The NHL retired #99 league-wide despite Wayne Gretzky having played with just Edmonton, Los Angeles, St Louis, and the NY Rangers...MLB has retired the #42 league-wide in honor of Dodger-only Jackie Robinson..the Miami Heat retired #23 in honor of Michael Jordan (dumbest idea ever)...the Seattle Seahawks retired #12 in honor of their fans 30 years ago...the Minnesota Wild retired jersey #1 in honor of their fans as well, I believe on opening night of the franchise...
Calgary honored George Pelawa by setting up a 20 year scholarship fund in his memory. When funds ran out, Pelawa's parents continued the scholarship with their own money. Somehow officials with the Flames organization heard about this and efforts were made to continue the scholarship with help from the Flames and private donations.
Honestly, I couldn't think of a greater tribute than for UND to announce that George Pelawa will also be also be remembered forever along with Terry Casey by the #12. What could have been...a terrible tragedy.