Neil Colville

For those that love ice hockey and visiting Gary Point Park in Steveston, British Columbia, you cannot pass away a tribute to Neill Colville. A memorial bench was built in honor of this ice hockey legend. Neil Colville born in Edmonton, Alberta on August 4, 1914 and died on Dec. 26th 1987. Murray Murdoch, another Canadian ice hockey star, signed him to the New York Rangers in 1934. He played the center position for the Rangers.

He played for the New York Rangers until 1936; the year World War II started. He was enlisted in the Canadian’s army during the war. Neil Colville and his brother (another hockey player), played for the Ottawa Commandos Team; they won the Allan Cup in 1942. At the end of World War II, Colville returned to the New York Rangers. He came back as the team captain, but was moved to the defensemen position. He was a great team captain and performed well in his new role. By being a defensemen, it allowed to him to be considered the first player.

Neil Colville, his brother Mac, and Alex Shibicky, created one of the supreme lines in the history of the National Hockey League. It was called the "Bread Line", and was the key to winning the Stanley Cup Championship in 1940. Neil Colville's skills and ability made him an amazing player; he is included in the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 1950 and 1951 he coached the Rangers, however he had to leave due to health conditions. Once retired, Neil Colville invested in cable television, and in 1975 was member of the Hockey Hall of Fame's selection committee.