For many years, Bruce McCurdy was a well-known figure in St. Albert, serving as a guide to both the stars on ice and the stars in the sky. He was a respected astronomer and hockey columnist, admired by hundreds of Oilers and astronomy fans.

On Sunday, June 22, a tribute will be held at the Telus World of Science Edmonton to honour Bruce Jefferson McCurdy, who passed away from a heart attack on April 1, 2025, at the age of 69. McCurdy was a dedicated worker and volunteer at the science center, where he shared his passion for astronomy with countless visitors. He was also known for his insightful hockey commentary as a writer and podcaster for the Edmonton Journal's Cult of Hockey.

Frank Florian, a colleague of McCurdy's since 1986, expressed his deep sadness at the news of McCurdy's passing. David Staples, McCurdy's co-host at Cult of Hockey, described him as the most dedicated co-worker he had ever known. McCurdy's meticulous analysis of every Oilers game and his profound understanding of hockey made him a respected figure in the sports community.

Bruce McCurdy, originally from St. John's, N.L., had a lifelong passion for hockey and space. He moved to Alberta in 1962, where he met his wife Anna. McCurdy, who had a keen interest in numbers and patterns, worked at CIBC for 20 years. He was a devoted Oilers fan and ran the Copper and Blue Blog, showcasing his deep knowledge of the team.

McCurdy's approach to analyzing the Oilers' performance with facts rather than emotions led him to collaborate with David Staples on the Cult of Hockey. Staples praised McCurdy's rationality and expertise, which earned him the respect of many in the hockey world. McCurdy's love for hockey and astronomy stemmed from his appreciation for the beauty of the world.

As an astronomy enthusiast, McCurdy was actively involved in educating others about space. He was a guest speaker at schools, president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Edmonton branch, and a prolific writer on space-related topics. In 2021, an asteroid was named after him by the International Astronomical Union in recognition of his contributions to the field.

McCurdy's wife Anna described him as a curious individual with a deep appreciation for nature. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he developed a habit of taking long walks and capturing the beauty of the world through his photographs. McCurdy's legacy lives on through his family and the impact he had on the astronomy and hockey communities.

The celebration of Bruce McCurdy's life will be held at the Zeidler Dome this weekend, open to the public. Tickets for the event can be obtained online, and the ceremony will be broadcasted on Zoom and YouTube for those unable to attend in person.