The Kamloops Blazers will be honouring former President and COO, Don Moores, on the first anniversary of his death today with a gathering and a round of golf.

Moores died of a heart-attack at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club on June 30 of last year at the age of 65.  He was golfing with his friends Mel Recchi and Al Glendinning when collapsed on Hole 3 at about noon.

“I think about that day and what happened a lot. It’s always on my mind,” an emotional Recchi told NL Sports. “I haven’t played out at Kamloops Golf Club since. It’s been hard.”

While the team hasn’t named another President, Recchi and several Blazers staff members will play a round at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club in Moores’ memory today.

“He’ll be remembered for his positive attitude and friendliness,” Recchi added. “I still can’t believe I can’t just go see him.”

Speaking to NL Sports on Wednesday, Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian also remembered his late friend ‘Donny’.

“That twinkle and sparkle that he had and the enthusiasm that he brought to the Blazers hockey club was just incredible,” Christian said.

“Especially this week as we are seeing Logan Stankoven and Dylan Garand get national awards, he would be so proud of them. He would be over the moon about us hosting the Memorial Cup next year.”

Christian took it upon himself to finish Moores’ round of golf on July 3 last year.

“I was reminiscing about the glory days of Blazers hockey in Kamloops and we are now getting back to them. I am so looking forward to next season culminating with the Memorial Cup,” Christian said, noting the success of the Blazers will be Moores’ legacy.

“That is what he worked so hard to create and it is too bad he is not here to enjoy it but I think to honour his memory, we have to do it up proud.”