BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – You know you were a legend when you were simply known as Mr. Mac.
For 38 years, Jim McIntyre – Mr. Mac – was the heart and soul of the U18AAA Saskatoon Contacts. On Sunday afternoon, the current edition of the Contacts paid tribute to their former leader, who passed away January 15th at the age of 87.
“It’s a big loss,” said current head coach Ryan Keller. During Mr. Mac’s tenure with the Contacts, the organization won six provincial championships and one national title. But the stats and accolades were always a distant second to the importance of the players within the team.
“He remembered every kid that went through the program for 38 years,” said his son Kyle McIntyre on Sunday, after the ceremonial opening face-off at Merlis Belsher Place between the Contacts and cross-town rival Saskatoon Blazers.
Mr. Mac bought the team in 1982-83 and spent nearly 20 seasons behind the bench before becoming manager in the later years.
“The number one thing to Mr. Mac (on the ice) was hard work,” said Chris Jacobson, who was an assistant coach with the Contacts from 2007-2014. “He never wanted the team to get out worked.”
From the moment you walked into the arena on Sunday afternoon, you could see how deep the connection was between Mr. Mac and his players. There was a large table at the entrance to the concourse at Merlis Belsher Place that was full of photos and tributes from former players.
Former NHLers Cory Sarich, Byron Bitz, James Wright, Ryan Bayda and Sheldon Brookbank all had photo tributes on the table.
“Everything he did was in the best interest of the kids,” said Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association executive director Kelly Boes.
Added SMAAAHL President Lloyd Friesen: “He was passionate about kids and really wanted them to be good citizens in our community.”
