Gorde Hunter covered numerous issues of the day during his stint at the Victoria Colonist and the Times Colonist, but sports remained his first love. This versatile radio broadcaster and print media talent was involved in the Canadian sports scene for nearly 20 years by the time he made his way to Victoria in the mid 1960's. He came to be well known to many in Greater Victoria and beyond through his dual role as newspaper columnist and sports director at CJVI radio. He was also the broadcast voice of local hockey and fastball games. "One Man's Opinion," as he called his print column and his radio-show sign off, was a voice of controversy mixed with experience and knowledge. An avid golfer, who once had visions of performing on the professional tour, Hunter found the mild weather and abundant facilities perfect on Vancouver Island to continue his passion for the sport. Another aspect of his work that made him beloved in Greater Victoria was his trademark Christmas cards that appeared each year in the daily newspaper. He graphically arranged the names of various sports personalities and newsmakers to illustrate a Christmas scene, showing his talent for artwork as well as a nose for the news. His dedication to the Victoria sports scene was legendary and he was a founder of the Victoria Sports Celebrity Dinner awards.

Rick Lapointe gave hope to a new generation of local players in 1975 when he became the first Victoria born and trained hockey player to make it to the National Hockey League in 37 years. He was one of a talented group of players who helped bring respectability to the Victoria Cougars juniors in 1974. At age 15 Lapointe attempted to crack the Cougars' lineup but it would take another season before he caught on with the club. In 1974 Lapointe and teammate Mel Bridgman were recognized for their efforts by being selected to Canada's World Junior Tournament team. Named Top Defenseman, he was later selected in the first round of the NHL draft. Picked fifth overall by the Detroit Red Wings, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound rookie defenseman fit in quickly doing yeoman service on the blue line and contributing offensively. His stint with the Red Wings lasted just two years before he went to the 1977 Conference-winning Philadelphia Flyers. Lapointe went on to play for St. Louis, Quebec and Los Angeles and by the 1985-86 season he had played 710 NHL games. He decided to retire to spend more time with his family in Victoria and though he left us far too early, at age 44, his legacy lives on.