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Former Golden Bears goalie passes away
EDMONTON - Former University of Alberta Golden Bears' hockey
goaltender Dale Masson passed away June 20, at the age of 36. He
was participating in the Kananaskis 100 km relay run at the time, a
race he has run with his law firm associates since 2005.
Masson obtained two Bachelor degrees from the University of
Alberta, acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
in 1999, and then getting his Bachelor of Law in 2004. He was
called to the Alberta Bar in 2005 and has since worked as an
associate at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP in Calgary, AB.
The five-year Golden Bear spent four seasons as the starter for
the U of A men's hockey team, winning one national championship and
accumulating seven team records.
Masson, an Edmonton native, joined the Bears for the 1994-95
season after a five-year Western Hockey League career with
Kamloops, where he was a back-up to Corey Hirsch, and Victoria. He
won a Memorial Cup with the Blazers in 1992 before being dealt to
Victoria for Steve Passmore during the 1992-93 season. In his time
under an Evergreen and Gold jersey, he set the team career records
for: most career Canada West Hockey games played (92), most shots
against (2382), and most saves (2136). He also set single-season
records for: most Canada West Hockey games played (26 in 1995-96),
minutes played (1539:21 in 1995-96), shots against (750 in
1995-96), and saves (676 in 1995-96). He ranks among Golden Bears
career leaders in several Canada West Hockey categories: 1st in
games (92), 2nd in minutes played (5176:49), 6th in shutouts (4),
3rd in wins (60), 3rd in ties (6), 1st in shots against (2382), and
1st in saves (2136). He backstopped Alberta to their ninth CIS
championship in the 1998-99 season and was twice named a CIS
All-Canadian (1997, 1998). He was also a three-time CIS Academic
All-Canadian (1996, 1997, 1998) and he twice won the Adam Kryczka
Memorial Trophy for lowest goals-against average in the Canada West
regular season (1996, 1998).
Masson was chosen to represent a group of Canada West Hockey
All-Stars that represented Canada at the 1996 Nagano Cup
pre-Olympic tournament, where he was named the tournament's
outstanding goaltender, and the 1997 World University Games in
South Korea, where he collected a bronze medal.
He was one of four Golden Bears selected to play in the World
University Hockey Challenge between the CIS and the NCAA in
Detroit, Michigan in April 1997 and 1998.
After receiving his first Bachelor degree in 1999, he spent two
years playing hockey in the United States, in the East Coast Hockey
League (Pensacola Ice Pilots) and the Central Hockey League
(Wichita Thunder and San Antonio Iguanas), before returning to
Edmonton and achieving his Bachelor of Law degree from the U of A.
After graduation, he became an associate with Burnet, Duckworth
& Palmer LLP in Calgary, joining former Golden Bears Jay Reid
and Tom Mix.
Dale is survived by his wife Tanya and his two sons - Wyatt (2)
and Sam (2 months).
A Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Park
Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, June 26, 2009 at
3:00 p.m. Please forward condolences through
www.mcinnisandholloway.com . In lieu of flowers, financial
contributions may be made to assist with the well-being of this
young family. Donations may be sent directly to Burnet, Duckworth
and Palmer LLP, 1400, 350 - 7 Avenue, S.W., Calgary, AB T2P 3N9,
Attn. Wayne Weger. Cheques should be made payable to Burnet,
Duckworth & Palmer LLP, in trust for the Masson Family
Trust.
AWARDS &
HONORS
· CIS All-Canadian; 1996-97, 1997-98
· CIS Academic All-Canadian Team; 1996-97, 1997-98,
1998-99
· Canada West Hockey First Team All-Star; 1996-97,
1997-98
· Canada West Hockey Second Team All-Star; 1995-96
· Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy (Canada West Hockey Lowest
Goals-Against Average); 1995-96, 1997-98
· Andy Purcell Hockey Trophy (Golden Bears MVP);
1996-97
· Vic Dzurko Memorial Trophy (Golden Bears Outstanding
Defensive Player); 1995-96
· Canada West Hockey - Western Hockey League Graduate of
the Month; January 1996
· Member of CIS University Cup national championship team;
1998-99
· Member of Canada West Hockey conference championship
team; 1996-97
· Member of Canada West Hockey All-Stars that represented
Canada at the 1996 Nagano Cup pre-Olympic tournament and the 1997
World University Games in South Korea. Was named the outstanding
goaltender of the Nagano Cup by the tournament directorate as he
backstopped Canada to the silver medal. Also earned a bronze medal
at the World Student Games.
· One of four Golden Bears selected to play in the World
University Hockey Challenge between the CIS and the NCAA in
Detroit, Michigan in April 1997 and 1998.
RECORDS
· Holds the Alberta Golden Bears record for most career
Canada West Hockey games played (92), most shots against (2382),
most saves (2136)
· Holds the Alberta Golden Bears single season records for
most Canada West Hockey games played (26 in 1995-96), minutes
played (1539:21 in 1995-96), shots gainst (750 in 1995-96) and
saves (676 in 1995-96)
· Ranks among Golden Bears career leaders in several Canada
West Hockey categories: 1st in games (92), 2nd in minutes played
(5176:49), 6th in shutouts (4), 3rd in wins (60), 3rd in ties (6),
1st in shots against (2382), 1st in saves (2136)
Source:
Matt Gutsch
Communications with files from Steve Knowles
Alberta Golden Bears
