Dave Manson: Humble Hockey Legend & Hometown Hero

Photo by Lucas Chudleigh

Dave Manson raises his fists and digs his skates into the ice. The towering defenseman stares into the eyes of Scott Stevens. Fists fly as they exchange a flurry of punches. Blood pours down Stevens’ face. This battle, in a 1991 game known as the St. Patrick’s Day Massacre, and many others, earned Dave Manson a reputation in the NHL. He was known for his physical play, strength, and willingness to defend his teammates. Today, as he reflects on his career, the only things he fights are the tears in his eyes.

Although recognized as a tough guy on the ice, Manson is a big-hearted, humble, family man. He is a community and hockey ambassador. In 2016, Dave earned one of the highest achievements in hockey for his accomplishments and contributions. The Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL) retired Dave Manson’s number four on February 12.

Dave grew up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. As a teenager, he played three seasons with his hometown Raiders, from 1983 to 1986. Winning the 1985 Memorial Cup is a defining moment in his career. “There’s nothing like winning a championship,” Dave says. “When you get to hoist a trophy, that’s what you play for.”

Photo courtesy Prince Albert Raiders

In 1985, the Chicago Blackhawks drafted him 11th overall. “I was just happy to be drafted,” he remembers. “I never really thought about playing in the NHL until after my 16-year-old year.” A true team player, Dave attributes his draft status to the success of his team.

I’m proud to be from PA and I was proud to be a Prince Albert Raider.

Photo courtesy Prince Albert Raiders

The draft is a career highlight for Dave. He also fondly remembers making two all-star game appearances and playing in the Stanley Cup final. Throughout his 1103 regular season career NHL games, he collected 102 goals, 288 assists, and a whopping 2792 penalty minutes. He ranks 13th in all-time NHL penalty minutes. Dave retired in 2002 and moved back to Prince Albert with his wife Lana and their four children Josh, Meagan, Emma, and Ben.

Dave shakes his head at some of the moments that defined him on the ice. “You look back at some of the suspensions and you think, ‘Oh geez, what was I thinking,’” he says with a chuckle. Dave was more than a fighter. He was a team player with a physical presence, hard shot, and the ability to play any situation.

One of the greatest players in the 47-year Raider history, Dave is just the second to have his number retired. “For them to think of me was truly an honour and I was very humbled for that privilege,” he says. The Raider organization hosted a weekend of festivities proclaimed by the City of Prince Albert as Dave Manson Weekend. Friday night featured a pre-game ceremony followed by a comedy roast on Saturday.

Roast of Dave Manson

Photo by Lucas Chudleigh

The crowd of over 2800 greeted Dave with a roar and a standing ovation. A rousing tribute with a slideshow of Dave’s hockey highlights, family, and memories flowed across the big screen to David Cook’s The Time of My Life. Dave received the WHL Alumni Achievement Award and a silver stick engraved with the teams and number of games he played. Dozens of friends, family, and former teammates honoured Dave with video messages. The air was electric as fans cheered, applauded, and howled in recognition of their hometown hero.

“The biggest reward for me was the fact that I was able to have my family there,” he says as he chokes up, saddened his late father couldn’t be there. Dave’s family has always supported him and been involved in his career, something he’s grateful for. He relishes the fact that since retirement he’s had the chance to support his wife and now children as they pursue their dreams and careers. It’s fitting that as Dave watched the green and gold banner rise to the rafters through teary eyes, his family was by his side.

Dave Manson Jersey Retirement Night

Photo by Lucas Chudleigh

Photo by Lucas Chudleigh

Hockey still plays an important part in Dave’s life. He is an associate coach with the Raiders, a job he finds rewarding and fulfilling. Every time he’s in the arena, he sees the banner raised in his honour. Dave says the banner is about everyone who played a part in his time as a Raider: his teammates, coaches, and family.

“There’s a lot of emotions that go through you,” he says. “Each time you look up at it there’s a different memory. That’s the great part of it.” His eyes fill with tears as he reflects on the memories. His name and number hang from the rafters, cemented in history - a deserving honour for a humble hockey legend and hometown hero. “I’m proud to be from PA and I was proud to be a Prince Albert Raider.”

Photo by Lucas Chudleigh

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