THUNDER BAY — A celebration of life will be held Thursday for former local hockey star and coach Ron Busniuk.
The ex-pro and Thunder Bay Twins forward passed away at the age of 75 on March 8 at his residence at the Southbridge Pinewood long-term care home.
Busniuk had a storied hockey career, starting with the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he earned a scholarship and was named an All-American in the 1969-70 season.
Upon graduation, he began an eight-year stint in the American Hockey League, National Hockey League and World Hockey Association, finishing with the WHA's Edmonton Oilers in 1977-78.
But retirement from the pro ranks hardly ended his accomplishments on and off the ice.
Busniuk returned home to star with the Thunder Bay Twins before going behind the bench to coach the team to two consecutive Allan Cup championships.
"He truly loved Thunder Bay, there was no doubt about that," said Diane Imrie, executive director of the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
"He was so well-respected in the hockey ranks and in the city as well. He was a great man, not just on the ice and on the baseball field, but he was just one of those nice guys."
Imrie noted he was an all-around athlete starting in his youth when he became a Canadian Little League baseball champion.
In pro hockey, she said, he was known for what she described as his "aggressive style," which left him in the top 10 in all-time penalty minutes in the WHA.
"There was no messing with Ron on the ice, but that's what you do when you're asked to defend your goalie and your fellow players. Ron did that quite well."
Busniuk was inducted into the NWO Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
"He was challenged by some physical ailments, but Ronnie on his double canes made his way up onto the stage, and he was pretty proud when he was inducted, as we are proud to have him as a member," Imrie said.
A celebration of life will take place March 14 at 1:00 p.m. in the Westfort Chapel at Gore Street and James Street.
