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WHL Legend Ernie “Punch” McLean, 93, Dies in BC Crash

5/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ernie “Punch” McLean, 93, died after his car went down an embankment 30 km south of Dease Lake, British Columbia.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived at 12:15 p.m. Friday and confirmed McLean was the victim.
Investigators said McLean swerved off the road and was ejected, but have not determined a cause.
He coached 1,067 WHL games, won five league titles and prompted a statue campaign at Park Arena.

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Story summary

Ernie “Punch” McLean, 93, died after his car went down an embankment 30 km south of Dease Lake, British Columbia.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived at 12:15 p.m. Friday and confirmed McLean was the victim.
Investigators said McLean swerved off the road and was ejected, but have not determined a cause.
He coached 1,067 WHL games, won five league titles and prompted a statue campaign at Park Arena.