Gordon Fashoway - A WHL Legend and his Personal Memorabilia Collection
Left-Winger Gordon Fashoway signed with the Portland Buckaroos of the old WHL on August 31, 1960. "Fash" as his team mates called him was by then already the 3rd highest goal scorer in hockey history with 450 goals, trailing only Gordie Howe with 468 and Maurice 'The Rocket" Richard with 544. Gordon was familiar with Portland and the fans since he had played for the Portland Eagles in 1950-51.
At 34, the 180-pound veteran was counted on for first-line duty with the Bucks. He had played nine seasons with New Westminster in the old Pacific Coast League before moving to Victoria, while twice leading the league in goals scored. Fashoway broke into hockey with Kansas City in the old United States Hockey League and also played part of one season with the Chicago Black Hawks.
Fashoway's 1st season in Portland produced exactly the results that the Buckaroos hoped for when they signed him as he lead the team with 42 goals and assisted on 32, for a total of 74 points. In addition, it was his leadership and gritty style that helped the Bucks win the Lester Patrick cup. The Western Hockey League rewarded his efforts as the first winner of the new Fred J. Hume trophy as the most gentlemanly player in the Western Hockey League. Fash received the trophy - voted by sports writers for gentlemanly conduct combined with outstanding ability - from league President Al Leader at the Glass Palace (Memorial Coliseum).
On December 12, 1962 Gordon scored his 1000th point as a professional hockey player. He scored the point while driving the puck into the net behind the San Francisco Seals Goaltender, Jim McLeod at 15:47 of the third period. While the Glass Palace fans roared for Fashoway's goal, they really didn't know they were roaring too, for a bit of hockey history. In fact, even Fashoway himself didn't know he had just scored his 1000th point as a pro. When he was told that he had just scored his 1000th point, Fash's reply was "is that so". For Fashoway that was quite the statement since he always let his game speak for itself, rather than tooting his own horn.
On January 1, 1963 Gordon Fashoway announced at a morning conference that he would be retiring at the end of the season, ending a 15-year career as a professional hockey player. Hal Laycoe, went overboard as he lavished praise on Fashoway. Laycoe pointed out that Fashoway had been the only captain the Portland club had ever known and he credited Fash's inspired leadership as a major factor in the Buck's incredible success. The Buckaroo skipper also dipped into the past to reveal Fashoway's value as a player. "Back in 1951, New Westminster purchased Fash from the Chicago Black Hawks for $6500.00, which in those days was an astounding price, perhaps the equivalent of $45,000.00 (in 1963). "Well, all I can say is that it was the greatest investment any hockey club made."
On March 27, 1963 the Portland Buckaroos and their fans honored Fash with "Gordon Fashoway" night. On that night Gordon was presented with a 1963 station wagon from the club and fans that loved him a washer and drier from the team mates that so respected him golf clubs, cash and savings bonds from those who admired him and a wrist watch from his coach Hal Laycoe. Fashoway walked away from the game as the second highest goal scorer in all of professional hockey, with a new job as the first chief scout and director of player development for the Portland Hockey Club. He also received a telegraph of congratulations from the President of the NHL, Clarence Campbell as well as sincere praise from the president of the WHL, Al Leader. That night as he had so many other times, Gordon Fashoway did what he did best. He scored Portland's first goal in a 9-2 victory over Calgary that meant a championship.
When Fashoway final hung up his skates for good at the end of the 1963 season, the 37-year-old native of Manitoba had appeared in over 965 games and had bagged 560 goals (not including his NHL or USHL goals). In addition, Fash's achievements in the WHL were studded with record breaking marks. He had played in 842 regular season games, was the league's all-time top goal manufacturer with 485, scored 20 or more goals in 15 straight seasons, 30 or more goals in 11 seasons, 40 or more goals in six seasons, ranked fourth in points with 812 and seventh in assists with 359. Fash also scored 50 goals in a season twice; 52 with Kansas City in 1949-50 and 52 with New West Minster in 1951-52.
