“Obey your passion, listen to your heart, follow your dreams.” These are the words engraved on Pat Quinn’s Bench. This is a tribute to a remarkable man. We are standing before the Pat Quinn Statue. It is a monument to a hockey legend.
The Pat Quinn Statue is located outside Rogers Arena near Pat Quinn Way. This is a fitting location for a man who dedicated his life to hockey. The statue immortalizes Quinn’s legacy. It is a permanent reminder of his contributions to the sport.
The life-sized bronze statue was unveiled on February 18, 2017. It was created by Norm Williams. Williams also sculpted the Roger Neilson statue nearby. The statue was commissioned by Quinn’s family, friends, and colleagues. They wanted to honor him in a lasting way.
The Pat Quinn Statue depicts Quinn coaching the Vancouver Canucks. It captures a moment from the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Canucks faced the New York Rangers in the final. Quinn holds a roster card. It is engraved with each player’s name.
His daughter Kalli Quinn said that it is overwhelming and a bit strange. She wanted to reach out and touch him.
Pat Quinn coached the Canucks from 1990 to 1996. He was also the team’s president and general manager. Quinn held coaching and executive positions with other NHL teams. These included the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers. He also worked with the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings.
Quinn achieved success in international hockey. He guided Canada to gold medals in the Olympics, World Cup, and World Junior Championships.
The Pat Quinn Statue includes “Pat’s Bench”. It represents the bench outside Canada House in Salt Lake City. This was during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Athletes would chat with Quinn on this bench. They sought his advice and support.
Trevor Linden, Canucks president, said that it was where Pat loved to be. He loved to be behind the bench.
Pat Quinn had a significant impact on the NHL. He coached 1,400 games. He won 684 games. Quinn received the Jack Adams Award twice. This award is given to the league’s top coach.
A post-secondary scholarship was established in Quinn’s name. This supports hockey players and other athletes.
The statue captures Quinn’s inviting nature. His right hand gestures as if welcoming fans to sit. He invites them to take a photo. The statue and bench create an inclusive space. It reflects Quinn’s belief that everyone is part of the team. This includes the fans.
The Pat Quinn Statue is more than just a monument. It is a place for reflection and remembrance. You can sit on Pat’s Bench. You can absorb his aura. You can honor his legacy. Remember his words. “Obey your passion, listen to your heart, follow your dreams.” The Pat Quinn Statue stands as a tribute to a great man.