The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Former Flin Flon Bomber and first-ever captain of the Vancouver Canuck Orland Kurtenbach has another honour to add to his hockey resume. Kurtenbach, who laced up his skates for the first time when he was 11, was introduced as part of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2012. Though cut his first year as a youngster, he made the all-star team the following season. Kurtenbach is considered one of the 'most-accomplished athletes to emanate from Saskatchewan,' as The StarPhoenix put it. He was a proud member of the 1956-57 Memorial Cup-winning Bomber team. Previous to that, Kurtenbach was named the SJHL's top rookie after a strong season with the Prince Albert Mintos in 1954. Before signing with the Bombers, he was name the City of Prince Albert Athlete of the Year due to his achievements not only in hockey, but also in baseball. Kurtenbach joined the NHL in 1960 and stayed for 14 years, playing between the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leaps before joining the Vancouver Canucks in 1970. He was named the Canucks' first captain as well as the team's most valuable player for their first three NHL seasons. Honours But Kurtenbach's honours with the Canucks didn't end when he played his last game of pro hockey. In 2010 he became the inaugural inductee into the Canucks' Ring of Honour. Kurtenbach has been decorated many times for his efforts in hockey _ including the Hall of Fame induction. He has been inducted into five other halls of fame: the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, B.C. and Manitoba sports shrines, as well as the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame. By playing with the Bombers, Kurtenbach earned a spot in the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame as well. Now 75, Kurtenbach resides in Surrey, B.C., and is one of six athletes who will be inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame on June 16. Mike Mintenko of Moose Jaw will also be honoured, for his efforts and success in swimming. Vanessa Monar Enweani of Saskatoon was a prominent long-jumper at provincial and national levels. Fiona Smith-Bell, also of Saskatoon, played hockey with Team Canada and earned a Silver medal at the 1998 Winter Games. Donna Veale of Moose Jaw is earning her spot in the Hall of Fame through women's softball. The late Darcey Bussee grew up in Moose Jaw and was a five-time Canadian men's volleyball all-star.
