Social Reaction: Don Hay sets WHL record for all-time coaching victories
Saturday’s game for the Kamloops Blazers marked a special achievement on home ice as head coach Don Hay officially became the winningest coach in Western Hockey League history, passing the equally-great Ken Hodge as his Blazers upended the Portland Winterhawks by a 4-2 score.
While he may have missed out on social media mentions during his first two Memorial Cup Championship victories in 1994 and 1995, tribute to Hayt poured in from around the hockey world.
With 743 career victories, Don Hay is the winningest coach in Western Hockey League history!
DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/fpiJ4a8iZt pic.twitter.com/SaqA42Gild
— The WHL (@TheWHL) January 28, 2018
Blazers win 4-2! Don Hay stands alone in WHL history! Congrats Hayzer! pic.twitter.com/UqSLbwz7E1
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) January 28, 2018
Tributes from his family as well as past and present members of the Blazers’ organization shared their thoughts.
Congrats to my dad on win #743 an a new @TheWHL record for Wins by a coach! Proud family. pic.twitter.com/qTglnbJ0Fr
— Ashly (@HayAshly) January 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/Markrecchi8/status/957528687750057984
From one @blazerhockey head coach to another, congratulations Don Hay! With 743 career wins, Don Hay is now the winningest coach in @TheWHL history! https://t.co/YQrfBs9uHx
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) January 28, 2018
What a great accomplishment, 743 wins in the WHL.
Thank you Hayzer for showing me how to be a better man. pic.twitter.com/IdEZLUxOn4— Murr57 (@murrdog57) January 28, 2018
Congrats Hayzer on establishing a new @TheWHL record of 743 wins, proud to have worked with you @HayAshly @BTORY @JanetBrown980 @BrownieScott @WHLGiants @blazerhockey @CHLHockey pic.twitter.com/RfaXfIgmoQ
— Bob Brown (@badboybobbybrow) January 28, 2018
Former players from Hay’s illustrious coaching career also chimed in:
Congrats Don Hay on being the most winning coach in the WHL! I am glad I was able to be part of it with you! @WHLGiants #memcup07🏆
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) January 28, 2018
Congrats Don! What an amazing accomplishment! Thanks for the amazing memories in Vancouver and cheers to many more wins and championships! https://t.co/wFaypn1TgK
— Jon Blum (@JonBlum7) January 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChadScharff/status/957486920552013829
https://twitter.com/DjRutherford91/status/957533624383008768
Hay’s reach could not only be felt with the teams he’s spent his coaching career with, but through various team staff from around the league, who sent their best wishes to Hay.
743. History at the Sandman Centre.
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) January 28, 2018
Nice gesture by the Winterhawks. Don Hay saluted for breaking the coaching wins record at media timeout. pic.twitter.com/umzjoc0ed7
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) January 29, 2018
Congrats to Don Hay. Win #743 to set the new record for most wins by a head coach. Perfect way for @blazerhockey to do it too – gritty come from behind 4-2 win.
— Jeremy Bosch (@JerBosch) January 28, 2018
Congratulations to the all-time winningest coach in @TheWHL history, Don Hay!
READ MORE: https://t.co/4zMXhlNtF3 pic.twitter.com/1E3g3xejK1
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) January 28, 2018
Congrats to Kamloops Blazers coach Don Hay. Record for most wins ever. 743 in19 seasons AMAZING !
— Bob Ridley (@BobRidley_CHAT) January 28, 2018
Congrats to Don Hay on this amazing accomplishment. His teams have always been a reflection of his preparation, hard work & commitment. Well earned Hayzer! #743 👍 https://t.co/YqCQ2Ve2iq
— Don Nachbaur (@DonNachbaur42) January 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/BTORY/status/957518936005689344
Nothing but the utmost respect for Don Hay…congrats on win #743.
— Andy Kemper (@AndyKemper) January 28, 2018
A big congrats to @blazerhockey Head Coach Don Hay on becoming the @TheWHL's all-time winningest coach! https://t.co/ZkHKwrrjw8
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) January 28, 2018
Congrats to #Blazers Coach, Don Hay! https://t.co/eHNQeujt7h
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) January 28, 2018
R E S P E C T #CongratsDon https://t.co/D4fojYvjQS
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) January 28, 2018
Congratulations to Don Hay on an incredible achievement! https://t.co/xnYmz7o0oZ
— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) January 28, 2018
Congratulations Don Hay on becoming the winningest coach in the WHL history!! What an amazing achievement! @blazerhockey https://t.co/au7eP0s6Q3
— Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) January 28, 2018
Big Congrats to Don Hay for becoming the winningest coach in WHL History! 👏 https://t.co/XjOq5rlf8c
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) January 28, 2018
Congratulations to @blazerhockey head coach Don Hay on setting the WHL record for most wins by a coach! https://t.co/EoIKftcl2J
— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) January 28, 2018
On behalf of the entire #PatsRegiment – the Regina Pats want to extend their congratulations to @blazerhockey's coach Don Hay on becoming the winningest coach in WHL history.#JoinTheRegiment https://t.co/xTuuC8M3Rd
— Regina Pats (@WHLPats) January 28, 2018
Congratulations to @blazerhockey head coach, Don Hay! What a great accomplishment!
— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) January 28, 2018
#ICEcountry would like to congratulate coach Hay on his amazing milestone! @blazerhockey @TheWHL https://t.co/qEXcGirElh
— Winnipeg ICE (@WHLWpgICE) January 28, 2018
Last, but certainly not least, media across a variety of mediums at the local, provincial and national level shared nice sentiments about the legendary coach.
A former firefighter, Don Hay was running into bldgs when people were running out .bravery, courage leadership .as a coach yup that'll work!
— Bill Wilms (@BillFairway) January 28, 2018
This is an amazing accomplishment. Glad to be able to interview the legend on occasion. Congrats Hayzer. https://t.co/pRTMG8KXoR
— Regan Bartel (@Reganrant) January 28, 2018
Congratulations to Don Hay of @blazerhockey on setting the all-time @TheWHL record in coaching wins. He's a true gentleman, and an enjoyable conversation each and every time.
— Mike Benton (@Benton_Mike) January 28, 2018
Just want to personally congratulate Don Hay on his marvellous accomplishment. He has meant so much to the WHL. What an honour it has been to deal with such a gracious and truly dedicated man.
— Peter Loubardias (@LoubardiasMedia) January 28, 2018
Congratulations to @blazerhockey head coach Don Hay on #743 tonight vs Portland! pic.twitter.com/xdTzMrz8PE
— Chris Mast (@MastImages) January 28, 2018
Family shares with #KTW after @blazerhockey bench boss Don Hay becomes winningest head coach in #WHL history — https://t.co/ddu8ELtTPR #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/zCPhyulFLS
— Kamloops This Week (@KTWonBLAZERS) January 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/BatchHockey/status/957487696472977409
Congratulations Don, a @TheWHL record befitting someone who’s been such a difference maker in young people’s lives for so long! https://t.co/JPw7FExZLX
— Mitch Peacock (@MitchPeacock1) January 28, 2018
Congrats to Don Hay, who tonight picked up win #743 as a @TheWHL Head Coach, becoming the league’s all time winningest bench boss. Truly a class act who’s helped so many become not only better players…but more importantly…better people.
— Joey Kenward (@kenwardskorner) January 28, 2018
