Bill and Karen Szekesy, the owners of the Chatham Junior Maroons Hockey Club have announced that the Maroons will wear a special remembrance sticker on their helmets in memory of former Junior Maroon great Ken Houston who passed away Saturday, beginning with their semi-final series against London.

“Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the entire Houston Family from our Family and the entire Maroons’ organization.” said Bill and Karen Szekesy.

“Ken’s presence is definitely felt in Memorial Arena through the Chatham Maroon Alumni’s “Legends on Ice” display cabinets. We felt it only fitting that the current Maroons and today’s Fans understand the contribution that Ken made to the Maroons.”

The special remembrance decal was designed by Dean Outhouse of RPM Designs. Additional memorabilia regarding Ken’s career has also been added to the Legends display cabinet by Alumni member, Brian Bennett.

In a poll of the top 15 Chatham Maroons of all-time, compiled by CKSN writer Dwight Wakabayashi, KEN HOUSTON was selected 2nd all time. 

“When people speak of Ken Houston in a Maroons uniform, dominance is the word that is used most in the conversation. Houston went on to be one of the most successful professional players from the Chatham area, but his dominance was most noted with the Maroons. His size and ability around the net were second to no one who played in the uniform and he was the main player when the Maroons won the Buckland Jr. A Cup in 1972-73. Houston got a few votes to be the number one on this list. Many call Houston the best player on the best team in Maroons history. It’s hard to argue with that.” wrote  Wakabayashi.

Ken played in the NHL from 1975-1984. He was drafted by the Atlanta Flames in 1973. He played five of his seven years with the Flames.  In 570 career NHL games, Ken scored 161 goals and added 167 assists for a career of 328 points.

Family to receive friends on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 3:00 - 5:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A Funeral Service in celebration of Ken's life will take place on Friday at 12:00 pm at the John D. Bradley Centre, 565 Richmond Street, Chatham. Cremation to follow with a private family interment in Dresden Cemetery.