Pitt Meadows-raised NHL player Brendan Morrison will be at the Pitt Meadows Arena on Saturday, June 30 at 10:30 a.m. as a wood carving in his honour is unveiled to acknowledge his dedication to sports in his hometown.

The event will include a ceremony and unveiling of the wood carving, and Morrison will be available for a meet and greet and photos with local fans.

The wood carving, a project by the Mountain Festival Society, is one half of a totem that was dedicated to hometown heroes as part of the 2010 Legacy projects. A similar carving of hockey great Cam Neely was unveiled at Planet Ice in Maple Ridge last year. Renovations on the Pitt Meadows Arena had to be completed before this installment of the project could be unveiled.

“This carving is all about community and spirit, and celebrating someone from Pitt Meadows for his achievement as a high-profile athlete,” said Cheryl Johnson of the Mountain Festival Society.

“We want this to be an inspiration to others who use the arena, to remind them that great things can start here.”

Morrison was raised in Pitt Meadows from age two. His hockey career began with the Ridge Meadows Hockey Association, where he played from pre-novice to midget. His NHL career has included nearly 10 years with the Vancouver Canucks, three years with the Calgary Flames, and tenures with the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Washington Capitals. He played the most recent NHL season with Chicago Blackhawks.

Morrison has also played in three world championships with Team Canada, winning gold in 2004 and silver in 2005.

He and his wife Erin have four children and currently live in Calgary.

“I’m really honoured and excited,” said Morrison, “And I’m looking forward to coming back to Pitt Meadows to visit my hometown.”