Gordon Fashoway would eventually also take over as the Coach and General Managers of the Portland Buckaroos in 1969 when Hal Laycoe left to take over as coach of the Los Angeles Kings. Fashoway lead the Buckaroos to a Lester Patrick Cup Championship in 1970- 71 before eventually stepping down as coach in 1972.
At 34, the 180-pound veteran was counted on for first-line duty with the Bucks. He had played nine seasons with New Westminster in the old Pacific Coast League before moving to Victoria, while twice leading the league in goals scored. Fashoway broke into hockey with Kansas City in the old United States Hockey League and also played part of one season with the Chicago Black Hawks.
Fashoway's 1st season in Portland produced exactly the results that the Buckaroos hoped for when they signed him as he lead the team with 42 goals and assisted on 32, for a total of 74 points. In addition, it was his leadership and gritty style that helped the Bucks win the Lester Patrick cup. The Western Hockey League rewarded his efforts as the first winner of the new Fred J. Hume trophy as the most gentlemanly player in the Western Hockey League. Fash received the trophy - voted by sports writers for gentlemanly conduct combined with outstanding ability - from league President Al Leader at the Glass Palace (Memorial Coliseum).
On December 12, 1962 Gordon scored his 1000th point as a professional hockey player. He scored the point while driving the puck into the net behind the San Francisco Seals Goaltender, Jim McLeod at 15:47 of the third period. While the Glass Palace fans roared for Fashoway's goal, they really didn't know they were roaring too, for a bit of hockey history. In fact, even Fashoway himself didn't know he had just scored his 1000th point as a pro. When he was told that he had just scored his 1000th point, Fash's reply was "is that so". For Fashoway that was quite the statement since he always let his game speak for itself, rather than tooting his own horn.
On January 1, 1963 Gordon Fashoway announced at a morning conference that he would be retiring at the end of the season, ending a 15-year career as a professional hockey player. Hal Laycoe, went overboard as he lavished praise on Fashoway. Laycoe pointed out that Fashoway had been the only captain the Portland club had ever known and he credited Fash's inspired leadership as a major factor in the Buck's incredible success. The Buckaroo skipper also dipped into the past to reveal Fashoway's value as a player. "Back in 1951, New Westminster purchased Fash from the Chicago Black Hawks for $6500.00, which in those days was an astounding price, perhaps the equivalent of $45,000.00 (in 1963). "Well, all I can say is that it was the greatest investment any hockey club made."
On March 27, 1963 the Portland Buckaroos and their fans honored Fash with "Gordon Fashoway" night. On that night Gordon was presented with a 1963 station wagon from the club and fans that loved him a washer and drier from the team mates that so respected him golf clubs, cash and savings bonds from those who admired him and a wrist watch from his coach Hal Laycoe. Fashoway walked away from the game as the second highest goal scorer in all of professional hockey, with a new job as the first chief scout and director of player development for the Portland Hockey Club. He also received a telegraph of congratulations from the President of the NHL, Clarence Campbell as well as sincere praise from the president of the WHL, Al Leader. That night as he had so many other times, Gordon Fashoway did what he did best. He scored Portland's first goal in a 9-2 victory over Calgary that meant a championship.
When Fashoway final hung up his skates for good at the end of the 1963 season, the 37-year-old native of Manitoba had appeared in over 965 games and had bagged 560 goals (not including his NHL or USHL goals). In addition, Fash's achievements in the WHL were studded with record breaking marks. He had played in 842 regular season games, was the league's all-time top goal manufacturer with 485, scored 20 or more goals in 15 straight seasons, 30 or more goals in 11 seasons, 40 or more goals in six seasons, ranked fourth in points with 812 and seventh in assists with 359. Fash also scored 50 goals in a season twice; 52 with Kansas City in 1949-50 and 52 with New West Minster in 1951-52.
Gordon Fashoway would eventually also take over as the Coach and General Managers of the Portland Buckaroos in 1969 when Hal Laycoe left to take over as coach of the Los Angeles Kings. Fashoway lead the Buckaroos to a Lester Patrick Cup Championship in 1970- 71 before eventually stepping down as coach in 1972.
