Former Bear Diaz to be Honored Saturday
2021-11-10
Former Bears goaltender Del Diaz will be honored prior to the Bear's matchup with the Bombers on November 13.
Fond du Lac, WI - The Fond du Lac Bears will honor former goaltender Del Diaz prior to the game against the Bombers on Saturday, November 13.
Diaz was recruited as a 16-year-old to the Bears by Don Kohlman, starting off as the club's backup goalie. After his first season, Diaz split goaltending duties with Karl Bast, then was the primary goalie following Bast's retirement.
In 1978, Diaz stopped 50 shots during the state semi-finals as the Bears went on to win their third state title in a decade, with the victory also putting the Bears in the National Tournament that season.
In 1982, Diaz took a turn behind the bench, replacing Jerry Pevonka. Diaz coached the Bears to a 19-10-1 record in his first season, the team's first winning season in the previous 8 years, and the most wins in a season in the club's history up until that point.
After Del finished his playing and coaching career, he stayed involved in the organization, working as a volunteer and managing the back bar. He was also the originator of the Bears mugs.
The Bears will "officially" unveil "The Diaz Cup" Saturday.
Also taking place Saturday will be the first-ever Fond du Lac Bears Turkey Races.
Kids who are mites, squirts, or peewees will have a chance to race Terrence the Turkey through an obstacle course on the ice during the first intermission for a chance to win some prizes from the Bears.
Kids must bring their own skates, gloves, and helmet to be eligible to race. All participating kids will be admitted to the game free of charge.
Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0945abad28aafc1-turkey