Plymouth Whalers Mourn the Death of Pat Peake, Sr.

Press Release

PLYMOUTH – The Plymouth Whalers mourn the death of long-time Whalers scout Pat Peake, Sr.

Peake worked for many years in the Detroit-area as a coach and talent evaluator and worked for the Whalers for over 20 years.

"Peaker was an integral part of our success," said Plymouth Whalers President, General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci.  "He had a keen eye for talent in the Detroit-area, and we selected many good players based on his evaluation.  He always spoke up for the players he believed in.  Peaker was a passionate hockey man who loved coming to the rink.  He will be missed."

Family will receive friends Thursday and Friday from 4-9 p.m. at the William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd, (3 blocks East of Van Dyke) in Utica, MI with a prayer service Friday at 7 p.m. In state on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass 11:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1071 E. Gardenia, Madison Heights, MI.

Peake’s son, Pat Peake, Jr. – was the first-ever player selected by the Whalers in 1990 when they were known as the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors.  Peake emerged as a dominant player in the Ontario Hockey League and was named the Canadian Hockey League and Ontario Hockey League Player of the Year in 1992-93.  He is the leading scorer in Whalers’ franchise history with 319 points over 162 games. Peake’s #14 jersey is the only jersey ever to be retired in Whalers’ franchise history.

Peake was selected in the first round (14th overall) by the Washington Capitals in 1991, but injuries cut his promising career short. Peake now coaches for the Honeybaked program in the Detroit-area.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)