors, winning a Canadian Intermediate crown with Flin Flon in 1965 and another with Warroad in 1974. He would add two Senior scoring titles and help the St. Boniface Mohawks to the 1973 Allan Cup final. Bueckert retired with 239 goals and 270 assists in 200 SEMHL games. He later coached in the MJHL and WCHL.