Rebels’ equipment manager Horning honoured by peers with lifetime achievement award

Via Troy Gillard, Red Deer Rebels

Stick taps to Dave “Radar” Horning on another richly deserved honour.

The longtime equipment manager for the Red Deer Rebels is the 2024 recipient of the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers (PHATS) and Society of Professional Hockey Equipment Managers (SPHEM) Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is presented annually to someone working outside of the National Hockey League in recognition of their years of dedication and service to the world of hockey. In years past, it has been given to an OHL, AHL, QMJHL and NCAA member who has shown dedication to a life of service and professionalism in their level and league.

The Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented since 2014. Radar is the first-ever recipient from the Western Hockey League.

“It’s not just about games worked or being really popular. It has to do with Radar being a great ambassador,” says Mark “Peaches” Brennan, PHATS/SPHEM Alumni Association Co-chair and former Head Equipment Manager for the Portland Winterhawks.

“He’s very unassuming, works very hard. Whenever you go to Red Deer, you feel like you’re having a home game. That’s how much he helps make sure you’re comfortable when you come in as a visiting team.

“And he’s been doing it a long time. People have nothing but good things to say about Radar.”

The pride of nearby Innisfail, Horning worked AAA hockey in Sherwood Park while earning his Bachelor of Physical Education Degree from the University of Alberta. He started his lengthy WHL run working four seasons with the Prince Albert Raiders before joining the Rebels in 1995.

Radar has worked 2,328 games in the regular season and playoff games in the WHL as well as several international events with Hockey Canada, including World Juniors and World U18s. He has several gold medals and a Memorial Cup ring in his trophy collection and was honoured with the WHL Milestone Award in 2017.

Radar will be honoured Wednesday at the alumni association’s Hall of Fame Dinner at the PHATS/SPHEM 2024 Hockey Summit in Florida.