Left-Winger Gordon Fashoway signed with the Portland Buckaroos of the old WHL on August 31, 1960. "Fash" as his team mates called him was by then already the 3rd highest goal scorer in hockey history with 450 goals, trailing only Gordie Howe with 468 and Maurice 'The Rocket" Richard with 544. Gordon was familiar with Portland and the fans since he had played for the Portland Eagles in 1950-51.
At 34, the 180-pound veteran was counted on for first-line duty with the Bucks. He had played nine seasons with New Westminster in the old Pacific Coast League before moving to Victoria, while twice leading the league in goals scored. Fashoway broke into hockey with Kansas City in the old United States Hockey League and also played part of one season with the Chicago Black Hawks.
Fashoway's 1st season in Portland produced exactly the results that the Buckaroos hoped for when they signed him as he lead the team with 42 goals and assisted on 32, for a total of 74 points. In addition, it was his leadership and gritty style that helped the Bucks win the Lester Patrick cup. The Western Hockey League rewarded his efforts as the first winner of the new Fred J. Hume trophy as the most gentlemanly player in the Western Hockey League. Fash received the trophy - voted by sports writers for gentlemanly conduct combined with outstanding ability - from league President Al Leader at the Glass Palace (Memorial Coliseum).
On December 12, 1962 Gordon scored his 1000th point as a professional hockey player. He scored the point while driving the puck into the net behind the San Francisco Seals Goaltender, Jim McLeod at 15:47 of the third period. While the Glass Palace fans roared for Fashoway's goal, they really didn't know they were roaring too, for a bit of hockey history. In fact, even Fashoway himself didn't know he had just scored his 1000th point as a pro. When he was told that he had just scored his 1000th point, Fash's reply was "is that so". For Fashoway that was quite the statement since he always let his game speak for itself, rather than tooting his own horn.
On January 1, 1963 Gordon Fashoway announced at a morning conference that he would be retiring at the end of the season, ending a 15-year career as a professional hockey player. Hal Laycoe, went overboard as he lavished praise on Fashoway. Laycoe pointed out that Fashoway had been the only captain the Portland club had ever known and he credited Fash's inspired leadership as a major factor in the Buck's incredible success. The Buckaroo skipper also dipped into the past to reveal Fashoway's value as a player. "Back in 1951, New Westminster purchased Fash from the Chicago Black Hawks for $6500.00, which in those days was an astounding price, perhaps the equivalent of $45,000.00 (in 1963). "Well, all I can say is that it was the greatest investment any hockey club made."
On March 27, 1963 the Portland Buckaroos and their fans honored Fash with "Gordon Fashoway" night. On that night Gordon was presented with a 1963 station wagon from the club and fans that loved him a washer and drier from the team mates that so respected him golf clubs, cash and savings bonds from those who admired him and a wrist watch from his coach Hal Laycoe. Fashoway walked away from the game as the second highest goal scorer in all of professional hockey, with a new job as the first chief scout and director of player development for the Portland Hockey Club. He also received a telegraph of congratulations from the President of the NHL, Clarence Campbell as well as sincere praise from the president of the WHL, Al Leader. That night as he had so many other times, Gordon Fashoway did what he did best. He scored Portland's first goal in a 9-2 victory over Calgary that meant a championship.
When Fashoway final hung up his skates for good at the end of the 1963 season, the 37-year-old native of Manitoba had appeared in over 965 games and had bagged 560 goals (not including his NHL or USHL goals). In addition, Fash's achievements in the WHL were studded with record breaking marks. He had played in 842 regular season games, was the league's all-time top goal manufacturer with 485, scored 20 or more goals in 15 straight seasons, 30 or more goals in 11 seasons, 40 or more goals in six seasons, ranked fourth in points with 812 and seventh in assists with 359. Fash also scored 50 goals in a season twice; 52 with Kansas City in 1949-50 and 52 with New West Minster in 1951-52.
