I was checking my stats from my blog tonight and I came across this link, it brought me back down memory lane: Tom Cochrane a Canadian wrote this song about former Sioux Hockey recruit George Pelawa. I like I mentioned earlier I had the opportunity to know big George Pelawa I played football with him in High School at Bemidji High School and he was as special athlete, God definately blessed him with unbelievable athletic gifts.
George Pelawa (1968-1986) was a high school hockey right winger[1] from Bemidji, Minnesota. Pelawa was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey in 1986 as the top high-school player in the state, beating out (among others) future National Hockey League player Lance Pitlick for the award.[2] He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft.[3]
Pelawa, who had planned to play for collegiately for the University of North Dakota,[4] was killed in an automobile accident just months after the draft.[1] Tom Cochrane's song "Big League" is rumoured to be about Pelawa. Cochrane says the lyrics are based on a true story, but does not assert the song is about Pelawa.[5] The Flames, meanwhile, honor Pelawa by offering a scholarship to Bemidji High School students in his name.[6]
The Flames, meanwhile, honor Pelawa by offering a scholarship to Bemidji High School students in his name.
ReplyDeleteClassy move!
There was a LOT of excitement in town when Pelawa announced he was coming to UND and when he was drafted.
ReplyDeleteI recall a buddy comment just how good the Sioux team would have been in 86-87 if Pelawa hadn't been killed.
It still makes me sad.
I saw Pelawa play a few times when my High School played Bemidji. I remember once he sort of nudged my teams best player when both were skating around our ends goalie net. Our best player was knocked as high as the top of the net. I think we lost that game 12 - 0.
ReplyDeleteAs a teenager I was convinced that he could have gone straight to the NHL. Who knows, but he is definitely one of my hockey heroes.