The Town of Mattawa unveiled an honorary street name, the ‘Chick Webster Way,’ on July 15 to recognize the late John ‘Chick’ Webster, a former NHL player and local sports figure

The Town of Mattawa is celebrating one of its local heroes, former NHL player John “Chick” Webster, by naming a street in his honour—the Chick Webster Way.”

The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 15. Local dignitaries attended, as did members of Webster’s family, who helped to reveal the newly minted street sign on the corner of Hurdman Street and McConnell Street.

Mattawa’s mayor Raymond Bélanger officiated the unveiling. “We are gathered here to honour the memory of a man who brought so much joy and beauty into our lives. Life should be celebrated, and that is exactly what we are doing today – celebrating his life, his love, and the impression he left on all of us.”

John’s son, Rob Webster, also attended the ceremonial event to honour his father. “It was nice, and I was appreciative of the mayor, Mattawa, and the council. It’s  nice to see something like this and it’s a good memory when you drive into town now that you can look up and see the sign.” Rob noted his son had spearheaded the campaign with the town to install the sign, and he’s grateful the town was willing to do so.

“It was really nice of the town to do it,” Rob said.

John Webster passed away peacefully in his Mattawa home in 2018 at the age of 97. He was an veteran of the Second World War having served with the 3rd Division’s 13 field artillery. He was a proud member of Royal Canadian Legion, Mattawa Branch 254.

He also had an impressive hockey career. Webster played junior hockey in Toronto for the Native Sons from 1937-39, then he played with five different pro and semi pro leagues; EHL, AHL, NHL, PCHL, and WHL between 1940-52. While in the NHL, he played for the New York Rangers.

See: NHL’s oldest ex-player dies in Mattawa

With his hockey background, Webster was no stranger to Mattawa’s Mike Rodden Arena. It was fitting that the street leading to the arena, Hurdman Street, has been named in his honour.

Mayor Bélanger said, “John ‘Chick’ Webster has spent countless hours walking or driving this stretch of Hurdman Street in order to attend the Mike Rodden Arena and Community Center. It is only fitting that both are dedicated to two Mattawa sport legends.”

Officially, Hurdman Street will remain Hurdman Street, so no change of addresses will be required. Naming the street the Chick Webster Way is a symbolic gesture to honour one of Mattawa’s finest.

“And in the years to come, as we continue on this path, we will know that a piece of “Chick” is still here with us, still touching lives and making the world a more beautiful place,” the mayor emphasized.

The mayor continued, “’Chick’, my dear friend, this one’s for you. May your memory be a blessing and may ‘The Chick Webster Way’ stand as a living testament to a life well-lived and deeply loved.”