Former NHL player and current President of Hockey Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights, George McPhee, along with author, speaker, and geographer James Raffan, were inducted into the John F. Ross CVI Hall of Fame on Friday, October 10.
The Hall of Fame celebrates notable alumni who have made significant contributions or achievements on the global stage. Past inductees include four-time Paralympian, Billy Bridges, and Alex Caudarella, a leading Canadian clinician on substance and addictions health care.
"I sat in those seats 50 years ago," McPhee told the auditorium of students during his acceptance speech before joking he was always sitting at the back. He went to explain how important his education was, even after signing with the New York Rangers.
"The point I'm trying to make is to learn as much as you can while you're here... learn now and learn something every day," he said.
Raffan, who is currently making his way home from the Arctic and couldn’t attend in person, sent a video message for the students.
"Reflecting a bit on this honour has allowed me to see how foundational [those] five years at John F. Ross was shaping who I am," Raffan said in the video.
Raffan’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids accepted the award on his behalf.