By Don Liesemer

The HMI family and its Pro Alumni Fellowship extend deepest sympathies to Sandy’s wife Shirley, their children and their families on the passing of their beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Sandy went to be with Jesus on Saturday, February 5, with his loving family at his side. At peace with His Saviour, the angels carried him home to heaven. What a welcome there must have been for this dear man who loved His Lord and his family and lived his life for the glory of God.

As a player, Sandy was a warrior playing 18 years of professional hockey. He was a 6-time Western Hockey League All Star, 4-time Western Hockey League Patrick Cup Champion (twice as a player and twice as a coach) and World Hockey Association Coach of the Year in 1974-75.

 It was my privilege to have played for Sandy for two years in Phoenix. His light shone brightly on our team as he lived an exemplary life as our coach and leader. While on the one hand, he was  demanding and held us to the highest standard in training and game preparation-on the other, hand, he cared for us and we knew it. And it was that combination that won our hearts and drove us on to win back-to-back Patrick Cup Championships.

 He lived a balanced life as a Christian athlete and coach. God was first in his life, second was his family and third, his career. He had a deep desire to reach others for Christ. Coach Hucul was well known in Phoenix and was much in demand as a speaker at various service clubs-men’s groups etc. He always talked about his personal faith in Christ in these meetings. He was proud of his Christian faith and unashamed of the Gospel having experienced its transforming power in his own life. 

On numerous occasions the former all-star defensemen invited his players to attend meetings to hear from special Christian leaders…one of whom was Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl winning coach-Tom Landry who spoke to our team during a pre-game meal in Dallas.

We were honoured to have Sandy participate in our Alumni Chapels. I always enjoyed his wise and timely insights 

Thank you, Sandy for a life lived for the glory of God.

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” (Daniel 12:3)