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.
BRANDON - A longtime coach, general manager and scout was honoured by Manitoba Blue Cross and the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings during a recent game against the visiting Edmonton Oil Kings at Westman Place. The Wheat Kings are pleased to announce that Bill Maluta has been chosen - by western Manitoba hockey fans - as October's Manitoba Blue Cross Performer of the Month. A presentation to the 82-year old Regina Pats' scout was made during the first intermission of Friday night's game. Born in Benito, Manitoba in 1925, Maluta has been involved in hockey for five decades, coaching at the minor level from bantam to juvenile in Flin Flon from 1958-'82. During his 25 years in Flin Flon, Maluta was best known for winning seven provincial championships and coaching a future National Hockey League star by the name of Bobby Clarke. In addition to his days in Flin Flon, Bill spent eight years in the United States, coaching high school teams in Rochester, New York from 1983-'91. After returning to Manitoba, he served as manager of the Brandon AAA midget Wheat Kings and has been a scout with the Pats since 1995. In October, Bill was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in Winnipeg. Maluta becomes the first Manitoba Blue Cross Performer of the Month recipient for the 2007-08 campaign. This year marks the fourth season that western Manitoba hockey fans have been given the opportunity to visit the Wheat Kings' official web site and nominate coaches, volunteers, athletes and officials for this prestigious award.
