Steinbach’s Paul Dyck one of the latest players inducted into Warriors hall of fame – SteinbachOnline.com
Over 200 people crowded the ice rink at the Moose Jaw Events Center Thursday night to see former Warriors players Paul Dyck, Steinbach Pistons head coach, and Kevin Masters inducted into the Conexus Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame.
Their friends and family, former players, their play-by-play broadcaster and dignitaries joined to see both Dyck and Masters get the call at the hall.
A video montage was created prior to the speeches for both players, which included former teammates, Billets, their coach and then-Warriors voice Rob Carnie. They shared stories, recounted each of their playing careers with the Warriors, and had a few laughs.
It is safe to say that emotions ran high for many in attendance.
Paul Dyck joined Moose Jaw from Steinbach and played 144 regular season games in a Warrior uniform.
This was a very special evening for Dyck as it was his first time in town in a while.
“Meeting some people I haven’t seen in years is extremely memorable, going back to Rob Carnie who was our play-by-play guy and some of the people in the video tribute along with Kletz. ‘ Dyck explains. “Then going in with Kevin is also very special because I thought the world of him.”
In 144 games, Dyck had 17 goals, 51 assists and 68 points and was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
After graduating from WHL, he played hockey professionally, including 714 games in the IHL, followed by five seasons abroad in Germany.
After his playing career, Dyck returned home in 2010 to coach the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), where he enjoyed tremendous success.
Dyck notes that his current success with the Pistons stems from his time at Moose Jaw with the Warriors.
“It started with how the coaches treated me along with the opportunity they gave me and I found them to be very honest and transparent with me. That’s something I’m trying to do with our players.”
Dyck assumed the role of interim head coach in December 2011. In 2012 he was appointed general manager and head coach. Dyck holds the record for fastest head coach with 250 games won. On November 5, 2022, he won his 400th game.
“I love the level and the age group,” he says. “I’m in my hometown and we have a great board and owners and the community has bought in. It was a special run.”
He has led the Pistons to two championships in 2013 and 2018 and was named MJHL Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2018. Paul, his wife Candice, and children Annikah, Nate, and Lucas reside in Steinbach.
Dyck concluded by saying it was an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Theo Fleury and Mike Keane.
“It’s pretty surreal. On Wednesday I watched the U18 AAA game, walked around the rink and admired the building. I sat there feeling humiliated by it.”
Dyck and Masters were also honored by hometown fans ahead of Friday night’s game between the Warriors and the Winnipeg ICE.
The Conexus Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame is located on the north side of the hall at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.
(Images below courtesy of Russ Dyck)