The Saskatoon Blades will add Lorne Molleken’s (pictured) name to the franchise’s Builders Banner that hangs from the SaskTel Centre rafters in a special pre-game ceremony prior to the final regular-season game on Saturday, March 21 against the Prince Albert Raiders.
In two stints as head coach of the Bridge City Bunch…1991 to 95, then 2004 to 2013…Molleken won over 500 games in 13 seasons and spent 10 of 14 campaigns with the Blue and Gold as General Manager. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in coaching victories and winning percentage. Following is the news release from the Blades…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are proud to announce former general manager and head coach Lorne Molleken will have his name added to the Builders Banner and raised to the SaskTel Centre rafters on Saturday, March 21st ahead of puck-drop against the Prince Albert Raiders (7:00pm). Lorne will forever be immortalized in Blades lore, honouring his 12 seasons, split over three decades, behind the Blades bench.
“This is going to be a very special night for Lorne and his family as we honour a true living legend who gave so much of himself to this team and the city of Saskatoon for so many years,” said Blades GM Colin Priestner. “I learned so much from Lorne in our time working together and consider him one of my biggest mentors. To have his name going up the rafters is going to be incredible to see, and it is so well deserved as one of the greatest coaches and managers in Blades history.”
“It is truly an honour and I’m very proud to be inducted into the Builders category,” said Molleken. “It was a privilege to be a part of the Saskatoon Blade organization for many years. The owners, the players, and staff have given me a lifetime of memories. I look forward to March 21st.”
Lorne will be on hand for a special pre-game ceremony at ice-level, and will reflect on some of the great memories and moments from his time in Saskatoon. He’ll be joined by his family, former staff members and players, and friends.
“Knowing Mooner, his speech is going to likely be one for the ages,” continued Priestner. “I’ve never heard someone tell stories like he can and even though half of them seem like can’t possibly be true, he swears they are. I’m sure our fans are going to be howling in the aisles at some of his wildest tales are retold as only Lorne can.”
Born and raised in Regina, Lorne’s esteemed coaching career with the Blades began in the 1991-92 season. He served as head coach for four campaigns before venturing into the AHL in 1995-96, and eventually landing the head coaching role with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1999-00. Following brief stints with the Regina Pats, San Jose Sharks, and Pittsburgh Penguins in the early 2000’s, Lorne returned to the Blades bench to start the 2004-05 campaign. That was the beginning of a seven-year tenure with the team as head coach. In 2011-12, Lorne was given the dual-role as General Manager and head coach, and took over sole GM duties in 2012-13 with the hiring of Dave Struch as his replacement on the bench.
Arguably the most impressive feat achieved by Lorne came on January 26th, 2011. The Blades legend became the 5th head coach in WHL history to achieve 500 career victories with a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings.
To date, Lorne is one of the most successful coaches in junior hockey history, donning a 539-325-58 record with 23 ties over his career with the Blades.
