The Alumni recieved word today that another well known area hockey notable has done his last lap around the rink.

Left Winger Ed Kassian, passed away on June 6, at age 89, with numerous family at his side. Born May 8, 1933 in Vegreville Ed was scouted by legendary Oil Kings & Detroit bird dog Clarence Mohr. Ed rebuffed numerous offers from Mohr, & chose to play for the Prince Albert Mintos of the SJHL instead.

During that final Junior season of '52-'53 he was called up to the Vancouver Canucks of the then-Pro Western Hockey League for a 3-game Pro Tryout. Not to disappoint Ed picked up a goal & 2 assists during his brief stint with the New York Rangers top farm club that year. Some of his Vancouver teammates were Allan Stanley, Ivan Irwin, Frank & Andy Bathgate, Billy Dea, and  Gump Worsley. His performance got him a Pro contract for the following season, which Ed split between the Canucks, and New Westminster Royals.

   Another highlite in Ed's career was the 54-55 season, as a member of the Okanagan Senior League's Penticton Vees, with the club winning the World Amateur Chamionship, with a 5-0 whiewashing of the powerful Russian hockey club. Some of Ed's teammates with the Vees were their captain from Edmonton George McAvoy , Billy, Grant & Dick Warwick, along with Dino Maniago, and spare goaltender Don Moog, father of future NHLer Andy Moog.

    Ed was always popular among his teammates & took great pride in the fact he hailed from Vegrevilee, where he wound up his playing career in 1966 as a member of the Vegreville Rangers. He is the Grandfather of current 1260 TSN broadcaster & former NHLer  Matt Kassian, and was extremely close to his cousin, former Oil King and Oiler Dennis Kassian.  Rest easy, Ed.