Vern’s Stories

A bit about Vern: A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Vern Stenlund had a standout junior hockey career with the London Knights before being drafted in 1976 by the California Golden Seals. Following a brief playing career spanning over 3 seasons, Stenlund became both an author and university professor, writing a number of books focusing on hockey development, as well as earning his doctorate from the University of Michigan and becoming an Associate Professor at the University of Windsor. 

Stenlund has also worked closely with Hockey Canada, serving on a number of developmental committees, as well as assisting in the creation of the Chevrolet Safe and Fun Hockey Program alongside Bobby Orr. Stenlund also ghost wrote Bobby Orr’s first ever memoir in 2013, “Bobby Orr: My Story”, which became a New York Times Best Seller.

After a distinguished teaching career of 29 years, Stenlund retired from the University of Windsor in 2014. The following year, Stenlund was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in the builder category.

Today, Stenlund is still involved in hockey locally as the Director of Player Advancement with the GOJHL’s Leamington Flyers.