Gordon Fashoway would eventually also take over as the Coach and General Managers of the Portland Buckaroos in 1969 when Hal Laycoe left to take over as coach of the Los Angeles Kings. Fashoway lead the Buckaroos to a Lester Patrick Cup Championship in 1970- 71 before eventually stepping down as coach in 1972.
At 34, the 180-pound veteran was counted on for first-line duty with the Bucks. He had played nine seasons with New Westminster in the old Pacific Coast League before moving to Victoria, while twice leading the league in goals scored. Fashoway broke into hockey with Kansas City in the old United States Hockey League and also played part of one season with the Chicago Black Hawks.
Fashoway's 1st season in Portland produced exactly the results that the Buckaroos hoped for when they signed him as he lead the team with 42 goals and assisted on 32, for a total of 74 points. In addition, it was his leadership and gritty style that helped the Bucks win the Lester Patrick cup. The Western Hockey League rewarded his efforts as the first winner of the new Fred J. Hume trophy as the most gentlemanly player in the Western Hockey League. Fash received the trophy - voted by sports writers for gentlemanly conduct combined with outstanding ability - from league President Al Leader at the Glass Palace (Memorial Coliseum).
On December 12, 1962 Gordon scored his 1000th point as a professional hockey player. He scored the point while driving the puck into the net behind the San Francisco Seals Goaltender, Jim McLeod at 15:47 of the third period. While the Glass Palace fans roared for Fashoway's goal, they really didn't know they were roaring too, for a bit of hockey history. In fact, even Fashoway himself didn't know he had just scored his 1000th point as a pro. When he was told that he had just scored his 1000th point, Fash's reply was "is that so". For Fashoway that was quite the statement since he always let his game speak for itself, rather than tooting his own horn.
On January 1, 1963 Gordon Fashoway announced at a morning conference that he would be retiring at the end of the season, ending a 15-year career as a professional hockey player. Hal Laycoe, went overboard as he lavished praise on Fashoway. Laycoe pointed out that Fashoway had been the only captain the Portland club had ever known and he credited Fash's inspired leadership as a major factor in the Buck's incredible success. The Buckaroo skipper also dipped into the past to reveal Fashoway's value as a player. "Back in 1951, New Westminster purchased Fash from the Chicago Black Hawks for $6500.00, which in those days was an astounding price, perhaps the equivalent of $45,000.00 (in 1963). "Well, all I can say is that it was the greatest investment any hockey club made."
On March 27, 1963 the Portland Buckaroos and their fans honored Fash with "Gordon Fashoway" night. On that night Gordon was presented with a 1963 station wagon from the club and fans that loved him a washer and drier from the team mates that so respected him golf clubs, cash and savings bonds from those who admired him and a wrist watch from his coach Hal Laycoe. Fashoway walked away from the game as the second highest goal scorer in all of professional hockey, with a new job as the first chief scout and director of player development for the Portland Hockey Club. He also received a telegraph of congratulations from the President of the NHL, Clarence Campbell as well as sincere praise from the president of the WHL, Al Leader. That night as he had so many other times, Gordon Fashoway did what he did best. He scored Portland's first goal in a 9-2 victory over Calgary that meant a championship.
When Fashoway final hung up his skates for good at the end of the 1963 season, the 37-year-old native of Manitoba had appeared in over 965 games and had bagged 560 goals (not including his NHL or USHL goals). In addition, Fash's achievements in the WHL were studded with record breaking marks. He had played in 842 regular season games, was the league's all-time top goal manufacturer with 485, scored 20 or more goals in 15 straight seasons, 30 or more goals in 11 seasons, 40 or more goals in six seasons, ranked fourth in points with 812 and seventh in assists with 359. Fash also scored 50 goals in a season twice; 52 with Kansas City in 1949-50 and 52 with New West Minster in 1951-52.
Gordon Fashoway would eventually also take over as the Coach and General Managers of the Portland Buckaroos in 1969 when Hal Laycoe left to take over as coach of the Los Angeles Kings. Fashoway lead the Buckaroos to a Lester Patrick Cup Championship in 1970- 71 before eventually stepping down as coach in 1972.