RIP Kevin Pettit ‘71

George64
’71, BS CALS ’72—Kevin C. Pettit of Dawson Creek, BC, and Rincón de Guayabitos, Mexico, February 23, 2023; ice hockey left wing in professional, recreational, and senior leagues; member of the 1969–70 undefeated Cornell hockey NCAA championship team; avid sportsman; enjoyed golf, swimming, bowling, hiking, telling stories, and talking about geography

Year      Pts  PIM
1968-69   17    39
1969-70   51    80
1970-71   37   111

Kevin Charles Joseph Pettit Obituary - Legacy.com
Kevin was born July 7, 1947 in Cornwall, Ontario, which borders the mighty St. Lawrence River. He died February 23, 2023 in Rincon de Guayabitos [just north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast -- ed.] , Mexico, his happy place on the Pacific Ocean.

Kevin resided in Dawson Creek, BC with his wife Cathy since 1981. There, he developed a great love for the surrounding geography, particularly the expansive Peace River. Kevin had a strong affinity for water and the north.

Kevin was eldest son of the late Kenneth & Lillian Pettit of Hamilton, ON. He was beloved husband to Cathy ("Kell" ) for the past 35 years. He was brother to Terry and Hugh, Trevor, Lana and Rick, Marlon and Jennifer. Brother-in-law to Ron and Jan Kelly.

Dearly loved by his best little buddy, Dylan. Proud uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews across Canada and beyond.

Kevin was an avid sportsman. Hockey was his greatest passion. His career began in Hamilton as a Junior Redwing, and continued at Cornell University where he received the honourable title of "All American". In 1969-70, Kevin helped Cornell achieve their only undefeated championship season.

Kevin maintained close ties to his fellow Cornell athletes over the years and continued to nurture his love for hockey in recreational leagues where he formed many more lasting friendships over several decades.

Kevin kept many other hobbies such as golfing, swimming, bowling, and hiking. He was a real outdoorsman, and would chat contentedly at length about geography.

Perhaps more than anything, Kevin was known for his quick-witted humour and elaborate storytelling. He was a true conversationalist and genuinely enjoyed speaking with and learning about other people.

Kevin was an extraordinary friend to many across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. He was loved and will be dearly missed by all.

Kevin's family extends a special thank you to his Mexican family and community for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

In remembrance of Kevin, please hold your own celebration by raising a glass, recalling a shared moment, and enjoying a smile at the memory. He'd like that.

Memories may also be left on this page for Kevin's family to read.

Published by The Hamilton Spectator on Mar. 17, 2023.

randyranger
I've been following Elynah for many years but this is the first I felt I HAD to post. I arrived at Cornell as a freshman in September, 1968 and became one of the student hockey managers,working mostly with the freshmen (Larry Fullan, Jim Higgs, Dave Westner, Craig Brush et al). Anyway, back then there was no "Red/White" game before the start of the regular season, but rather a Varsity vs.Freshman game. I was told (many people talked about it) that in the previous year's V vs F game (October,1967) that Kevin scored a hat trick against Ken Dryden...the ONLY player to do so in Dryden's 4 years at Cornell. Quite a factoid.

Kevin was a great guy and strong as an ox for his size. He also performed admirably as a bartender at the Chapter House. Gone way too soon.

randyranger
I was told (many people talked about it) that in the previous year's V vs F game (October,1967) that Kevin scored a hat trick against Ken Dryden...the ONLY player to do so in Dryden's 4 years at Cornell. Quite a factoid.

George64

randyranger
I was told (many people talked about it) that in the previous year's V vs F game (October,1967) that Kevin scored a hat trick against Ken Dryden...the ONLY player to do so in Dryden's 4 years at Cornell. Quite a factoid.

As pointed out by a friend, including citation, apparently not true. See Cornell University Hockey by Adam Woden, with research by Arthur Mintz (Arcadia Publishing, 2004), Michigan Tech’s Al Karlander turned the trick on March 14,1969, during the NCAA semi-finals won by Cornell, 4-3, in OT.
.

Trotsky

George64

randyranger
I was told (many people talked about it) that in the previous year's V vs F game (October,1967) that Kevin scored a hat trick against Ken Dryden...the ONLY player to do so in Dryden's 4 years at Cornell. Quite a factoid.

As pointed out by a friend, including citation, apparently not true. See Cornell University Hockey by Adam Woden, with research by Arthur Mintz (Arcadia Publishing, 2004), Michigan Tech’s Al Karlander turned the trick on March 14,1969, during the NCAA semi-finals won by Cornell, 4-3, in OT.
.

Correct. (His second-to-last game and final win.)

Swampy

Trotsky

George64

randyranger
I was told (many people talked about it) that in the previous year's V vs F game (October,1967) that Kevin scored a hat trick against Ken Dryden...the ONLY player to do so in Dryden's 4 years at Cornell. Quite a factoid.

As pointed out by a friend, including citation, apparently not true. See Cornell University Hockey by Adam Woden, with research by Arthur Mintz (Arcadia Publishing, 2004), Michigan Tech’s Al Karlander turned the trick on March 14,1969, during the NCAA semi-finals won by Cornell, 4-3, in OT.
.

Correct. (His second-to-last game and final win.)

IIRC, the Boston Bruins had some trouble scoring on him later that spring, during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

jkahn

Swampy

Trotsky

George64

randyranger
I was told (many people talked about it) that in the previous year's V vs F game (October,1967) that Kevin scored a hat trick against Ken Dryden...the ONLY player to do so in Dryden's 4 years at Cornell. Quite a factoid.

As pointed out by a friend, including citation, apparently not true. See Cornell University Hockey by Adam Woden, with research by Arthur Mintz (Arcadia Publishing, 2004), Michigan Tech’s Al Karlander turned the trick on March 14,1969, during the NCAA semi-finals won by Cornell, 4-3, in OT.
.

Correct. (His second-to-last game and final win.)

IIRC, the Boston Bruins had some trouble scoring on him later that spring, during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Not quite later that spring - that Stanley Cup series was 1971. Dryden had played his first six regulare season games toward the end of that '70-'71 season, and then played all 20 Stanley Cup games. He was going to law school at McGill and playing for the Voyageurs, Montreal's AHL team, on weekends when he got called up to the Habs.