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 Patrick Hardy
was born and raised in Wetaskiwin. As a youngster growing
up with two competitive brothers, Patrick was naturally
involved in sports. He played through the minor hockey
ranks in Wetaskiwin and then played junior “B” hockey in
Camrose (this was before the time of the Wetaskiwin
Icemen). Patrick also coached hockey at the Peewee level
and refereed. Besides playing hockey, Patrick was involved
in Wetaskiwin’s Minor Fastball system. After minor
fastball Patrick played for two years in the Senior Men’s
‘AAA’ Sunburst Baseball League. Patrick is also an avid
golfer golfing to a single-digit handicap and still plays
hockey with the Usona Oilers. However, Patrick is
being honoured for his outstanding ability, his achievements and
his contributions in the sport of football.
Football
- 1984- 1996
Canadian Championship Junior Level
Canadian Championship University Level
Patrick played high school football with the Wetaskiwin
High
School Sabres from 1984-1987. During his stint with the
team he played mostly linebacker, some running back as well
as returning punts and kick-offs. Throughout his high
school career he scored five touchdowns on special teams,
two touchdowns on interception returns and one touchdown on
a fumble return helping the Sabres to win two Central
Alberta League Championships in 1986 and 1987. Patrick was
named League All-Star in 1985, 1986 and 1987 and in 1986 and
1987 he was named the Sabres Defensive Player of the Year.
Patrick’s leadership ability was acknowledged as he was
voted Team Captain in both 1986 and 1987.
For
two years after high school (1988, 1989) Patrick played
Junior Football in Kelowna with the Okanagan Sun. In both
years the Suns won the BC Junior Football League
Championship. As well, in 1988 they won
the
National Championship for which they were awarded the
Armadale Cup. During his tenure with the team Patrick
played Safety, Halfback and Corner.
Named
Captain and Voted
to the
Canada West All-star team
 Patrick’s passion for and participation in football
continued when Patrick attended the University of
Calgary. There he played for the Calgary Dinosaurs for
five years, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996. For over
50 games with the Dinos Patrick was a starting player playing Halfback and
Corner. In 1992 and 1995 the Dinos were Canada West
Champions and in 1995 they won the Vanier Cup as National
Champions playing against the Western Ontario Mustangs in
the Skydome in Toronto. In the final five games of 1995,
Patrick had six interceptions including two in the Vanier
Cup final, a shared record that stood until 1998. Patrick’s
enthusiasm, ability and leadership qualities were rewarded
again when he was named the Dinos Team Captain in 1996 and
was voted to the Canada West All-star team.
Patrick’s outstanding football career in high school, at the
junior level and at the university level is worthy of
recognition and it is with pleasure that we induct him
into the
Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame.
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