Friday, January 20, 2012

Brent Peterson Set For Hawks Hall of Fame on Feb. 3

Press Release

Former Winterhawks team captain and head coach Brent Peterson, who guided the team to the 1998 Memorial Cup, will be inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame on Friday, February 3. The ceremony will take place prior to that night’s game against the Everett Silvertips at 7 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

“Brent is one of the pillars of the Winterhawks’ history, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to induct him into the franchise’s Hall of Fame,” said Winterhawks President Doug Piper. “His accomplishments as a player and coach are second to none, and his efforts to raise awareness and funds in the battle against Parkinson’s Disease are an inspiration.”

“With all of the people the team could put into the Hall of Fame, I’m honored to be inducted. I love the Winterhawks. This is a wonderful thing for my family and me,” said Peterson. “I’m sure I’ll be a little emotional with what’s gone on with my surgeries. But my last game as a Winterhawk was the Memorial Cup, and that was a special time. It’s a real honor to come back and do this.”

Along with his accomplishments as a player and coach, Peterson is also active in raising awareness and funds in the battle against Parkinson’s Disease. The Peterson Foundation For Parkinson’s (PFP) mission is to educate and raise awareness of the devastating effects of Parkinson’s Disease. PFP raises funds to benefit Parkinson’s related research, education and support groups in the Middle Tennessee area and nationally.

The Winterhawks will be holding auctions throughout the game for one-of-a-kind items, with all proceeds benefiting PFP.

Peterson moved to Portland with the team in 1976, and was the first captain of the Winterhawks. In two seasons with Portland, Peterson scored 67 goals and added 128 assists for 195 points in 120 games.

He went on to a 12-year playing career in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks and Hartford Whalers, during which time he scored 72 goals and added 141 assists for 213 points in 620 career games.

Following his playing career, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the Whalers before returning to Portland and spending two seasons as an assistant coach.

Peterson took over as head coach prior to the 1993-94 season, winning 49 games that season. In five seasons behind the bench Peterson amassed a record of 198-137-20. He led the Hawks to the playoffs in all five seasons, collected 45 or more wins in three seasons, and in 1997-98 guided the franchise to its second Memorial Cup.

Peterson then left the Winterhawks to join the expansion Nashville Predators as an assistant coach, and was promoted to associate coach in 2003. Peterson remained behind the bench through the end of last season, and is now an advisor in their hockey operations department.

Tickets to the game are available at winterhawks.com, the Rose Quarter box office and the Winterhawks’ ticket office inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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