YORKTON - For only the fourth time in Yorkton Terrier history – now more than 50 years – the team has retired a jersey of a former star.
Saturday Ed Zawatsky’s #14 was lifted to the Westland Insurance Arena rafters prior to the Terriers hosting LaRonge in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action.
Previously only three had been hung from the arena rafters based on player merit; Darrell Spelay, Barry Marianchuck and Bob Burak. Other banners do hang to remember players who died tragically as Terriers.
In a team release it was noted ‘Proud Past, Bright Future’ has been the team’s slogan this season.
Saturday’s 小蓝视频 was highlighting “a significant part of the organization’s history,” stated the release.
“I am truly grateful to have my number retired alongside the other greats who have received this honor,” said Zawatsky in the release “I am a lifelong friend of Barry Marianchuk and have so much respect for him. I also watched Darrell Spelay dominate the SJHL—it would have been great to play alongside those two legends, so it’s pretty cool to have my jersey hang beside theirs.”
Zawatsky also highlighted the importance of his family in this special moment.
“It will be special for me to have my parents in attendance and share this honour with them. My mom Cathy and dad Clarie rarely missed a game when I was playing or coaching. They always watched my son Alec play for the Terriers, and now they watch my nephew Jye. This will be an honor shared by my entire family,” he added.
Zawatsky left a definite mark on the Yorkton Terriers’ record books. He holds the single-season points record with an astounding 158 points during the 1986-87 season, a year in which he scored 68 goals. His 158-point campaign ranks ninth in SJHL history.
In total, he amassed 108 goals and 133 assists, tallying 241 points over 122 games in a Terriers uniform, placing him sixth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list.
Zawatsky told Yorkton This Week his feelings regarding the honour have actually evolved over time.
“I feel as I’ve gotten older I’m more humble,” he said, adding that left him initially questioning if he deserved the recognition. “Do I deserve this? There are a lot of great players.”
Then Saturday arrived and the self-doubt evaporated.
“Today it hit me. I was really excited,” he said.
When looking back on what was only a couple of seasons as a player with the Terriers Zawatsky said a specific memory does not rush to mind. Instead it is just an SJHL career in its entirety fondly-remembered – especially the big point season.
“That whole season really was a fun one,” he said.
That said while Zawatsky piled up offensive points, he said he would have of course most desired a championship.
“We didn’t get it done. We ran into Humboldt both years and they were a powerhouse,” he said.
After his time in Yorkton, Zawatsky took his talents south to play NCAA Division I hockey at Colorado College before turning pro. He had stints in the ECHL and AHL before heading overseas to Germany, where he played for nine seasons and recorded four 100-point campaigns.
Following his final year overseas, Zawatsky returned to Yorkton, stepping behind the bench as an assistant coach for two seasons before taking over as head coach in 2005-06. He guided the team to two league titles and led them to the 2006 RBC Cup Final.
The final was another moment as a Terrier Zawatsky wishes had ended differently – a Terrier loss to the Burnaby Express lead by future NHLer Kyle Turris.
“I thought we were well-prepared,” said Zawatsky, adding even today he questions if perhaps he made the wrong decision regarding his choice of goaltending between Lynden Sammartino and Brett Bothwell. That said he has gotten to the point he can watch the final on YouTube.
